Notebook vs Tablet vs Laptop: What’s the Best ?
What is the difference between a laptop and a notebook?
Though it may seem like a simple explanation, this decision all comes down to what you want to use your device for. If you’re planning on giving a tech gift (or getting a new device for yourself) check out our guide to choosing between notebooks, tablets, and laptops before diving into a bloated post-holiday market.
Laptops
Laptop
In terms of performance, laptops will always have better specs than tablets (and most notebooks). That doesn’t mean tablets will run slowly or won’t offer a smooth user experience, it simply means that laptops are equipped for more intense and heavy-duty tasks.
Reasons You Need to Buy a Laptop
Productivity: If you’re doing any kind of work, whether it’s planning a bake sale or number crunching in Microsoft Office, having a laptop with a keyboard, ports, and a full computer operating system is vital. I have a friend who does all his productivity work on an iPad with a keyboard, but that’s not the most comfortable scenario for most people.
Education: There’s a reason why most schools give their students Chromebooks instead of tablets. To do research and create content such as term papers, kids need a real keyboard and full desktop software. In addition, standard laptops offer much more in terms of media storage and gaming opportunities–something college students especially value.
Shopping/transactions: Yes, you can visit websites and make online purchases from a tablet or phone, but when you’re buying many items or making a major purchase, you benefit from being able to view the full desktop versions of websites on a large display.
Notebooks
Notebooks work well for people who could buy either a laptop or a tablet. In their most basic form, a tablet is more of a consumption device, whereas a notebook is more of a creation device. Many are similar in size and look to a small-size laptop with the ability to fold back and/or detach the keyboard.
Reasons You Need to Buy a Notebook
Artists: If you like to draw, you can do that on either a large-screen tablet such as an iPad Pro or on a 2-in-1 like the Surface Pro. However, if you’re going for a drawing laptop, a detachable is a much better idea than a convertible with a bend-back lid. You want to be able to hold the slate in your hand, without the added bulk of the keyboard and touchpad on the back.
Professionals: In your professional life, you might need to hook up your gizmo to a projector, a broadband wire or a printer; and you might even need to connect other gadgets such as pen drives or a phone to your device. A notebook is a clear winner here since most come with at least three USB ports, one HDMI port, an Ethernet port for broadband as well as a card reader. These machines also support USB dongles or Wi-Fi for internet connectivity.
Students and Teachers: A notebook provides a slightly larger keyboard display than a tablet and is perfect for taking notes during class and writing essays. Though not quite as professional and reliable, they can also be easily used to check emails, watch the occasional Netflix show, and browse the web.
Tablets
When it comes to portability, there’s no question that tablets offer the best option. In general, tablets are around 7-11 inches, while laptops are 12-16 inches, which immediately means that the former is going to be easier to carry around. Tablets also offer vastly better battery life than laptops and with smaller screens, tablets often feature better pixel-per-inch (PPI) density. Taking seven tablets from our list of best tablets, the average PPI works out at 262, whereas doing the same with our best laptops, the average is a PPI of 176 according to Trusted Reviews.
However, according to Laptop Magazine, “the line between productivity slates like the iPad Pro and laptops is quickly disappearing”.
Reasons You Need to Buy a Tablet
Child’s first device: Tablets are the gadget of choice for younger children, because they are easy-to-use, have the best kid-friendly software, and don’t require you to read. Amazon’s Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 for kids are particularly great first devices because they come with a ton of age-appropriate content, fantastic parental controls and two years of accidental damage protection.
Reading/video watching: If you want to curl up on the couch with a favorite movie or book, a tablet makes a lot of sense, particularly one that’s 8 inches or smaller. Yes, you can watch a movie on a 2-in-1 laptop, but even on a detachable, the device is much bulkier than a simple slate.
Of course, you could consume media on a large-screen phone as easily as you would on a tablet. But tablets are much larger, and most people wouldn’t give a smartphone to a young child.
What is the Difference Between Laptop and Notebook Computers?
Nowadays the mobile computing market is more confusing than ever as buyers can choose between a range of devices variously described as laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks (smaller, thinner notebooks), tablets, Chromebooks (which is any laptop or notebook which runs the Google Chrome Operating System), MacBooks, iPads, and Android devices. Some may decide that they can handle most mobile computing chores on a smartphone.
