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Looking to purchase a new laptop? While laptops are the go-to option for those looking for a portable computer, your options don’t end there. There are also notebooks and ultrabooks, and both offer a different set of specs for you to consider.
Ultrabooks
Portability
Very lightweight and compact
Slim and lightweight
Portable, but often bulkier and heavier
Functionality
Basic browsing and media tasks
Moderate power, handles variety of tasks
Wide range of functionalities, gaming to productivity
Generally affordable, under $500
Typically starts around $1,000
Varies significantly from $300 to $2,000+
Battery Life
Typically moderate, 6-8 hours
Excellent, often 8-16 hours
Varies, 5-12 hours depending on usage
Software Compatibility
Limited to basic apps and software
Handles most productivity software
Capable of running resource-intensive software, including games and professional tools
Students and seniors
People who value portability, long battery life
Those who require a versatile, capable machine
Notebooks: The Most Compact
While some people use the terms “laptop” and “notebook” interchangeably, they’re actually different devices. Notebooks usually have a screen size of under 15 inches, are light, and can support basic computing tasks. When they launched, they were pretty similar to netbooks, compact devices that just about allowed users to browse the web and check their email. Unlike tablets, both notebooks and netbooks featured a physical keyboard, which made them suitable for tasks that required a lot of typing.
However, due to the size and considerable power restraints, netbooks stopped being produced around 2013, while notebooks continued to evolve. Over time, with technological advancements, the lines between notebooks and laptops have become even more blurred. Today’s notebooks frequently feature more powerful processors and larger screens, not too different from traditional laptops.
Other devices also blur the lines between notebooks and portable computers. Chromebooks fit into the notebook category (as lightweight devices designed for basic computing), while others are known as “lightweight laptops.” Discerning between options can take some figuring out!
Features of Notebooks
When to Consider Buying a Notebook
The only reason to purchase a notebook is if you need an affordable and light device for basic computing tasks. These devices are especially well suited to seniors and students who need a simple computer for browsing, usingnote-taking apps, or email composing. You might also consider a smaller notebook as a secondary device when traveling.
Ultrabooks: More Power in a Compact Package
More powerful than notebooks, ultrabooks (a term coined by Intel) are slim and lightweight devices that don’t compromise too much in terms of performance or battery life. So, while they offer the portability of notebooks, they perform more like traditional laptops.
Features of Ultrabooks
When to Consider Buying an Ultrabook
An ultrabook is a good option if you need a capable device while on the go. Many ultrabook lines are designed for frequent travelers, businesspeople, and other professionals who need a tough device with a long battery life. The only caveat is that you may have to pay a premium for the features and compact design.
Laptops: Versatile and Powerful
Laptops are usually bigger, at least compared to notebooks, and more versatile, given that various models cater to different needs and preferences. For instance, if you’re a gamer, you might prefer theASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop. Alternatively, if you need a capable laptop that strikes a balance between design and powerful performance, you could choose aMacBook Air.
Features of Laptops
When to Consider Buying a Laptop
Laptops are the best choice if you want a powerful, capable machine that can handle a variety of tasks. As laptops cover the majority of other portable computing devices, they have a vast range of potential uses. For example, you can use a laptop for video editing, programming, game development, music creation, web development, writing articles… it really is an endless list.
What Portable Computer Should You Buy?
Your choice between a notebook, ultrabook, or laptop depends on your needs and budget.
And that final point is often the most important one: how much you’re going to spend really informs what type of laptop you’ll end up with!
