So, you’re in the market for a new mobile PC. While shopping you see a behemoth 17” notebook next to a 8.9” netbook. Old schoolers believe bigger is better while new netbook fans may ignore the specs that make the low price and small size feasible. And the distinctions between each are not always clear cut.
Consumers want the most value for their hard-earned cash. Here we’ll discuss the common distinctions between the hyped netbooks and full-power notebooks giving you the tools to assess a specific product and make a sound buying decision.
SIZE
The first and most obvious difference is size. As with any portable device, size is likely the primary factor that determines what type of mobile PC you’ll be shopping for – a netbook or a notebook. Size can be determined by many factors such as screen size, physical size, and weight – and bigger is only better if it is your personal preference.
- Screen Size is measured diagonally from screen edge to screen edge. Netbooks currently range in the sub 12” screen size while most notebooks are 12” inches and larger.
- Physical size is measured by width, height, and depth and taken when the unit is closed. Anything less than 1” thick would be considered slim.
- Weight is a simple measure in pounds or kilograms. The lighter the unit, the more portable it becomes.
PROCESSOR
Apart from size and weight, the most notable distinction between netbooks and notebooks is the processor. Generally, the more cores and higher processing speed (measured in MHz or GHz), the better.
Current netbook processors mostly consist of single-core Intel and VIA chips that range from 1.1GHz to 1.83GHz. Full-sized notebook processors consist of single, duo, and even quad core processors primarily manufactured by Intel and AMD and range from 1.6GHz to 2.66GHz.
RAM
Memory comes in a variety of sizes and speeds. Size is determined by the capacity (1GB, 2GB, etc.) while speed is rated in MHz (533MHz, 667MHz, 800MHz, etc.). Today’s mobile PCs include 1GB to 4GB of memory. Netbooks come standard with 1GB of memory (most are upgradable to 2GB), mainstream notebooks commonly include 2GB of memory, while performance notebooks can have up to 4GB of memory.
Like processors, the higher the speed the better. However, increasing the capacity of your notebook’s RAM to beyond 2GB of RAM can sometimes lead to diminishing returns.
VIDEO
Graphics processing is a very demanding task for any computer, let alone a mobile PC. Thus, the majority of netbooks and notebooks on the market today include integrated graphics chipsets capable of handling the basic, day-to-day tasks. Discreet graphics (non-integrated graphics cards) are designed to relieve the CPU of its graphical processes, leaving the CPU to perform other tasks. As such, PCs with discreet graphics not only render higher quality images more quickly, but allow the CPU to maintain other processes more smoothly.
Discreet graphics are only beginning to appear in netbooks. Therefore if you plan to play the latest 3D video games, you’ll have to pay a premium for a notebook ATI or nVidia discreet graphics solution. Netbooks, however will see an upgrade in their video capabilities when nVidia’s ION is released in fall 2009. Still, don’t expect ION to compete with high-end notebook graphics capabilities.
BATTERY
Depending on how you plan to use your mobile PC, its battery life may or may not be a concern of yours. If you plan to be connected to near a power outlet all the time, you needn’t be concerned too much with battery life. For example, many notebook and netbook owners simply like the convenience of browsing the web, working, or shopping online while doing other activities at home i.e. watching TV, cooking, talking on the phone, etc. and always have an outlet nearby.
If you travel and plan to use your PC in the airport, on the plane, in a meeting or otherwise, it’s always nice to have a longer lasting battery. Another way around this is to carry a spare battery, but they can be expensive and are extra baggage in your laptop case. Because netbooks operate on more efficient processors, they generally last longer than their full-power counterparts.
“Assume that you’ll get 75% of the advertised battery life. For example, if a unit claims a 6 hour battery, assume about 4 ½ hours.”