The difference between laptops and notebooks is somewhat blurry. However, a device referred to as a "notebook" is generally lighter (3 lbs. or less) and more portable (small enough to be carried in a backpack or briefcase, which means a screen size of 15" or less).
Netbooks are typically even smaller and are inexpensive devices meant for basic computing tasks such as word processing, email, and web browsing.
Tablets have an enormous range of price and capability. More expensive hybrid models such as the Microsoft Surface come with larger screens and detachable keyboards, putting them on a par with notebooks and laptops for capability.
Learn how to Unlock the Full Productivity of Tablets for Your Small Business With These
Weight and Portability
An extra pound of weight in a laptop or notebook may not sound like much but after balancing the device on your lap for several hours or packing it around in a briefcase you may come to appreciate the difference. When it comes to size and weight with mobile devices, less is usually better. Unfortunately weight is often inversely proportional to price.
On the other hand, if display size is a concern (as described below) you may want to sacrifice weight and portability for larger size. Smaller notebooks also have more cramped keyboards which can be uncomfortable for some users.
Price
Laptop/notebook computers tend to be more expensive compared to desktop computers. You pay a premium for being able to pack your office around with you.
And unlike PC desktop computers, laptops and notebooks are not easily upgradeable with interchangeable components. If you buy a laptop/notebook computer, it is best to choose one that has exactly all the features that you want, and extra features come with a price.
Additional memory (RAM), more disk space, longer battery life, high-end graphic capabilities (for gaming and High Definition video), and more connectivity options can greatly increase the price.
Battery Life
While laptop/notebook computers promise mobility, it's not unrestricted mobility. If you plan to use your laptop/notebook computer "unplugged" frequently, pay close attention to the device's battery average run time.
More efficient processors, SSD disk drives, and improved battery technology have increased average run times to 14 hours or more for some models, but there is still a large variation, so if you intend to use your laptop/notebook for long overseas flights or in other situations where charging is not readily available make sure you choose a model with sufficient battery life.
Keep in mind that manufacturers tend to exaggerate notebook battery run times or quote them under ideal conditions. Battery run time is heavily dependent on usage. Watching HD video, for instance, takes more battery power than basic web surfing. Check third-party reviews for real-world statistics on battery life. Also keep in mind that run times decrease as the battery ages.
Display Size and Resolution
If you intend to use your laptop/notebook for watching or editing HD video, playing games, or need to have multiple visible windows open on the screen at the same time, you will need a higher resolution display and the largest screen size possible (keeping in mind that larger screen size means more weight and less portability).
Budget laptop/notebooks typically come with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, but if you intend to watch high definition (HD) video 1920 x 1080 (known as 1080p), or higher is preferable. If you want to watch 4k video or are a hard-core gamer the most expensive laptops now come with 3840x2160 resolution.
Connectivity
Wired - Aside from the ubiquitous Wi-fi connectivity, if you prefer to use a faster wired connection while in the office you will need an ethernet port (which are becoming more of a rarity these days as laptops/notebooks become thinner and lighter).
most notebooks/laptops come without a DVD drive, as most software, music, video, etc. is now delivered via the internet. Inexpensive USB sticks have much higher capacity, reliability, and portability than DVD drives. If you do need to use DVDs select a model that comes equipped with one.
HDMI Ports - If you intend to connect to a TV or larger HDMI display (for business presentations or watching video on a big screen) you will need an HDMI port.
USB Ports - If you need to connect more than one USB device to the laptop/notebook make sure it is equipped as such. Most (but not all) notebooks come with two USB ports.
Performance
A laptop/notebook's speed, power, and price, like any desktop computer's, is determined by:
Processor (CPU) - pricier models have higher processor speeds, which means better performance with CPU intensive tasks. If your tasks mainly involve word processing and web surfing a faster processor is not needed.
Graphics (GPU) - if you plan to run graphic-intensive gaming or virtual reality (VR) applications a high-end graphics processor is essential.
Amount of memory (RAM) - a typical inexpensive notebook comes with 8GB of RAM which is sufficient for light duties. If you intend to run multiple applications simultaneously more is preferable. For power users or gamers 16GB or more might be required.
