Netbook vs. Notebook vs. Ultrabook vs. Laptop vs. Palmtop: Explained

The Evolution of Computing Device Sizes

Historically, the selection of computing devices was limited to either large desktop computers or relatively bulky laptops. However, advancements in technology and competitive market pressures have led to a proliferation of device sizes.

A Spectrum of Options

Continuous miniaturization, coupled with manufacturers’ desires to stand out, has resulted in a diverse range of form factors. Each size category now carries its own distinct designation.

Let's explore the key distinctions between these various device types.

Understanding Device Categories

The market now features several distinct categories of portable computing devices, each designed to cater to specific user needs and preferences.

Laptops

Laptops remain a popular choice, offering a balance between portability and functionality. They typically feature a clamshell design with an integrated screen and keyboard.

Netbooks (Largely Discontinued)

Netbooks were smaller and more affordable laptops, primarily intended for basic tasks like web browsing and email. Their prevalence has significantly decreased in recent years.

Tablets

Tablets are highly portable devices with touchscreen interfaces. They excel at media consumption, reading, and light productivity tasks.

Smartphones

Smartphones represent the smallest category, combining mobile phone functionality with advanced computing capabilities. They are ideal for on-the-go communication and quick access to information.

Phablets

A phablet is a hybrid device, bridging the gap between smartphones and tablets. They offer larger screens than smartphones, enhancing media viewing and productivity.

2-in-1 Laptops

2-in-1 laptops provide versatility, functioning as both a traditional laptop and a tablet. They often feature detachable keyboards or 360-degree hinges.

Key Considerations When Choosing

Selecting the right device size depends on individual requirements and usage scenarios.

• Portability: Consider how frequently you'll be transporting the device.
• Screen Size: Evaluate the importance of screen real estate for tasks like video editing or graphic design.
• Performance: Match the device's processing power to your intended applications.
• Budget: Device sizes often correlate with price points.

Ultimately, the optimal choice is the one that best aligns with your specific needs and priorities.

Categorizing Computer Sizes

A general classification of these computer types can be established based on their physical dimensions, ranging from the most compact to the largest.

The following order represents a typical size progression:

1. Palmtop
2. Netbook
3. Ultrabook
4. Notebook
5. Laptop

While screensize can vary within each category – an ultrabook might have a larger display than a notebook – this ranking primarily reflects portability.

Notebooks, for instance, tend to be bulkier and weigh more than ultrabooks, despite potentially having a smaller screen.

Now, let's examine specific examples of each type and their key attributes.

A common feature uniting all these devices is the clamshell form factor; they all possess a screen integrated into a lid that opens and closes in a similar manner.

This discussion will focus exclusively on these clamshell designs, excluding tablets and touchscreen-based mobile devices.

Understanding the Hierarchy

The categorization isn't always strict, as overlap exists between categories.

However, it provides a useful framework for understanding the relative size and portability of different computer types.

Consider that advancements in technology continually blur the lines between these classifications.

Palmtops

Palmtops represented the most compact devices capable of delivering a complete computing experience. The majority of these units operated using a specialized, energy-efficient iteration of Windows CE.

However, subsequent models emerged with the capability to run the full version of Windows XP.

The rise of smartphones ultimately led to the obsolescence of the palmtop computer, making them largely unavailable for purchase today. (Although some may still be found in secondhand stores, particularly in Japan.)

Key Features

These devices typically featured screen sizes ranging from approximately 6–7 inches.

(Image: the HP–760LX)

Netbooks

Prior to the introduction of the iPad, netbooks enjoyed considerable popularity. These devices typically featured screen sizes ranging from approximately 9 to 10 inches.

They offered a genuinely portable, fully functional computing experience, distinguished by a physical keyboard – allowing for tactile button presses rather than solely relying on touch input.

While not ideally suited for everyday, demanding tasks, netbooks operate on Windows. This capability enables compatibility with familiar desktop applications, a feature not consistently available on tablets or smartphones.

Demand for netbooks has decreased in recent years. However, they remain available for purchase, generally priced between $200 and $500.

They are adequate for standard computing needs, but resource-intensive activities such as gaming or professional-grade tasks like Photoshop or video editing are beyond their capabilities. (Pictured: the Asus EEE-pc)

Ultrabooks

A new category of devices has emerged: the ultrabook. These are essentially highly portable notebooks, generally characterized by a weight of under 1.5kg and a remarkably slim design.

The term "ultrabook" was coined by personal computer manufacturers as a direct reaction to the introduction of the Apple Macbook Air, widely considered the pioneering example of this type of device.

Despite their slender form factor – often less than 2cm in thickness – ultrabooks frequently offer screen sizes comparable to traditional notebooks, ranging from 11 to 15 inches.

A key feature of most ultrabooks is the inclusion of solid-state drives (SSDs). These drives provide silent operation, reduced weight, and significantly faster performance compared to conventional hard disk drives (HDDs).

This results in a near-instantaneous boot-up experience, eliminating the delays associated with HDDs. However, SSDs typically command a higher price per gigabyte than HDDs.

Consequently, an ultrabook might commonly feature 128gb of storage capacity. It’s also typical for ultrabooks to lack a built-in DVD drive, a factor to consider if optical media playback is a requirement.

Performance and Cost

Ultrabooks are well-suited for a broad range of computing tasks, including light gaming. However, they may encounter limitations when running graphically demanding, high-end 3D games.

The price range for ultrabooks generally falls between approximately $700 and $1500.

(Image: Macbook Air)

• Portability: Designed for easy transport.
• Speed: SSDs offer rapid performance.
• Size: Typically between 11 and 15 inches.

These features make them ideal for users prioritizing mobility and responsiveness.

Notebooks and Laptops

Traditionally, laptops were somewhat larger in size, conceived as portable alternatives to desktop computers that could still be comfortably used on one’s lap. Notebooks, conversely, were characterized by their smaller dimensions—easily transportable and comparable in size to a paper notebook.

However, in contemporary usage, the distinction between these terms has largely dissolved. Manufacturers frequently employ “notebook” and “laptop” interchangeably, with the term “laptop” itself becoming less common.

The designation “notebook” now serves as a broad categorization. Essentially, any portable computer that doesn't fall into a more specific category is considered a notebook.

Consequently, establishing definitive price ranges proves challenging; premium notebooks can reach prices upwards of $4000.

Screen sizes typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with 15" representing the most prevalent size.

Certain notebooks are equipped with high-performance graphics cards suitable for 3D gaming, although this feature isn’t universally included.

Generally, notebooks incorporate DVD drives and substantial hard disk capacities; lacking these features would often lead to their classification as ultra-books.

(Pictured: a high-end Alienware notebook, representing a machine with exceptional processing power)

Hopefully, this clarifies the key differences between these computer types.

If you are planning to purchase a portable computer, we recommend downloading our complimentary 2012 notebook buyer’s guide.

For further exploration of computing topics, please refer to the complete MakeUseOf Explains series.