Netbook and Notebook sound similar, but there is a huge difference between them. Most of the people don’t understand the difference between the two and get confused. You too might have faced the same confusion while purchasing when the salesman would have asked you whether you want a notebook or netbook.

Netbook versus Notebook

Calling a netbook, a mini-computer is not wrong. If you look at the market, you will find netbook is always less expensive than notebook. The reason for this less price is its small size, small memory, and small hard disk.

Generally, the screen size of the netbook is 8-10 inches whereas the screen size of notebook is 12-17 inches. A netbook weighs around 1 to1.5 kg whereas a notebook weighs around 2.50 to 4 kg. If one talks about charging, then netbook require less charging than notebook which makes it more popular.

Mobile Connectivity

Netbooks have been designed with respect to the computer needs of the user. Basically, netbooks are designed for people who want to access internet while being in cafeteria, airplane, car, or in any corner of the world. Latest netbooks available in the markets are coming with features like 3G modem, wi-fi, and Bluetooth. You can also access internet through USB modem. Most of the companies are offering free internet packages to their customers to attract them. Most of the netbook also feature inbuilt web cam facility.

Multimedia Display and Hard Disk

However, netbooks are much better than notebooks for browsing purpose, but for watching videos and for playing heavy games netbooks lag behind notebooks. Due to less RAM only basic graphic card is installed in netbooks which makes them unsuitable for watching good quality video. Lack of optical drive in netbooks make them deficient in watching high definition (HD) movies. Generally, there is 80-160 GB of hard disk in a netbook whereas hard disk of a notebook is of 250-500 GB.

Applications

There is no multi-tasking facility in netbooks as compared to notebooks. You cannot open multiple applications in your desktop at a time in a netbook which can be easily done in a notebook. There are limited applications in a netbook because most of the applications are pre-loaded.

Operating and Processing

Netbooks make use of slow processors like Intel Atom; on the other hand notebooks use heavy processors like Intel core 2 duo or dual core. Leaving some high-end netbooks, most of the netbooks come with 1 GB RAM whereas notebooks come with 2-3 GB RAM.

A user can buy a netbook or a notebook according to his requirement.