Disk speed - solid state drives (SSDs) can give a huge performance boost over the traditional mechanical hard drives (HDDs). SSDs are more expensive than HDDs but are rapidly declining in price. SSD drives also have much less capacity than HDD drives.
Keyboarding
Notebook/tablet buyers should consider a detachable keyboard if one of the primary uses of the device will be word processing.
Functionality
Laptops were created to imitate the full functionality of a desktop unit with the addition of portability. Notebook computers were meant to be light and provide "bare bones" laptop functionality. Initially, hard drive capacity and RAM were usually much higher in laptops, and many offered CD/DVD drives that matched those found in desktop units. However, as chip sets and hardware capabilities have expanded, the differences between a laptop and a notebook computer have blurred, both in size and functionality.
Laptops were originally marketed as "business" machines, capable of using spreadsheet, presentation, and financial software packages, just as desktops could. Notebooks were mainly marketed for "personal" tasks, such as email, writing, entertainment, and file management. The biggest difference between the two eventually became the size and weight of the battery, with laptops boasting 2-3 times the battery life of notebooks, but also weighing 3-5 pounds more.
As hardware capabilities increased, laptops became powerful enough to become primary computers for many people. Despite being more expensive than desktop units, the computer had become a personal device used for much more than office or schoolwork, so portability was a key feature. The growth of smartphone and tablet use also reduced the need and usability of a desktop unit, as well as the need for a large laptop. Notebooks also started featuring high-resolution screens, while the need for DVD drives was reduced as broadband Wi-Fi and streaming through services like Netflix and Spotify became ubiquitous.
In 2007, laptop sales declined for the first time since 1998, while notebook sales rose. Even so, the rise of tablet computers slowed notebook sales in 2010. What has emerged from this proliferation of portable computing devices is a nuanced market, with laptops occupying the high-end user niche (graphic artists, executives, freelancers), notebooks used primarily by students and highly-mobile workers, and tablets used widely by the general public.
A big advantage of laptops is that they can be configured in many ways for different tasks and needs. For example, a common laptop configuration for playing games includes expanding RAM, adding a high-end graphics and video card, and "overclocking" (removing limitations) on the hardware to allow for faster response times.
The typical laptop nowadays has a 1 terabyte (TB) drive or a solid state drive (SSD), the latter of which is hundreds of times faster than hard drives were 10 years ago. RAM capacity is often 4-12 GB, screens feature large HD resolutions (and sometimes retinal displays), and battery life is about 6-10 hours. Many laptops are large enough to offer a full keyboard, are usually about 13-18 inches wide, and weigh 4-8 lbs. on average.
Notebook computers are less likely to offer a full-sized keyboard, ranging from 8.5 to 12.5 inches. The average notebook offers about 512 GB on the hard drive, with some models now offering an SSD option of up to 1 TB. RAM is usually 2-4 GB, and screen quality can vary. Two major differences between current laptops and notebooks are found in battery life and weight: notebooks tend to have a much longer battery life (ranging from 5 to 14 hours) typically weigh in at under 5 lbs.
There is a hybrid niche of extremely lightweight portable computers that feature full-sized keyboards, but below-average hardware capabilities. An example from this category would be the MacBook Air, which has a 13.5-inch screen and a full-sized keyboard, while weighing less than 3 pounds. The battery life is rated at 7 hours, but depending on use, it can extend up to 13 hours. The basic MacBook Air does not offer ports for connecting other devices, has a limited 360 GB hard drive, and has no DVD drive.
Cost
Prices for new laptop computers vary widely depending on screen size and hardware configurations. Low-end laptops tend to go for under $500, while high-end laptops used for advanced work-related tasks or gaming can easily exceed $1,000. Apple's Mac laptops will generally be more expensive than comparable PC laptops.
Notebook computers are cheaper than laptops, with prices typically ranging between $150 and $350.
In 1976, the Xerox PARC division developed the Xerox NoteTaker, considered the first portable computer. It never reached the market, as only 10 prototypes were built. In 1981, the Osborne 1 was launched as the first commercially available portable computer. About the size of a tabletop sewing machine, the Osborne did not have any battery power, running only on electricity instead, but it allowed computer users to work with a computer while on the go.
