The primary advantage to a netbook is portability and price. They are very
light weight, have a comparatively long battery life, and are comparatively
inexpensive.
The disadvantage to a netbook is the keyboard is smaller and more cramped,
the screen is small which may matter if you have low vision, there is no
CD/DVD drive built in, and because of the small keyboard, some keys have
double purposes. They also have anemic speakers.
Best use for a netbook is for travel, net browsing, email, social
networking, and playing web based media content. It is not as convenient if
you have to do a lot of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other
professional office based work.
You can overcome some of the shortcomings by purchasing an outboard CD/DVD
drive, external speakers, or other outboard peripheral devices.
I have an Acer netbook, and I absolutely love it for personal use, but find
it a bit tedious to use for business.
The main advantage of a laptop or notebook computer is speed and power. They
can run office apps easily and can substitute for your primary workstation.
Some of them have large screens which may be good for low vision use. They
sometimes, but not always, have decent speakers.
The disadvantage is they are comparatively heavy, have comparatively short
battery life, and are generally more expensive.
Best use is for occasional travel or moving your office work around the
house. They are faster than a netbook. They also produce more heat. They are
good for doing professional work using office applications.
They are not well suited for lots of travel because of the weight, and
because of the short battery life, aren't good for extended use on a long
plane ride.
I have owned and used several laptops, and they are great for being portable
around the house, or substituting for a more convenient desk top
workstation. However, for personal browsing, email, chatting, and other
social activities, I think a netbook is a lot more fun and portable.
HTH
Bill
-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Leslie Fairall
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 3:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VICUG-L] laptop vs. netbook
Hi everyone:
I am trying to decide whether I should purchase a laptop or netbook
computer. However, I'd like those of you more knowledgeable than me to
discuss the differences. From my understanding, a netbook doesn't have a CD
slot and may have less memory than a laptop. Any information or insight you
can give on this issue would be great. Thanks.
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