Computer Terminology Plz Forum

[Sherwood2014]

For the last five years I have used an HP Laptop, it is now time for a new update. Apparently I missed numerous memos about terminology.

Why are laptops now called notebooks? What the heck is the difference between: Think Pad; Idea Pad; and Laptop. To me, specs are about the same (depending on price). What am I missing here? Finally, does anyone agree that Lenovo is the new flavor of the day (for those who are not Mac fans).

[MachineLemon]

Why are laptops now called notebooks?

Not sure. The important distinction would be between notebooks, desktop replacements, and netbooks. Desktop replacements (not usually marketed by this name) have big screens, big keyboards, and crappy battery life--essentially a laptop you can use for extended periods (plugged in) without getting too cramped. Netbooks are small, battery sipping, note-taking machines--wimpy on computing power, but great portability. Notebooks=somewhere in the middle.

Just find the cheapest thing on Newegg.com with solid reviews. If you spend any more than $600, you are getting ripped off. You may think that getting something expensive will give you greater reliability. Even if that were true, the cloud and ubiquitous wifi make it basically irrelevant. Do everything in Google docs and back-up all your local document files online.

[target]

I used to be a big Newegg fan. I feel like they expand too much that many of their items aren't well priced any more (still pretty competitive though). Their shipping is awesome.

[kalvano]

Just find the cheapest thing on Newegg.com with solid reviews. If you spend any more than $600, you are getting ripped off.

False. Well, not in terms of reliability and such. But you can gain other things such as much lighter weight, better design, better features, etc. But at that point, it's personal preference.

I think the $800-$900 Ultrabooks are the best deal going right now.

[MachineLemon]

Just find the cheapest thing on Newegg.com with solid reviews. If you spend any more than $600, you are getting ripped off.

False. Well, not in terms of reliability and such. But you can gain other things such as much lighter weight, better design, better features, etc. But at that point, it's personal preference.

I think the $800-$900 Ultrabooks are the best deal going right now.

Yeah, I just meant this for a non-techie who says "law school is important, so I don't want to skimp and buy cheap computer." If you want to play blu-rays or video games, that will cost more. However, it seems that these features come at a premium in laptops (i.e. they often cost more than they would in a desktop or standalone device).

[Sherwood2014]

Thanks for the Newegg tip. Will have to compare against the others (including Tiger Direct) over the holidays.