In the span of barely 3 years, portable computer models started flooding the market. In 1982, Kaypro introduced the Kaypro II, which featured double-sided floppy drives (twice the storage capacity) and a larger CRT monitor. The first true laptop, the GRiD Compass 1101, was arguably released that same year. In 1983, Compaq launched its Compaq Portable, while Epson introduced the HX-20.
Notebooks
By 1988, portable computers had become smaller, as demonstrated by the Cambridge Z88. Though this portable computer was 16 times more powerful than the Osborne 1, its total weight had been halved.
The first "notebook computers" — so called because the size of these devices was roughly the size of a paper notebook — were the 1988 NEC UltraLite and the Compaq LTE, launched in 1989. These designs were then joined by the IBM ThinkPad, featuring the first 10.4 inch screen on a notebook computer. While these early notebooks averaged a little over 6 pounds, lighter and more powerful "sub-notebooks" began making their mark in 1993 with the introduction of the Gateway Handbook and the Hewlett-Packard OmniBook. The 4.4 pound Apple PowerBook was eclipsed by the Sony VAIO in 1997, the latter weighing in at under 2.5 pounds. Microsoft's Tablet PC computers were smaller still, and in 2007, Asus introduced the Eee PC, reducing screen and keyboard size while retaining full computer usage capabilities
Nowadays the mobile computing market is more confusing than ever as buyers can choose between a range of devices variously described as laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks (smaller, thinner notebooks), tablets, Chromebooks (which is any laptop or notebook which runs the Google Chrome Operating System), MacBooks, iPads, and Android devices. Some may decide that they can handle most mobile computing chores on a smartphone.
The difference between laptops and notebooks is somewhat blurry. However, a device referred to as a "notebook" is generally lighter (3 lbs. or less) and more portable (small enough to be carried in a backpack or briefcase, which means a screen size of 15" or less).
Netbooks are typically even smaller and are inexpensive devices meant for basic computing tasks such as word processing, email, and web browsing.
Tablets have an enormous range of price and capability. More expensive hybrid models such as the Microsoft Surface come with larger screens and detachable keyboards, putting them on a par with notebooks and laptops for capability.
Learn how to Unlock the Full Productivity of Tablets for Your Small Business With These
Weight and Portability
An extra pound of weight in a laptop or notebook may not sound like much but after balancing the device on your lap for several hours or packing it around in a briefcase you may come to appreciate the difference. When it comes to size and weight with mobile devices, less is usually better. Unfortunately weight is often inversely proportional to price.
On the other hand, if display size is a concern (as described below) you may want to sacrifice weight and portability for larger size. Smaller notebooks also have more cramped keyboards which can be uncomfortable for some users.
Price
Laptop/notebook computers tend to be more expensive compared to desktop computers. You pay a premium for being able to pack your office around with you.
And unlike PC desktop computers, laptops and notebooks are not easily upgradeable with interchangeable components. If you buy a laptop/notebook computer, it is best to choose one that has exactly all the features that you want, and extra features come with a price.
Additional memory (RAM), more disk space, longer battery life, high-end graphic capabilities (for gaming and High Definition video), and more connectivity options can greatly increase the price.
Battery Life
While laptop/notebook computers promise mobility, it's not unrestricted mobility. If you plan to use your laptop/notebook computer "unplugged" frequently, pay close attention to the device's battery average run time.
More efficient processors, SSD disk drives, and improved battery technology have increased average run times to 14 hours or more for some models, but there is still a large variation, so if you intend to use your laptop/notebook for long overseas flights or in other situations where charging is not readily available make sure you choose a model with sufficient battery life.
Keep in mind that manufacturers tend to exaggerate notebook battery run times or quote them under ideal conditions. Battery run time is heavily dependent on usage. Watching HD video, for instance, takes more battery power than basic web surfing. Check third-party reviews for real-world statistics on battery life. Also keep in mind that run times decrease as the battery ages.
Display Size and Resolution
If you intend to use your laptop/notebook for watching or editing HD video, playing games, or need to have multiple visible windows open on the screen at the same time, you will need a higher resolution display and the largest screen size possible (keeping in mind that larger screen size means more weight and less portability).
