Laptop or Netbook? How to Make a Choice Between the Two

Should you purchase a full-sized laptop or netbook? This is a decision that many people struggle with. Some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration when making this choice include operating system, expandability, productivity, price, the risk of repetitive strain injury, among others.

Advantages of a Netbook

1. Price – The LCD screen is the most expensive component of a laptop. Since netbook screens are much smaller, netbooks are always less costly than laptops. Netbooks are also cheaper because they have less powerful processors, smaller disk drives and less memory.

2. Portability – Netbooks are lighter than laptops and are therefore easier to carry around at home, at school, at work or in the field. Most are similar in shape and size to a small book, which makes them suitable for people who carry many other things or prefer to travel light.

3. Cool – Most modern laptops can get very hot. Since netbooks have solid-state storage and less powerful processors, they are able to maintain a low temperature and can therefore be used on the lap comfortably.

4. Attractive – Computer manufacturers have realized that people are not just concerned about features, but also the appearance of their devices. Nowadays, netbooks come with custom cases which can be used to customize their appearance.

5. Durable – Compared to laptops, netbooks are better able to survive accidental falls. The low price and sturdiness of netbooks makes them the perfect choice of a mobile computer for teenagers and young children.

Advantages of a Laptop

1. Productivity – A laptop allows you to carry out most of the tasks which can be done on a normal desktop computer. The screen size and processing power of laptops are sufficient for supporting almost any work you would want to do. On the contrary, netbooks have a limited capacity.

2. Accessories – Laptops come with useful components which cannot fit into small netbooks. For instance, laptops come with in-built DVD drives which can be useful for watching movies or installing software in the computer.

3. Less risk of RSI – Repetitive strain injury has become a common problem with many people who use the computer for long periods. If left unchecked, RSI can have long term health effects. One of the main contributors to RSI is typing on small keyboards. Since laptops are usually larger than netbooks, laptop users are less vulnerable to RSI than users of netbooks.

4. Expandability – Most laptops can be upgraded with larger disk drives and extra computer memory (RAM). Others will even allow you to upgrade the wireless card or the processor. Netbook owners are not able to enjoy the privilege of expandability.

5. Higher-quality components – Compared to the typical netbook, the laptop is made up of components which are of a higher quality. Laptop keyboards, screens and touchpads usually enjoy a longer life than their netbook counterparts.

So how do you decide between buying a laptop or a netbook? The following are some of the questions to ask yourself:

• How much typing will you be doing? If you will be typing a lot, you should probably go for a laptop. However, if your hands are tiny, a netbook will do.
• Will you be using the device in an environment where it could get destroyed? Then it might be advisable to buy a cheap netbook.
• Do I need a large screen space or a fast processor? By all means, get a full-size laptop
• Will you be playing video games? Then a laptop is ideal since games usually require fast processors and large screens.

Charles is a professional blogger who usually writes about web-based technologies. He is currently promoting a hp home and office coupon and coupons for skin it. He also contributes to other blogs like Technically Easy.

About Charles Mburugu

Charles Mburugu is a professional content developer and an entrepreneur. He often writes about real estate, finance, business start-ups and internet marketing.