Difference between a Netbook and a Laptop...

[marshallandcartersmo]

this is for DS almost 11.....

thinking of getting him a laptop for Christmas....he's basically wanting a computer to surf ESPN and various sports websites, and this family of 4 is constantly fighting for the one 3 year old laptop that we have.

Browsing laptops on Walmart's website I see Netbooks.....

what's the difference?

He isn't into online gaming, and not big into picture taking....we may need some software for school projects (powerpoint, word) later as he gets older.

thanks

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

A netbook doesn't have a DVD/CD ROM and generally doesn't have alot of memory.

 

[scrapquitler]

A netbook doesn't have a DVD/CD ROM and generally doesn't have alot of memory.

This, and it's about half the size of a laptop.

 

[amykay9377]

A netbook doesn't have a DVD/CD ROM and generally doesn't have alot of memory.

Correct.

To me, a netbook is a bridge between a smartphone/Ipad and a real laptop. Great for quick surfing or online 'entertainment', but not so good in the real world. If it has no DVD/DVR, he can't even use it as a video player.

I have a 13 year old DD and we debated getting a netbook and decided to get her a full laptop. It was the better idea because now that she's in middle school she needs to do a lot more on it.

Think ahead a few years for your son - schoolwork will get harder, he'll want more computer time, etc. I think it is in your best interest to look for a nice 15.6" laptop for him (WM has several for under $500) that has great memory (so you can put that software on there), a DVD/Blue Ray/whatever, and lots of standard stuff that a Netbook doesn't have.

IMO, Netbooks are not worth it if you want a COMPUTER. If you want a toy, they fill the bill.

 

[NotUrsula]

The really key difference is memory and processing power. Try to use one to run Photoshop and you'll see what I mean.

Now if you have a nice, powerful network server that you can plug it into it won't be that much of an issue, but it really will not do much when it isn't connected to the web. I know executives who use them because they like the portability, but they need to be connected to network servers to be able to run any complex programs on them.

For a kid (especially a boy) the usual big drawback is that they are essentially useless for serious gaming.

Have you considered a desktop? They are much cheaper than comparably-powered laptops, and more durable as well.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

Not even considering processing power, the netbook's screen is so much smaller that he may end up scrolling on screens that aren't meant to scroll. DD finds that very frustrating and begs to use my laptop all the time.

 

[Tiger926]

Another vote against a Netbook.

We have 3 laptops and a desktop, and I bought the Netbook just to use while on vacation - load photos and emails. It's a pain in the backside, as already mentioned, due to know DVD capabilities and slow processor/memory.

It was cheap at only $225.00, which is why I got it, instead of a tablet computer, but they are limited. It barely serves the purpose I bought it for, so not sure it will work well. We are used to fast home computers on a network, so this one is very sluggish, and there isn't even anything in it!

I think a laptop would serve a better purpose for your needs, Tiger

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

Thanks so much, all valid points. Here's to hoping for some Laptop deals on Black Friday

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Big thing is lack of a CD/DVD drive... those can be purchased separately if you have to have one.

My main gripe of the netbook is the smaller keyboard.

 

[Tiger926]

Big thing is lack of a CD/DVD drive... those can be purchased separately if you have to have one.

My main gripe of the netbook is the smaller keyboard.

OMG! How did I forget this. I can't stand the small keyboard. I have long fingers, and it's a nightmare!

Tiger

 

[rszdtrvl]

I have a netbook, and DS got a laptop last year for Christmas.

He prefers the netbook, and will take it to his room before he will take his laptop.

The netbook is about half the size and weight, and does not have any disc drive at all.

I always take the netbook with us on vacation.

If your child does a lot of gaming, I would go with the laptop. Maybe ask him? Kids nowadays are very tech-savvy. I am sure he would know what they both are and have a preference. I wish I would have asked DS prior to getting him a laptop.

 

[mjkacmom]

I have a netbook, and DS got a laptop last year for Christmas.

He prefers the netbook, and will take it to his room before he will take his laptop.

The netbook is about half the size and weight, and does not have any disc drive at all.

I always take the netbook with us on vacation.

If your child does a lot of gaming, I would go with the laptop. Maybe ask him? Kids nowadays are very tech-savvy. I am sure he would know what they both are and have a preference. I wish I would have asked DS prior to getting him a laptop.

Both of my teens have laptops, and steal my netbook every night! If you decide on a laptop, assume you will be buying a new one once he's in HS. With technology evolving at such a fast pace, that laptop could be obsolute.

If he wants to use it for gaming, get the laptop. But for internet surfing, a netbook is fine (and prefered by everyone here). My kids also like to oovoo on my netbook - easier than a laptop.

 

[seashoreCM]

I find that even for internet surfing, a netbook screen, let alone an iPhone screen, is too small and cramped in terms of so many by so many pixels.

 

[dhardawa]

I bought Emily a netbook for her 11th birthday last year. There is a full size laptop wrapped for this year. It was a complete waste of money. It is SOOO slow. Things like updating iTunes requires about 6-8 hours (and we have a cable modem) and just to boot up can take up to 20-30 minutes. Many of her favorite websites wouldn't work right because the screen would cut off real bad. It has been a joke.