When shopping for a portable computer, the terms "notebook" and "laptop" often come up. Many people assume they’re the same, but is there a difference?
In 2025, the line between notebooks and laptops is blurrier than ever. Manufacturers continue to innovate, offering compact devices with powerful performance. Still, there are key distinctions that can help you decide which device suits your needs best.
Let’s break down the difference between notebooks and laptops in today’s market.
A laptop is a full-featured portable computer designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from basic productivity to gaming, design work, and beyond.
Key Features of a Laptop:
Use Case: Best for professionals, creators, gamers, and anyone needing power on the go.
A notebook is a lighter, thinner variant of a laptop—focused on portability and efficiency. It’s perfect for light tasks such as word processing, browsing, and video streaming.
Key Features of a Notebook:
Use Case: Great for students, remote workers, and casual users who prioritise portability over power.
Performance:
Laptops typically offer high performance, making them suitable for multitasking, gaming, and design software. Notebooks, on the other hand, are more modest in power and are best for basic tasks like web browsing, emailing, and document editing.
Portability:
Laptops are moderately portable, generally weighing between 1.5kg and 2.5kg. Notebooks are designed with portability in mind, usually weighing between 1kg and 1.5kg.
Battery Life:
Laptops tend to offer around 6 to 10 hours of battery life depending on the model and usage. Notebooks are often more energy-efficient, delivering between 10 to 18 hours of usage on a single charge.
Screen Size:
Laptop screens typically range from 13 inches to 17 inches or more. Notebooks usually feature smaller screens, ranging from 11 to 14 inches.
Graphics:
Laptops may include either integrated or dedicated graphics cards, which are useful for graphic-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming. Notebooks only come with integrated graphics, which are suitable for light everyday use.
Connectivity:
Laptops provide a wider range of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card slots. Notebooks tend to have fewer connectivity options, often limited to USB-C and a headphone jack.
Yes—very much so. With the rise of remote working, student learning, and cloud-based applications, notebooks are more popular than ever. Devices like the Microsoft Surface Go, Lenovo IdeaPad, and HP Stream offer budget-friendly options with sleek designs and solid battery life.
However, for users running software like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or advanced data tools, a more powerful laptop remains the better choice.
Here are some of the best-rated notebooks and laptops this year:
Top Laptops (Performance-Focused):
Top Notebooks (Portable & Affordable):
Ask yourself:
Both options have evolved significantly in 2025, so it ultimately comes down to your budget, workload, and mobility needs.
At Laptop Rental, we provide a wide range of laptop hire solutions for corporate events, exhibitions, training sessions, and more.
Get in touch today for a free quote or expert advice on choosing the right device for your next event or project.
