A computer is a machine that can perform all the functions automatically. Computers contain various operations that need to be performed, i.e. programs. Computers are multitaskers, and they have become the most important in the world. Everywhere, human beings are covered with the computer. It is in the form of a calculator, watch tablet, mobile phone, etc. Laptop and Notebook are also types of computer which have become more popular in modern times after desktop because it is easy to carry them and are portable.
Laptop vs Notebook
The main difference between a laptop and a notebook is that the laptop has the strong processing power and has its own cooling systems. In contrast, a notebook doesn’t have a cooling system because its processing power is less than a laptop. A laptop is heavier than a notebook. In contrast, a notebook is very lightweight and smaller in comparison with a laptop.
A laptop is a portable device, just like a personal computer consisting of a screen and keyboard. The screen is mounted on the upper lid of the laptop whereas. The keyboard is mounted on the lower lid. The laptop has a clamshell factor, just like flip phones. They are foldable, and it is very easier to carry them. It also suits the purpose of mobile use where mobile can be connected to it. Laptops are used in various fields from work to school to office. Almost in every setting, laptops have become popular.
A Notebook is also a type of personal computer. It is a smaller brother of a laptop. Notebooks are smaller and lightweight and can fit into a briefcase. They can be transported into various places and used in temporary spaces like in meetings, libraries, aeroplanes etc. It weighs less than 3 pounds and is less than 3 inches in thickness. Many companies make notebooks that are very famous, like IBM, Apple, HP, Dell, Toshiba etc.
Comparison Table Between a Laptop and a Notebook
| Parameters of Comparison | Laptop | Notebook |
| Processing Power | Higher | Lower |
| Peripheral | Has peripheral option. | No such option. |
| Weight | Large and Heavy | Small and Light |
| Hardware | Stronger | Normal |
| Cooling systems | Fans and other systems for cooling. | Doesn’t have cooling systems. |
What is a Laptop?
The term ‘laptop’ is used to describe a computer that can be used on one’s lap, and the word was coined in the year 1980. Laptops were distinguished from other devices and desktops because it was very much portable and can be used for transportation. From the 1980s to the 2000s, laptops have changed drastically from their visual appearance to classifying them into various subclasses. Now the term has become more size-specific depending upon the size of screens.
Rugged Laptops are way different from usual laptops. They were made to work in some of the extreme and difficult situations like in extreme temperatures, heat and dust or in strong vibrations etc. This type of laptop is very heavier, bulkier and much more expensive than usual laptops and are rarely seen for commercial purposes. Some of the laptops were used traditionally as a miniaturized version of mobile phones. Laptops consist of small parts of hardware, including motherboard, RAM, hard disks etc.
Display of laptops includes LCD as well as OLED’’s screen. As of current times, it is accepted that the usual display of a laptop normally ranges from 13 inches to 15-16 inches. The model of 14 inches is more popular in businesses. Laptops consist of a higher resolution allowing pictures and display items to multitask. Its CPU also has an advanced processing system, with power-saving features and cooling systems that don’t allow laptops to produce much heat.
What is a Notebook?
Notebook computers are also personal computers. It can be said as a type of laptop. It is a twin brother of a laptop. But it is small, portable and lightweight than a laptop. Smaller laptops are called notebooks where screen size is overlapped with the devices like tablets, smartphones etc. The term ‘notebook’ have become very popular, replacing the term laptop. Laptops are now used as a term only in gaming zones or at workstations for professional use.
Netbooks, subnotebooks and ultra-mobile PC are some of the earlier versions of notebooks. It is very smaller in size and can fit in a briefcase. It can be used in temporary spaces like in aeroplanes, outdoor meetings, libraries etc. Their display consists of thin screen technology. Their weight is very less than a laptop. Their thickness ranges less than 3 inches. A Notebook can be converted into a laptop with few things like a hardware frame, a docking station and a port replicator.
Unlike laptops, Notebooks have different types of mice and keyboards incorporated with each other like the touchpad, joystick, trackball etc. The serial port at the side of the notebook also allows a normal mouse to connect. CD-ROM and digital versatile disc can be made attachable to view inside the notebook. RAM of a notebook may not be strong as that of a laptop. Because it doesn’t have an effective processing power. It is suitable for lighter duties.
Main Differences Between a Laptop and a Notebook
- A Laptop has a higher processing power because of its powerful RAM. A Notebook has a lower processing power as it is suited for lighter purposes.
- A Laptop has a peripheral option. A Notebook doesn’t include such an option as a peripheral.
- A laptop is a little bit bulkier, large and heavier in comparison with a notebook. A Notebook is small and lightweight in comparison with a laptop.
- The Hardware system of the laptop is very much stronger. The Hardware system of the notebook is normal.
- A Laptop has an effective cooling system, including fans and other systems. A Notebook doesn’t have a cooling system.
Conclusion
Both laptops and notebooks are very similar to each other. It is very difficult to make the distinction between the two computers. Both have their own features, which makes it a better option than the other. A Laptop has many features and systems which a notebook doesn’t consist of. Notebooks don’t have an optical drive or DVD drive option, unlike a laptop. Laptops are more expensive than notebooks. The weight of the device proportionately depends upon its price, whether it is a laptop or a notebook. If we talk about the performance of both, it depends upon its CPU, RAM, Disk speed, Graphics and other options like fingerprint, recognition system etc.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0883902697000025
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000368701100086X