Last computer question (promise). RE: Netbook vs laptop

[DreaminDisney]

I decided to get DS (12 1/2) a computer for Christmas. What is difference between laptop and netbook and which would you recommend?

 

[DVCLiz]

I decided to get DS 12 1/2 a computer for Christmas. What is difference between laptop and netbook and which would you recommend?

I have a traditional laptop - a Dell - and a netbook - a Lenovo.

The laptop has plenty of memory, a drive so I can play a DVD or use a CD. The netbook is smaller capacity and doesn't have the drive - although I also have an external drive so I can use that if I need to install something via CD or play a movie on my netbook.

The laptop is heavier and obviously more expensive. I think I paid about $1800 for it two years ago. The netbook was $400 and is much lighter and smaller. I think the laptop screen is 15 or 16 inches, the netbook about 10.

Both have wireless capability so I can web surf anywhere in my house, and both can pick up free wifi spots on vacation, at Panera, etc. Both have builtin webcams so I can Skype.

The netbook doesn't have Word so I would have to install extra software if I wanted to use it for my document work. The laptop came with a software package preinstalled.

I guess the question I'd ask is how much memory he needs and how much schoolwork he's going to do. If he wants a big iTunes library and needs the computer to do all his written schoolwork, I'd probably go for a laptop. If he just wants to be on the web, check email, and do some light word processing stuff, then a netbook probably would be fine, especially since he's not yet in high school.

 

[shortbun]

Because our son wanted to be able to game, we got a laptop with loads of memory. My husband has a netbook for his business.

 

[jsmith]

Netbook is just that-designed for surfing the net and email-if he needs to do school work or anything requireing external drives or such he will need a laptop.

 

[DreaminDisney]

Ok Thanks for your replies. Just want I needed to know and I'll be getting a laptop for him.

 

[NY Disney fan]

A netbook is HORRIBLE for typing or doing real work (like writing papers). The keyboard is so small your fingers could barely type on it. A netbook is just a big, clunky version of a blackberry. Would you write a research paper on a blackberry? I recommend a laptop.