| Thanks to new technology, today's mobile computers | | | | computers. Netbooks also aren't good for |
| are lighter and more powerful than ever. Users can | | | | performance intensive editing tasks like video or |
| type reports, create multimedia presentations, watch | | | | photo editing. Again, laptop computers, with their |
| videos and surf the Internet from the back of a taxi | | | | greater memory, are more suited to this task. |
| or in a crowded airport waiting room. And they can | | | | Remember, too, that most netbooks don't boast CD |
| do all of this with netbook or laptop computers. | | | | drives. This helps make them so lightweight. But |
| Before buying a new mobile computer, consumers | | | | mobile computer users who want to watch a DVD |
| should make sure to learn about the differences | | | | while waiting for their next flight will have to go with |
| between laptops and netbooks. | | | | a laptop to do this. That's because laptops generally |
| These two computer types, after all, are designed | | | | do come with their own DVD drives. |
| for very different users. You want to make sure | | | | Mobile computer users who expect their applications |
| before buying either a laptop or a netbook that you | | | | to run quickly and smoothly, might want to invest in |
| purchase the mobile computer that is right for you | | | | a more expensive laptop rather than a netbook. |
| and your computing needs. The good news is that | | | | Remember, netbooks are priced cheaply. This means |
| manufacturers are constantly improving the | | | | that they don't operate quite as quickly as standard |
| performance of both netbooks and laptops, so you'll | | | | laptops. Again, these inexpensive and lightweight |
| always have plenty of good machines from which to | | | | computers are meant to take on the most basic of |
| choose. | | | | computing jobs. More advanced computing is best |
| Netbooks are usually more affordable than laptop | | | | left to laptops and their larger amounts of memory. |
| computers. In fact, it's possible to find a perfectly | | | | Finally, most netbooks come with smaller keyboards |
| acceptable netbook that costs in the neighborhood | | | | and screens. Computer users familiar only with |
| of $200. Laptop computers, though, will usually cost | | | | standard-size keyboards may struggle a bit when |
| $400 or more, depending on their quality and power. | | | | typing e-mail messages, term papers or reports. |
| Netbooks are also lighter than most laptops. Their | | | | Laptop computers, though, often come with |
| lightweight nature coupled with their lower selling | | | | standard-size keyboards. In fact, many |
| points, are the two main benefits of netbooks. Mobile | | | | manufacturers tout their laptop's larger keyboards as |
| professionals and students, for example, often use | | | | a key selling point. |
| netbooks as secondary computers. They bring them | | | | When it comes to aesthetics, there is very little |
| to their classes or meetings, and then transfer their | | | | difference between today's laptops and netbooks. In |
| notes and data onto their primary computer systems. | | | | fact, despite their lower price tags, many netbooks |
| Most netbooks today are more than powerful | | | | are extremely hip and stylish. Netbooks often come |
| enough to handle basic computing chores. Users can | | | | in a range of bright colors, for instance. And their thin |
| surf the Internet, send and receive e-mail messages | | | | bodies are usually quite attractive. |
| and do most word-processing chores efficiently on | | | | Both laptops and netbooks come with their own |
| netbooks. However, those users who need more | | | | selling points. To make the right decision on which |
| processing power should usually consider laptops as | | | | type of computer is best for you, take a long look |
| they provide a better performance. | | | | at your mobile computing needs. Understanding the |
| Most netbooks, for instance, can't play today's more | | | | differences between laptops and netbooks will help |
| intense, graphics-rich computer games. Gamers usually | | | | you determine which makes the most sense for you. |
| invest in a higher-end laptop or desktop personal | | | | |