When it comes to distinguishing between a netbook and a laptop, looks can be deceiving, especially since you can now enjoy the features you’ve come to expect in a standard laptop in ultra-thin and sleek styles. Learn what each of these computers was designed to do so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.
Start by thinking about how you'll use your computer - would you simply like to explore the Internet from anywhere you want? Or do you need to burn CDs/DVDs and watch HD videos? Your answers will help you to decide whether you need a handy netbook or a standard laptop.
What can you do with each?
Netbook | Laptop | |
| Email, chat, IM |  | |
| Social networking (blog, Facebook) | | |
| Surf the Web on the go | | |
| Multitask | | |
| Stream audio/SD video | | |
| Create and edit videos, photos | | |
| Encode music | | |
| Watch HD movies | | |
| Play games | Casual Online Games | PC Games |
| Run complex office software | | |
| Related processor |  |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace my aging laptop with a netbook? No. A netbook doesn't have the processing power and functionality you'd need to run many of the applications your current laptop supports, even if it's a few years old. The good news is that today's laptops offer more bang for the buck than ever before. You'll immediately reap the rewards of greater performance, quality and reliability by upgrading your system.
- How can I encourage my kids' emerging interest in computers without unleashing them on the PC I sometimes use for work? Computers offer great opportunities for kids to learn and play. Consider adding a netbook as a companion to your main computer. A netbook offers value and ease-of-use so kids can explore the Internet and not interfere with their parents' work.
- Is there any way of knowing for sure if I'm looking at a netbook? Yes, if the computer in question is powered by an Intel® Atom™ processor, it is a netbook. Laptops, on the other hand, may use one of a variety of Intel® processors. Appearances can be misleading, too, with many full-featured laptops now available in ultra-thin and light designs.
