Netbook Versus Notebook
Buried in the buzz about Windows 7, the recently announced successor to (well, actually, refinement of) Windows Vista, were the low end requirements for this next Microsoft OS. The specs make it clear that Win7, unlike Vista, will run on the new class of ultra-portable computers, the Netbook.
Netbooks have been around for awhile, but there is a lot of confusion about what a Netbook is, and how it differs from a Notebook. Evidence for this confusion is the higher rate of returns for Netbooks as compared to that of Notebooks. So let's look at what distinguishes one from the other.
The first thing most of us have to get over is that most people call Notebook computers laptops. The term Notebook is pretty much used by the tech industry and usually refers to a set of specifications that are now industry standard. So for all intents and purposes, Notebook is the technically correct term for a laptop.
Notebook computers are full-fledged PCs that are portable. They can do everything a desktop PC can do, and in a few years may well replace most desktop PCs.
Netbooks are designed for ultra-portability with a focus on web-based computing. These are not the NCs (Network Computers) Larry Ellison and Scott McNealy dreamed about a decade ago. Instead, they are full-fledged computers running full-blown operating systems (usually Windows XP or Ubuntu Linux). Here is how a Netbook differs from a Notebook:
That Windows 7 will run on Netbooks further puts the nail in the PDA coffin, as cell phones take over their functions from one side and Netbooks do so from the other.
I think most returns of Netbooks are by those thinking they could do everything a Laptop could do, and just as well. Not so.
Some footnotes:
Netbooks have been around for awhile, but there is a lot of confusion about what a Netbook is, and how it differs from a Notebook. Evidence for this confusion is the higher rate of returns for Netbooks as compared to that of Notebooks. So let's look at what distinguishes one from the other.
The first thing most of us have to get over is that most people call Notebook computers laptops. The term Notebook is pretty much used by the tech industry and usually refers to a set of specifications that are now industry standard. So for all intents and purposes, Notebook is the technically correct term for a laptop.
Notebook computers are full-fledged PCs that are portable. They can do everything a desktop PC can do, and in a few years may well replace most desktop PCs.
Netbooks are designed for ultra-portability with a focus on web-based computing. These are not the NCs (Network Computers) Larry Ellison and Scott McNealy dreamed about a decade ago. Instead, they are full-fledged computers running full-blown operating systems (usually Windows XP or Ubuntu Linux). Here is how a Netbook differs from a Notebook:
- Much smaller-easy to carry in one hand
- Much lighter
- Much smaller screen
- Much smaller keyboard
- Less storage-means less room for music, videos, photos, applications and games
- Less processing power-means they do not run many desktop applications and games well
- No DVD or other external drive-cannot pop in a movie, cannot easily install a lot of software
- Longer battery life-at least four hours, often as much as twelve, as compared to two to four hours for Notebooks
- Low price-$300 to $500
That Windows 7 will run on Netbooks further puts the nail in the PDA coffin, as cell phones take over their functions from one side and Netbooks do so from the other.
I think most returns of Netbooks are by those thinking they could do everything a Laptop could do, and just as well. Not so.
Some footnotes:
- Apple has not yet entered the Netbook market. The expectation is that they will do so with a game-changing design, much like the iPhone changed the cellphone game.
- Returns of Netbooks seem to be skewed to those running Linux, which may be because of buyers expecting Windows capability.
posted by Phil Bookman at 1:52 PM
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