Batteries come in all shapes, sizes and capacities. Shape and size are easy to spot and shouldn’t detract from the overall look of the PC. Capacities can be a mystery. A 6-cell battery on one machine may be physically larger than the 6-cell battery sitting next to it yet provide half the battery life. As a general rule for real-world use, assume that you’ll get 75% of the advertised battery life. For example, if a unit claims a 6 hour battery, assume about 4 ½ hours. Or if a battery claims 3 hours use, assume just over 2 hours.
Not so much an issue with the larger mobile PCs, some batteries protrude beyond the unit’s chassis – horizontally and vertically – lifting the back of the unit off the table for better ventilation and resting the keyboard at an “ergonomic” angle. Or, this could be a fancy marketing ploy to justify a gargantuan and unsightly battery – you be the judge.
CONNECTIVITY
It has come to be expected that all mobile PCs large and small include a minimum of 2 USB ports, SVGA monitor output, headphone and microphone jacks, an Ethernet port, and 802.11g wireless capabilities. Anything beyond these minimum requirements is a luxury – the most sought after being a PCMCIA slot, Bluetooth capabilities, and a multi-card reader (i.e. MMC, MS, MSpro, Duo, Pro Duo, SD, etc.).
KEYBOARD
Mobile PCs have always been criticized for having less than stellar keyboards. The larger the device, the larger the keyboard. For the most part, netbooks have reduced-size keyboard to accommodate their small form factor. As a general rule, netbooks smaller than 11.6” will not include a full-sized keyboard – some of the smaller keyboards measure 82% the size of a standard keyboard. Try before you buy.
On the other hand, some of the larger notebooks not only include a full-sized keyboard, but a 10-key pad as well.
TRACKPAD
As with any shrinking device, the hardware must accommodate. Such is the fate of the trackpad. Netbook trackpads are often small and cramped – some even opting to place the right and left button to the right and left of the trackpad instead of below. While some may learn to adjust, you can either shop various models until you find a preference, or simply use a USB or Bluetooth mouse.
Notebooks 13” and larger will often provide larger trackpads, include scrolling capabilities on the far right-hand side, and may even support multi-touch gestures similar to Apple’s iPhone.
WEBCAM
Because of their reliance upon Internet connectivity, webcams have become standard on even the most inexpensive netbooks. Most mobile PCs include a webcam, located above the screen. A standard webcam resolution is 1.3 Megapixels; consider anything more a bonus.
Of course, external webcams can offer improved video quality via larger lenses and software enhancements such as lighting and motion sensing, so if you rely heavily on video you may still opt for a third-party solution.
OPTICAL DRIVE
Another obvious distinction between a netbook and notebook is the optical drive (DVD or Blu-ray Disc drive). Netbooks don’t include them, period. However, in today’s cloud computing world they are no longer a necessity and have become an optional accessory.
If your mobile PC will be your primary computer, or if you require the capability to read and write CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray Discs, you’ll likely lean towards purchasing a notebook or opt for an external USB DVD drive to accompany your netbook.
ACCESSORIES
The only accessory included with nearly all mobile PCs, netbooks or notebooks, is a transformer and power cord. The power cord connects to the wall and into the transformer, which then connects to the netbook or notebook.
Some manufacturers will include a keyboard cover to keep the dust out while stored, microfiber cloth for cleaning fingerprints off the screen and chassis, a storage case that can offer limited protection, and sometimes even a portable mouse.
Now that you understand the difference between netbooks and notebooks, you’ll want to shop for one that meets your needs but doesn’t break the bank … or your back. Carefully consider the many ways in which you plan to use a mobile PC and any applications you may install and use the above guides to help you find just the right netbook or notebook for your needs.
Should you have additional questions, feel free to speak with an hhgregg associate. We offer the best-educated associates in the business who are smart enough to make it simple. Price and Advice Guaranteed!
microsoft.com.
OFFICE APPLICATIONS
DVD quality movies play well on a netbook, even some are capable of playing 720p, but 1080p playback is not currently an option for netbook users. Things may change however with nVidia’s soon-to-be-released Ion platform for netbooks.
Microsoft Games (Solitaire, Hearts, Checkers, Pinball, Minesweeper)
