| Going back several years, the one question which | | | | computer for processor-intensive tasks, a netbook is |
| was repeatedly asked of me was, should I get a | | | | currently not a good option. |
| laptop instead of a desktop computer? Whilst there | | | | Connectivity |
| is no definitive answer, as each person's needs are | | | | Most netbooks tend to have a couple of usb ports |
| different, the answer has probably changed from | | | | and wireless networking. They don't tend to have cd |
| 80% NO to 80% YES. The reason for this is the | | | | dvd drives. These days laptops have dvd re-writers |
| narrowing gap between desktop and laptop | | | | and usually 3 or 4 usb ports as well as vga output |
| computers in terms of performance, reliability and | | | | for displaying on an external monitor. If you want to |
| storage capacity. | | | | watch your dvd collection on your new computer a |
| Now we have a stand-off between netbook and | | | | laptop has the distinct advantage. |
| laptop computers as people explore the possibility of | | | | Cost |
| going even more portable. Let's look as the main | | | | The cost of a netbook is relative to functionality and |
| considerations in the Netbook vs Laptop debate. | | | | usefulness as is that of a laptop computer. I'd say |
| Size | | | | that presently, a laptop has greater scope for |
| Netbooks are in effect mini laptops and so have a | | | | growing with the user's needs and therefore offers |
| size advantage where portability is concerned. They | | | | better value. If cost is the ultimate factor in choosing |
| tend to be lighter because of this, so if you intend on | | | | between the two, I'd go for a cheap laptop over a |
| using one for traveling with, they are ideal. Laptops, | | | | netbook. If you just want to surf the net and keep |
| on the other hand, are considerable in their weight | | | | up to date with friends on Facebook a netbook is a |
| and size in comparison. | | | | very good option. |
| Screen and Keyboard | | | | Storage |
| Because of their smaller size, netbooks tend to have | | | | Netbooks tend to have less storage capacity than |
| smaller keys and screens. This varies from model to | | | | laptops although this has improved over time and will |
| model. Laptops for the most part, have standard | | | | probably continue to do so. If you want to store |
| sized keys with screens of standard desktop monitor | | | | large amounts of videos and photo albums without |
| sizes. If you have large hands and do a lot of typing, | | | | using external storage, a laptop again has the |
| netbooks can become annoying very quickly. Also, if | | | | advantage. |
| you need to have lots on the screen at once, laptops | | | | Battery life |
| have the advantage with their greater resolutions | | | | With it's small footprint, lack of dvd and power |
| and screen size. | | | | efficient processors (generally) netbooks win hands |
| Performance | | | | down in the power consumption efficiency stakes. |
| Laptops are almost the new desktop, with processor | | | | The bottom line is, you really have to be honest with |
| speeds increasing as manufacturers find new ways | | | | yourself as to how you'll use the computer. I'd say |
| to squeeze extra performance from smaller | | | | that the only real reasons to have a netbook over a |
| components. Without getting too technical, laptops | | | | laptop are portability and battery life. If you make a |
| have a huge advantage in the performance stakes. | | | | list of the above points when choosing you'll have a |
| I'd go as far as to say that if you want to use a | | | | good idea of what to compare when shopping. |