| When you are considering whether to buy a full sized | | | | cords to provide power to the unit. Laptops are |
| laptop or a netbook, there are many things you | | | | substantially larger, and therefore consume much |
| should look at before making your decision. | | | | more power. Most laptops only give two or three |
| First of all; what are you planning on using it for? If | | | | hours of battery life, depending on the make and |
| you are going to be doing some major game playing, | | | | model (the larger the laptop, the shorter the battery |
| or using many applications at the same time, a laptop | | | | life). This can be sufficient for some needs, but can |
| would probably be in your best interest. Full sized | | | | fall short for many that use their computer for hours |
| laptops generally have more hard drive space and | | | | on end. |
| more RAM than their netbook counterparts. This | | | | Price is becoming less and less of a factor in the |
| makes them much more effective for if you plan on | | | | difference between laptops and netbooks. It used to |
| using the unit for heavy gaming, or computer | | | | be that netbooks were much cheaper than laptops. |
| programming. | | | | Now laptops are dropping in price quickly, and there is |
| If, on the other hand, you just want to have a | | | | not such a major difference in price. |
| portable unit that you can bring with you anywhere | | | | One drawback that makes a major difference for |
| you go, a netbook would probably be the better | | | | me on the laptop versus netbook issue is the fact |
| decision. Ranging from eight inches to twelve inches | | | | that I like to watch a lot of movies on my computer. |
| in size, they are much easier to cart around with you | | | | As a result, I chose to go with the much larger and |
| than a full sized laptop. Many of them are small | | | | bulkier 17" laptop. I am always hauling out the power |
| enough that they can even fit in a purse or small | | | | cord, and packing a large laptop bag around, but it is |
| handbag. They are perfect for portability and | | | | worth the trade off for me. I don't like to watch |
| traveling. | | | | movies on a small screen. Nor do I like squinting to |
| Another factor to consider is battery life. Many of | | | | see what I am typing on my computer. I like a large |
| the netbooks can get six hours plus of battery life. | | | | unit that I can operate several programs at a time |
| This is handy for use on long vehicle trips, where you | | | | on, and build websites with. |
| will not necessarily have access to a power outlet. It | | | | Overall, there are many factors that should be |
| is also a benefit for coffee shops and other places | | | | considered before deciding on a netbook or a laptop. |
| you may want to use your netbook, but do not | | | | In the end, it all boils down to your own personal |
| want to be bothered with hauling out all the extra | | | | preferences and what you plan on using it for. |