The laptop notebook computer is one of the greatest technological advances to come along. And you will probably find it difficult to eschew the computer if you live if the modern world, unless you are Amish. The desktop computer was a wonderful invention, but the laptop notebook computer is gaining a powerful momentum that is hard to ignore.

While people have come to use the terms laptop and notebook interchangeably to describe the portable computing devices that business owners and stay-at-home moms alike carry around, there are a few differences between the two.

A laptop computer is a portable computer that is small enough to fit comfortably in the user’s lap. They are a bit larger than their counterparts – the notebook computer. Laptop computers are normally larger to include such features as built in or removable CD ROM drives.

Most standard laptops will feature a 14 inch to 17 inch screen, a full featured keyboard, 2+ hour battery life, integrated audio system, mid to high level graphics cards, integrated modem and WiFi capabilities, and a built in or removable optical drive. Laptops offer the ability to be upgraded to some extent also.

A notebook computer is designed to be ultra-portable and ultra-lightweight. Therefore, it includes the minimal amount of features necessary to provide the greatest degree of mobility. Standard notebook computers feature 4+ hours battery life, minimal graphics system, no internal optical drive, 12 to 14 inch screen, integrated modem and network capabilities, and the smallest possible keyboard. It is also normally thinner than a traditional laptop computer.

With technology improving at such a rapid pace, though, it is now possible to include much more computing power into a smaller space. This may be one of the reasons that the line has become blurred between the laptop and notebook computers. Now, both of these mobile computing devices have simply become known as the laptop notebook.

And since the differences are so slight, there really is no harm in putting the two into the same category. Most people do not care enough to recognize the difference in the terminology anyway. They just know that they want their laptop notebook along for the ride.

These days we simply can’t live without our computers. Regardless of what your occupation currently is, you probably have a computer sitting in your home or office, or both. Not just that, I would venture to guess that the majority of people buying computers today are opting for the laptop computer. When you consider it’s portability and capabilities (they can perform all the same functions as the desktop), I wouldn’t be surprised if the laptop is the only option available soon. For those pursuing an online degree, the laptop allows any student to work from anywhere.

It wasn’t long ago that we all had the desktops. However, now it’s hard to remember how we got along without the portability. Today’s laptop computers can get all of the same tasks done, but without the hassle of being restricted to one specific area.

And with the advancement of wireless internet connections, we can bring the internet wherever our laptop goes. I love the ability of being wireless and venturing to any part of my home with my laptop notebook computer in hand. Even better, I can run down to the local Panera Bread Company, grab a cup of coffee and study and surf the net as long as I desire. Course assignments can be completed in any location, when I have the research I need (from the internet) and the program (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) necessary to complete the task.

More and more businesses are offering Internet access to their patrons. This is a great way to get people in your doors. Simply offer a comfortable venue for customers to work online or to research for that big term paper, and watch them flood in through your doors with EBooks in hand!

Another advantage of the new line of laptop computers is the DVD option. I didn’t think about this much at first when I purchased my Mac Ibook, but the first time my family and I went on a road trip, the advantage became clear. A long trip in the car doesn’t seem nearly as daunting when you can escape into your favorite movie playing on a computer that provides equal or better picture/sound quality than your TV. For students pursuing their degrees online, many courses and professors are choosing to incorporate different forms of media to teach the material including DVDs, movie clips and sound clips. A laptop with this function is a must-have for savvy internet students.

The laptop notebook computer is a clear example of where our future is headed. We crave freedom (after all, you have chosen a more versatile way to earn a college degree by studying online, at your own pace, not stuck in a classroom). If you haven’t conformed to a simpler way of life yet, then just hop online and you will see a number of options ready to assist you in the purchase of your first laptop notebook computer. You won’t be sorry!