Budget laptop/notebooks typically come with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, but if you intend to watch high definition (HD) video 1920 x 1080 (known as 1080p), or higher is preferable. If you want to watch 4k video or are a hard-core gamer the most expensive laptops now come with 3840x2160 resolution.
Connectivity
Wired - Aside from the ubiquitous Wi-fi connectivity, if you prefer to use a faster wired connection while in the office you will need an ethernet port (which are becoming more of a rarity these days as laptops/notebooks become thinner and lighter).
most notebooks/laptops come without a DVD drive, as most software, music, video, etc. is now delivered via the internet. Inexpensive USB sticks have much higher capacity, reliability, and portability than DVD drives. If you do need to use DVDs select a model that comes equipped with one.
HDMI Ports - If you intend to connect to a TV or larger HDMI display (for business presentations or watching video on a big screen) you will need an HDMI port.
USB Ports - If you need to connect more than one USB device to the laptop/notebook make sure it is equipped as such. Most (but not all) notebooks come with two USB ports.
Performance
A laptop/notebook's speed, power, and price, like any desktop computer's, is determined by:
Processor (CPU) - pricier models have higher processor speeds, which means better performance with CPU intensive tasks. If your tasks mainly involve word processing and web surfing a faster processor is not needed.
Graphics (GPU) - if you plan to run graphic-intensive gaming or virtual reality (VR) applications a high-end graphics processor is essential.
Amount of memory (RAM) - a typical inexpensive notebook comes with 8GB of RAM which is sufficient for light duties. If you intend to run multiple applications simultaneously more is preferable. For power users or gamers 16GB or more might be required.
Disk speed - solid state drives (SSDs) can give a huge performance boost over the traditional mechanical hard drives (HDDs). SSDs are more expensive than HDDs but are rapidly declining in price. SSD drives also have much less capacity than HDD drives.
Keyboarding
Notebook/tablet buyers should consider a detachable keyboard if one of the primary uses of the device will be word processing.
Functionality
Laptops were created to imitate the full functionality of a desktop unit with the addition of portability. Notebook computers were meant to be light and provide "bare bones" laptop functionality. Initially, hard drive capacity and RAM were usually much higher in laptops, and many offered CD/DVD drives that matched those found in desktop units. However, as chip sets and hardware capabilities have expanded, the differences between a laptop and a notebook computer have blurred, both in size and functionality.
Laptops were originally marketed as "business" machines, capable of using spreadsheet, presentation, and financial software packages, just as desktops could. Notebooks were mainly marketed for "personal" tasks, such as email, writing, entertainment, and file management. The biggest difference between the two eventually became the size and weight of the battery, with laptops boasting 2-3 times the battery life of notebooks, but also weighing 3-5 pounds more.
As hardware capabilities increased, laptops became powerful enough to become primary computers for many people. Despite being more expensive than desktop units, the computer had become a personal device used for much more than office or schoolwork, so portability was a key feature. The growth of smartphone and tablet use also reduced the need and usability of a desktop unit, as well as the need for a large laptop. Notebooks also started featuring high-resolution screens, while the need for DVD drives was reduced as broadband Wi-Fi and streaming through services like Netflix and Spotify became ubiquitous.
In 2007, laptop sales declined for the first time since 1998, while notebook sales rose. Even so, the rise of tablet computers slowed notebook sales in 2010. What has emerged from this proliferation of portable computing devices is a nuanced market, with laptops occupying the high-end user niche (graphic artists, executives, freelancers), notebooks used primarily by students and highly-mobile workers, and tablets used widely by the general public.
A big advantage of laptops is that they can be configured in many ways for different tasks and needs. For example, a common laptop configuration for playing games includes expanding RAM, adding a high-end graphics and video card, and "overclocking" (removing limitations) on the hardware to allow for faster response times.
The typical laptop nowadays has a 1 terabyte (TB) drive or a solid state drive (SSD), the latter of which is hundreds of times faster than hard drives were 10 years ago. RAM capacity is often 4-12 GB, screens feature large HD resolutions (and sometimes retinal displays), and battery life is about 6-10 hours. Many laptops are large enough to offer a full keyboard, are usually about 13-18 inches wide, and weigh 4-8 lbs. on average.
