A notebook in its initial phase was called a `laptop` probably because of its portable nature and the ability to be used on the lap. However, with the passage of time, the laptop kept on reducing in size while adding on to the functionality front. This led to the birth of `notebook`, though both the terms are still used interchangeably and are basically the desktop replacement computers.

Notebooks are preferably ultra-light with the slimmest possible profile to match the look and feel of the `Gen Next`. However, on the technical side, they are as useful and productive as the desktop computers. They provide approximately four hours of battery life and also possess a low power consumption processor.

The notebooks also feature integrated modems/network connections and are available with the smallest possible keyboard. There is no internal floppy drive to the notebook and the graphics subsystem is also minimal. The flaw in the notebook is the fact that it supports a maximum of 14`` TFT screen and are quite expensive compared to the desktop PCs.

The notebooks usually win an edge over the traditional computers due to their portability and also the capability to access wireless networking in odd places. However, the huge cost of these sleek laptops that are majorly reflections of their high specifications make them a little out of reach for the commoners.

Also an interesting piece of information here is the fact that the notebooks (more popularly the laptops) are preferably not to be used on the lap. The reason being the presence of the cooling air fan inlet at the bottom of the laptop. It is therefore, suggested to use a board or a tray underneath it while using it on the lap or the knees.

These days most people are of the view that the laptops and notebooks have actually replaced the desktop machines and that the desktop PCs are now obsolete. On the contrary, the truth remains that the desktop computers are still more powerful and durable than any of the notebooks so far. They have a higher storage capacity and are less prone to any kind of component failure.

The notebooks are more limited in their functions and usage. Being small sized machines, they offer lesser space to put components and also get heated up much faster than the desk machines. Another major problem with these fancy machines is their proprietary nature. In simpler words, the components of laptops and notebooks cannot be interchanged easily.

On a more positive front, the fact also states that these days the notebooks are quite well equipped with the VGA-out port and at times even with a DVI-I port for connection to LCD monitors in order to increase the productivity of the machine. Not only these, the HDMI ports for television as well as the FireWire ports for external hard disks and digital video cameras are also quite common.

The latest technology has also given us something called the ultraportable notebooks that offer great performance (though at a huge price!). Their most interesting feature is their ability to swap between functionality and portability according to the situation. Thus, the bottom line remains that the laptop or a notebook should be bought only if the situation demands it. If you desperately need your computer to be mobile, the notebook is the best choice for you!