Difference between Laptop and Notebook

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Sep 7, 2022, 8:13

Due to technological and computing advancements, users are searching for unique and innovative computing devices in the coming years. Earlier, computers were huge and inconvenient to carry, and now, scientists are developing smaller, lightweight, and even more powerful electronic devices than the ancient ones.

Two major portable mobile computing devices are

Laptops
Notebooks

This page will provide detailed information on the definition and differences between laptops and notebooks based on functionality, portability, brands that manufacture them, cost, performance, power, etc.

Notebook and Laptop Differences - Definition and Facts

For your convenience, we will mention the table-wise difference between a laptop and a notebook. Laptops and notebooks have three main differences: size, speed, and intended use, and the most evident difference is the physical appearance.

What is a Laptop?

A laptop is a portable and compact computer.
It is used as an option for desktops.
Their weight is just around 2-4 kilograms.
Laptops have the same power as that a computer.
The significant difference between laptops and notebooks is laptops are heavier than notebooks.
The display dimension varies as per the model.

What is a Notebook?

Notebooks are termed as their size is similar to that of a notebook.
They have less weight and can be carried easily.
Notebooks are small portable computers.
The difference between notebooks and laptops is that notebooks have lesser hardware functionalities and processing power than a laptop or a desktop.

What is the Difference Between Laptop And Notebook?

Given is the table-wise difference between a laptop and a notebook. Before purchasing any of these, consider the factors they differ in and your requirements.

Laptops	Notebooks
Slightly bigger and heavier than notebooks	Smaller and lighter in the size of a notebook
Has a peripheral option	There is no peripheral option
Includes fans and other cooling systems within	Does not feature a cooling system within as the processing power is far less
Stronger hardware	Hardware is not as strong as laptop
Features an optical or DVD drive	Does not have optical or DVD drive
Display size is larger	Notebooks usually have smaller display
Laptops are more expensive	Notebooks are comparatively cheaper
Processing power is high	Processing power is lesser to laptops

Notebook vs Laptop - Based on Various Factors

There are many differences between laptops and notebooks depending on factors like functionality, cost, and more. Check every criterion and choose a laptop or notebook according to your need (use, budget, convenience, etc.).

Functionality:

Laptops	Notebooks
Laptops have battery life 2-3 times more than notebooks, and weigh upto 5 pounds more.	Notebooks have less battery life than laptops but are lighter in weight.
They are more powerful and portable, useful for school or office tasks.	Notebooks are also portable but less powerful than laptops.
The need of laptops was reduced due to developed of smartphones and tablets.	Notebooks began featuring screens with high-resolution.
Laptops more used by high-end user niche (managers, freelancers, graphic designers).	Notebooks used by school and college students, along with highly-migratory employees.

Cost:

Laptop

Notebook

Low-end laptops can have a price range under ₹39,888.

High-end laptops can surpass ₹79,810, and are utilized for advanced tasks like gaming.

Apple's laptops or macbooks are more costly than laptops.

Notebook are affordable than laptop computers, and their price range is between ₹11,967 and ₹27,923.

Manufacturing Brands:

Laptop

Notebook

Dell

Apple

Acer

Lenovo

Sony

Asus

Toshiba

Microsoft

Samsung

MSI

Apple

Sony

Dell

Samsung

Toshiba

Portability:

Laptop	Notebook
Laptops can be bulky or slim depending upon the brand which manufacturer it.	Notebook laptops are sleeker, and smaller computers.
They can have screen sizes between 10 to 18 inches.	Their screen sizes can be 15-inches or less.

Performance and power:

Laptop	Notebook
Due to high price of laptops, they possess integrated features which have a higher performance power.	Standard notebooks keep features minimal, giving users enough processing power to finish their computing tasks.

Storage space:

Laptop	Notebook
Laptops come with SSD drives, having satisfactory storage capacity. Moreover, expensive laptop models come with more increased storage capacities using HDD disk drives.	Due to the small size of notebooks, it comes with the SSD storage.

Connectivity:

Laptop	Notebook
CD/DVD drive is almost always integrated into a laptop.	It does not come with external CD or DVD ports.
Laptops has more ports (2 to 4 USB ports).	Notebook has fewer ports (1 to 2 USB ports).

Usage:

Laptop	Notebook
Laptops are mainly used for mobility and heavy tasks.	The usage of notebooks along with mobility is documentation and presentations, internet access, and browsing the web.

FAQs on Notebook and Laptop Differences

What are a notebook and a laptop?

A Laptop is a portable and compact computer used as an alternative to desktops. Notebooks are termed as their size is similar to that of a notebook.

What is the difference between a laptop and a notebook?

The primary difference between a laptop and a notebook is that laptops are slightly bigger and heavier, with more potent hardware and processing power than notebooks.

Are a laptop and notebook the same thing?

A laptop is a portable computer usually weighs 4-8 pounds (2 to 4 kilograms). A notebook is a computer that precedes functionality to stay lightweight and slim.

Can I use a notebook as a laptop?

Notebook computers are modern computer types that have a size of a notebook and are quite portable. Notebooks cannot be utilized in place of a desktop as they have fewer hardware functionalities.

Which is better, laptop or netbook?

Laptops are better if users want to perform high-tech tasks as laptops have robust hardware and high processing capacity than a notebook. Though laptops can be a little heavy, they can be more helpful in performing tasks than a notebook cannot do.

What is a notebook used for?

A notebook is a computer having AC-powered computer which can be effortlessly moved and conveniently used anywhere, for example, in airplanes, offices, libraries, and at conferences.