Laptop? Notebook?

[David Prahl]

When did "laptops" become "notebooks?"

Why? Just because it sounds smaller?? :?

[bdeli]

Got this from here (http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Q_10561781.html):

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Originally the difference was that the notebook was smaller and lighter than a laptop (in most instances) and the term was intended to set them apart from the laptops

For the most part the terms are interchangable these days as they are both small, battery powered portable computers.

By the way, in years past "portable computer" used to refer to a computer that was all built into a single unit that could close up and be easily carried but required AC power. (also know as trans-portable)
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