Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 4.2
Notebook PC
Courtesy of Dell, Inc.
Netbook, Mini, or Subnotebook
These are smaller versions of a notebook PC, with
screens ranging from about 9” to 11” in diagonal. Because of its smaller size and lighter
weight, a netbook may be less powerful and fast in completing tasks, and it may have
a smaller keyboard that is less comfortable on which to type. Other than that, though,
netbooks usually perform all the same tasks as a desktop or notebook. A netbook may be
appropriate for someone who is on the go constantly, doesn't want to carry a computer that
is very heavy, and doesn't mind trading a little usability for that freedom.
Tablet
There are two types of tablet PCs. The bigger, older type looks a lot like a notebook
PC, but the screen rotates so that it's visible when the notebook is closed. You can use a
stylus on the screen to “write” and interact with the operating system (see Figure 4.3).
The other type has no keyboard and is basically a touch-sensitive LCD screen with a small
computer behind it. (The Motorola Xoom, shown in Figure 4.4, and the Apple iPad are
examples of this type of tablet computer.) Tablets are suitable for people who, like netbook
users, are constantly on the go, but who spend more time viewing data on the computer than
entering it. For example, a typical user of one of the newer tablets may spend a lot of time
reading online magazines or surfi ng the Internet.
FIGURE 4.3
Tablet PC that converts from a notebook PC
