Need to know differences between items

1st of all, I'm 74 and have been using a computer since '92. I have a desktop and a refurbished IBM Think Pad. Looking to get a new laptop but I can't figure out what is the difference between a laptop, notebook, netbook, and a think pad. They all look the same to me. I also don't know what mi-fi means - I understand wi-fi.

What I'm looking for is a computer that I can take with me and use at some of the Wi-Fi hotspots.

 

Thank you, thank you. You are the only one who ever explained it so that I could understand. I didn't want any tech jargon.

I will take into consideration your recommendation about the netbook. Sounds like what I'm looking for and I really do appreciate you taking the time to find out about Mi-Fi. Seems like everytime I turn around, they are adding more terminology that I have trouble keeping up with and don't even get me started on acronyms - GRRRR~

Again, thank you so much for your help.

 

I always advise customers to think about the "what" are "where" aspects of use before deciding between a netbook (10"-12") and notebook (14"-17") PC.

What will you be using it for? While either are fine for checking e-mail or going online, a larger notebook PC is a better choice if...

* Your vision is less than perfect. A 15.6" screen is actually about three times the size of a 10" screen when calculated as square inches of viewable area. As someone who is blind as a bat without my glasses on, the notebook size screen rules.

* You prefer typing on a larger keyboard.

* You plan on playing CDs or DVDs on it. No offense to plodr; however I prefer having the disc player built-in (one less thing to hook up or accidentally leave behind).

* You'll be using it as your primary PC. Although netbook processors have become faster, you'll see better speed (even on mundane apps such as MS-Word) on a notebook PC with a decent dual-core processor. The typical netbook customer buys one as a secondary, "on-the-go" PC in addition to a much more powerful desktop or notebook they already own.

As for "where", how often will you be traveling with it? If the answer is rarely, keep in mind there is only about a 5 pound difference between a small netbook and a 14"-15" notebook. In either case, it's a good idea to buy a decently padded carrying case to protect it when carrying it outside of the home.

Hope this helps.

 

Hi All,

As an 83 year old with only one almost good eye I have to agree 100% with what Plodr and Gman have said about display size.

Luck, Jim

 

Gman863 - are you saying that the 14"-15" notebook weighs 5lbs more than the netbook? That would make the notebook would weigh in at around 9-10 lbs?

I am looking to have a b/i cd/dvd player. Not sure if I want to carry around something that weighs 10 lbs though.

 

That's not correct. The difference in weight is usually closer to 3 pounds. Since networks may weigh only about 3 pounds, such as the one shown at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220769, and many laptops/notebooks weigh 5.5 - 6 pounds, the difference, again, is closer to 3 pounds, even less in some cases.