If you are an average user then to you there is no difference between a laptop and a notebook. Most consumers who are shopping for a journal will most likely end up purchasing a laptop. So, is there a difference between the two?   The answer is yes because traditionally and technically speaking they differ in so many aspects including weight and size. However, you might want to argue out that they look the same, but if you continue reading this article you can get to understand the difference between these two devices. It is good to note that some manufacturers market both these devices the same. So maybe this guide will help to determine what you want.
What Is The Difference Between A Laptop And A Notebook

What is a laptop?
A laptop computer is a portable computer which weighs between 2-4 pounds and is 3 inches or small in thickness. As you can see it has the word "lap"which means that it can comfortably sit on your lap. It is also known as a minicomputer, microcomputer, or a palmtop.

What is a notebook computer?
This is typically a small and lightweight computer which can easily fit in your briefcases. They weigh less than 5 pounds are" notebook" in size thus they can easily fit in your bag. It is also known as a personal computer.
History and evolution

Palmtop
The first portable computer was known as Xerox NoteTaker which was designed by Xerox PARC Division in 1976. However only ten prototypes were built, and they never made it to the market. It wouldn't last more than five years before some of these devices made it to the consumers. In 1981 the first portable computer known as the Osbourne 1 was made available. It cannot be described as the best in the world but it was kind enough to let users use it on the go. It had the following features:
  • ·       It was the size of a tabletop sewing machine.
  • ·       It used to run on electricity.
  • ·       It had no battery power.

Osbourne 1 was a huge hit, and this gave way to portable computers which flooded the market in less than three years. Some of the best devices included Kaypro11 and GRiD Compass in 1982 and Compaq Portable in 1983.

Personal computer
After Osbourne 1 succeeded, manufacturers decided to design something a bit smaller than a microcomputer but still as powerful. In 1988 Cambridge Z88 was intended. This portable device was 16 times more powerful and half the weight of the Osbourne 1. They got their name from the fact that most of them such as the NECUltraLite and Compaq UTE were the size of a paper notebook.

Differences Between A Laptop And A Notebook

1. Size and weight
When the palmtop was designed, manufacturers had the sole aim of making it smaller than a desktop and light enough to carry it around. Moreover, so that it could comfortably sit on your lap, therefore the device weighs between 4 and 8 pounds. On the other hand, notebooks were designed for mobility. Thus they weigh less than 5 pounds.

Years ago if you compare these two devices, one thing you might have discovered is that the laptop had more features than the notebook. The later was merely designed to be thinner and weigh less because it was not packed with so many features.

When you look at the screen size, the palmtop is about 10 to 20 inches. However, the personal computer as you might have guessed is the handy size of a paper notebook. The later can easily fit in your purse. However, you should be on the lookout because there are tiny laptops and big personal computers. You have to be wary of what device you want

2. Purpose
These two devices were created for different purposes. Years ago the microcomputer was used for portability. Thus it could allow people to travel with them. However, they were less powerful than the desktop. Three decades down the line these portable devices are more powerful and sophisticated than even the desktop. They have arguably replaced desktop computers — the newer models which are now diverse as they entail all the applications that you might need.

On the other hand, personal computers were designed for a more personal purpose. Until this day they are less complicated and sophisticated. If you are a social media addict or you like watching, then you should be on the lookout for them. They have a limited number of purposes, unlike laptops.

3. RAM, cooling, the processing power, and Battery life

Laptops
  • The RAM ranges between 1 and 16GB. However, there are some devices which have RAM which is 32GB.
  • They emit a lot of heat thus cooling is done by a fan. There are some who have two fans one for the graphics card while the other for the processor. However, it will depend on which kind of model you have.
  • The processing power is equivalent to that of a desktop.
  • Battery life ranges between 4 to 17 hours. However, there are more powerful ones which can last more than the estimated battery life.
Note: They can upgrade. Thus you can add graphics cards, more RAM, storage space and processor.

Notebooks
  • RAM ranges between 1-4GB because they have limited purposes.
  • They lack a cooling fan.
  • They have less powerful processors.
  • Battery life ranges between 5 to 114 hours due to their small size.
Note: They cannot be upgraded what you will buy is what you will have for the rest of your life.

4. Storage space
There are different models of microcomputers thus storage space cannot be the same. There are two types of storage SSD which is faster but expensive and HDD which is slow and more affordable. However, there is a new range of models which encompass both the SSD and HDD. Personal computers have smaller storage due to their limited size. The SSD ranges between 64GB and 1TB. Moreover, they use less electricity.

Verdict
As you can tell, there are a lot of differences between these two portable computers. However, they are developed for the same purpose although they have reduced in popularity due to the introduction of smartphones. Before you choose between either of them, you should compare the differences to determine which one best suits you. The good thing is that manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to differentiate between the two by introducing tablets and Chromebooks. However, it is all up to you.

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