Laptop vs. Notebook: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Laptops are portable computers with full computing capabilities, while notebooks are a subset of laptops, typically lighter and thinner but with similar functionalities.
Key Differences
Laptops are portable computers, known for their versatility in function and design, ranging in size but generally heavier and thicker than notebooks. Notebooks, a type of laptop, are designed to be ultra-portable, often lighter and thinner, prioritizing ease of transport and convenience.
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Nov 17, 2023
Laptops are built for higher performance tasks, equipped with powerful processors and larger memory, suitable for gaming, graphic design, and intensive applications. Notebooks, while capable, often focus on basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption, trading off some performance for portability.
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Laptops usually have a decent battery life, balancing between performance and duration, making them suitable for mobile use and travel. Notebooks excel in battery life, often lasting longer on a single charge due to less power-intensive components, ideal for extended usage away from power sources.
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Laptops often come with substantial storage options, including SSDs and HDDs, and provide more options for upgrades and expansions. Notebooks tend to have more limited storage capacity, usually with SSDs for faster boot times, and offer fewer opportunities for hardware upgrades.
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Laptops cover a wide price range, catering to various market segments from budget to high-end models, offering diverse features based on price. Notebooks are generally more affordable, aiming at users needing basic computing on the go, though high-end notebooks can also reach premium prices.
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Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Word Origin
Derived from the concept of a computer that can sit on one's lap.
Originates from the idea of a small, lightweight computer, akin to a paper notebook in portability.
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Part of Speech
Noun, used to denote a type of portable computer.
Noun, often used interchangeably with 'laptop' but emphasizes portability and size.
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Usage in Sentences
Often denotes a heavier, more performance-oriented device.
Implies a lighter, more compact computing device.
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Collocations
Commonly paired with words like 'gaming', 'powerful', 'portable'.
Often associated with words like 'light', 'thin', 'ultraportable'.
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Synonyms
Portable computer, mobile workstation.
Ultrabook (in some contexts), slimline laptop.
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Laptop and Notebook Definitions
Laptop
Laptops are known for their integrated screen and keyboard, suitable for mobile computing.
He carried his laptop to the café for a change of work environment.
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Notebook
Notebooks, while less powerful than some laptops, offer sufficient performance for general use.
His new notebook was more than capable for his college assignments.
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Laptop
Laptops combine the functionality of a desktop computer with the convenience of portability.
Transitioning to a laptop allowed her to work flexibly from anywhere.
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Notebook
Notebooks often prioritize battery life and ease of carrying over high-end performance.
Her notebook lasted all day at the conference without needing a charge.
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Nov 13, 2023
Laptop
A laptop is a portable personal computer with a clamshell form factor.
She opened her laptop to start her presentation.
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Notebook
A notebook computer typically has a thin profile, making it ideal for travel and commuting.
The slim notebook fit perfectly in her small backpack.
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Laptop
Laptops are versatile, supporting a wide range of applications from office work to gaming.
His gaming laptop handled the latest video games effortlessly.
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Nov 13, 2023
Notebook
Notebooks are suited for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and document editing.
She used her notebook to quickly jot down notes during the meeting.
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Laptop
A laptop typically features a built-in battery, making it suitable for use without constant power supply.
On the long flight, her laptop's battery lasted enough for her to finish her report.
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Notebook
A notebook is a lightweight, portable computer, optimized for mobility.
He packed his notebook for the business trip due to its lightweight design.
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Nov 13, 2023
Laptop
A portable computer with a display screen hinged to a keyboard, small enough to use on one's lap.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notebook
A light, portable computer that is generally thinner than a laptop.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notebook
A kind of user interface in literate programming, allowing calculations to be interspersed with human-readable comments, diagrams, etc.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do laptops have good battery life?
Battery life in laptops varies, with some models offering long-lasting batteries suitable for mobile use.
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Can laptops handle intensive tasks like gaming?
Yes, many laptops are designed with powerful hardware to handle gaming and other intensive tasks.
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Are notebooks good for video editing?
Notebooks can handle basic video editing, but more intensive tasks might require a more powerful laptop.
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Are notebooks good for students?
Yes, notebooks are often ideal for students due to their portability and sufficient performance for academic tasks.
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Do laptops come with pre-installed software?
Most laptops come with an operating system and sometimes additional software, but the specifics vary by manufacturer.
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Are notebooks cheaper than laptops?
Notebooks can be more affordable than high-end laptops, but prices vary widely based on specifications.
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Are all notebooks lightweight?
While notebooks are generally lightweight, the exact weight varies among different models and brands.
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Can I connect external devices to my laptop?
Laptops typically have various ports for connecting external devices like monitors, keyboards, and storage.
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What is a laptop?
A laptop is a portable computer with a clamshell design, suitable for a wide range of computing tasks.
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What defines a notebook?
A notebook is a type of laptop, emphasizing portability, light weight, and compact design.
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Is it easy to travel with a laptop?
Yes, laptops are designed for portability, making them convenient for travel.
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Can I upgrade the hardware in my laptop?
Some laptops allow hardware upgrades like increased RAM or a larger hard drive, but this varies by model.
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Are notebooks a good choice for home use?
Yes, notebooks are suitable for home use, offering a balance of performance and convenience.
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Do laptops come in different operating systems?
Laptops are available with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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Can notebooks handle online streaming well?
Most notebooks can handle online streaming for videos and music effectively.
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Do notebooks have good sound quality?
Sound quality in notebooks can vary, with some offering high-quality audio and others having basic sound capabilities.
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Can laptops be used for professional work?
Absolutely, laptops are widely used in professional settings for a variety of tasks.
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Can notebooks run all the same software as desktops?
Notebooks can run most software that desktops can, but performance may vary based on hardware.
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Is a laptop's screen size important?
Screen size is a matter of personal preference and affects portability and viewing experience.
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How long do notebooks last on a single charge?
Notebook battery life varies, with some models lasting an entire day and others needing more frequent charging.
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Nov 17, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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