Notebook computers are less likely to offer a full-sized keyboard, ranging from 8.5 to 12.5 inches. The average notebook offers about 512 GB on the hard drive, with some models now offering an SSD option of up to 1 TB. RAM is usually 2-4 GB, and screen quality can vary. Two major differences between current laptops and notebooks are found in battery life and weight: notebooks tend to have a much longer battery life (ranging from 5 to 14 hours) typically weigh in at under 5 lbs.
There is a hybrid niche of extremely lightweight portable computers that feature full-sized keyboards, but below-average hardware capabilities. An example from this category would be the MacBook Air, which has a 13.5-inch screen and a full-sized keyboard, while weighing less than 3 pounds. The battery life is rated at 7 hours, but depending on use, it can extend up to 13 hours. The basic MacBook Air does not offer ports for connecting other devices, has a limited 360 GB hard drive, and has no DVD drive.
Cost
Prices for new laptop computers vary widely depending on screen size and hardware configurations. Low-end laptops tend to go for under $500, while high-end laptops used for advanced work-related tasks or gaming can easily exceed $1,000. Apple's Mac laptops will generally be more expensive than comparable PC laptops.
Notebook computers are cheaper than laptops, with prices typically ranging between $150 and $350.
History and Evolution
LaptopIn 1976, the Xerox PARC division developed the Xerox NoteTaker, considered the first portable computer. It never reached the market, as only 10 prototypes were built. In 1981, the Osborne 1 was launched as the first commercially available portable computer. About the size of a tabletop sewing machine, the Osborne did not have any battery power, running only on electricity instead, but it allowed computer users to work with a computer while on the go.
In the span of barely 3 years, portable computer models started flooding the market. In 1982, Kaypro introduced the Kaypro II, which featured double-sided floppy drives (twice the storage capacity) and a larger CRT monitor. The first true laptop, the GRiD Compass 1101, was arguably released that same year. In 1983, Compaq launched its Compaq Portable, while Epson introduced the HX-20.
Notebooks
By 1988, portable computers had become smaller, as demonstrated by the Cambridge Z88. Though this portable computer was 16 times more powerful than the Osborne 1, its total weight had been halved.
The first "notebook computers" — so called because the size of these devices was roughly the size of a paper notebook — were the 1988 NEC UltraLite and the Compaq LTE, launched in 1989. These designs were then joined by the IBM ThinkPad, featuring the first 10.4 inch screen on a notebook computer. While these early notebooks averaged a little over 6 pounds, lighter and more powerful "sub-notebooks" began making their mark in 1993 with the introduction of the Gateway Handbook and the Hewlett-Packard OmniBook. The 4.4 pound Apple PowerBook was eclipsed by the Sony VAIO in 1997, the latter weighing in at under 2.5 pounds. Microsoft's Tablet PC computers were smaller still, and in 2007, Asus introduced the Eee PC, reducing screen and keyboard size while retaining full computer usage capabilities
Which Should I Choose?
Notebooks, tablets, and laptops are all fairly similar in their capabilities and size. However, each is built for different consumer needs. Before making a purchase consider several things about the intended user including:
History and Function: What tech products has the user gravitated to in the past? Do they have any brand loyalty?
Interface Experience: What devices does this user interact with and/or already own?
Mobile Friendliness: How mobile does this user need to be while using this device? Where will this device travel on a given day?
Device Compatibility: Will this device need to be plugged in or connected to another for presentations, projects, etc?
Customization: Does this user need access to special software/accessories (like e-pens for artists, HDMI cables for those who have projectors, or Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities for VR gamers)?
Notebooks, tablets, and laptops are all fairly similar in their capabilities and size. However, each is built for different consumer needs. Before making a purchase consider several things about the intended user including:
History and Function: What tech products has the user gravitated to in the past? Do they have any brand loyalty?
Interface Experience: What devices does this user interact with and/or already own?
Mobile Friendliness: How mobile does this user need to be while using this device? Where will this device travel on a given day?
Device Compatibility: Will this device need to be plugged in or connected to another for presentations, projects, etc?
Customization: Does this user need access to special software/accessories (like e-pens for artists, HDMI cables for those who have projectors, or Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities for VR gamers)?
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