Laptop and notebook computers are the kind that you can carry around with you in a briefcase or appropriately named laptop bag.

Generally I would consider a notebook computer to be a little smaller than a laptop computer, with a laptop being one of the bigger kind. This is very general, but there is not too much consensus on the naming. I like to call them all notebooks, so I’ll do that from here on down.

Notebook computers serve a variety of purposes depending on their size, which usually also relates to how much computing power they have. The size of smaller notebooks often means that they are less powerful as smaller components are more expensive to produce. The size of bigger models allows less specialized equipment to be used, for example, desktop models that are just adjusted a little to reduce power consumption, this allows higher powered components to be used.

The choice of notebook comes down to one basic question: What are you going to use it for? Although there are many answers, and the broader the answer the harder the question is to answer, that is the gist of it.

A notebook for business purposes, mostly for on the move, will need to be small, probably not too powerful as mostly business applications and applications for organizing the stuff will be the most of what’s used. Wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, perhaps even 3.5G or Wimax capabilities will be necessary. Size will be of primary concern.

A notebook that’s used mostly at home can afford to be much bigger. The variety of applications will require a faster processor and more memory. A bigger screen will make extended use more bearable. A DVD drive or DVD burner would be a good extra for saving movies.

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