Of course we can’t carry a desktop everywhere we go, so the laptop was introduced to answer our prayers.  As laptops became too bulky and power hungry, notebooks were released. When our desire to fit our computers in our back pockets became too much, netbooks arrived on the scene. But what really are the differences between these three classes? Are they significant? Which is the best for you? Hopefully, the guide below will help you choose which option best fits your lifestyle.

Laptops – As the largest and most powerful of the group, the laptop is slowly replacing the desktop as the standard home computer.

• Approximately 14-17 inch screen.

• Full Sized Keyboard

• 2GB of RAM or more (upgradable)

• Advanced Graphics Card, Nvidia, ATI, etc. (usually 128MB or more)

• Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Modem, Bluetooth.

• Quality Sound Card and Speakers

• Approx. 3 Hour Battery Life

• DVD+/-RW Drive

• Low Energy/High Performing Processor

• Large Hard Drive

Notebooks – The more portable, less powerful, and lighter cousin of the laptop, notebooks offer a good compromise of power and mobility.

• Approximately 12-14 Inch Screen

• Basic (usually integrated) Graphics System

• Approx. 4-5 Hours of Battery Life

• Fewer Ports

• Either No Internal Drive, or a Basic CD/DVD-ROM drive

• Smaller Hard Drive

• About 1GB of RAM

• Smaller, More Compact Keyboard

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

• Energy Saving Processor

Netbooks – The ultimate solution for mobile computing. Netbooks are generally extremely light-weight, small, and energy-efficient. As you can tell by their name, they are best suited for internet users who need to stay connected on the go.

• Approximately 8-10 Inch Screen

• No Internal CD or DVD drive

• Extremely Small Keyboard.

• Lower Performing, But Very Energy-Efficient Processor

• Few Ports

• Most Are Cheaper Then Laptops or Notebooks.

• Sometimes use Solid State Drives (lower capacity, power-saving) instead of Hard Drives

• 1GB or Less of RAM

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

• Extremely Minimal Graphics System

• Weigh around 2-3 pounds

Overall as you can see there are many options and styles today to suit your portable computing needs. If you a serious heavy computer user and want the most powerful version then a Laptop is for you. If you want it all, but can comprimise a little on power & specs then a notebook is your flavor. Lastly, if you just want the ultimate portability and really need a computer solution for basic work, but mainly internet use then a netbook is your winner. Hopefully this  guide was helpful to you in choosing which option best fits your lifestyle. Enjoy and happy computing!

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Silicon Valley is known for its innovating ideas and technologies, and the new startup Always Innovating (located in Menlo Park) does not disappoint. The company hopes to start off with a bang with the release of the Touch Book. Combining the best features of a tablet pc and a netbook, the Touch Book functions as BOTH a netbook and a standalone tablet pc. The company achieved this amazing feat by creating the Touch Book with a detachable keyboard and a 3D touchscreen. Not only did they combine two great technologies, but they added other innovations, such as two batteries, instant-on technology, and internal USB slots.

The Touch Book accomplishes its tasks using an ARM Texas Instruments OMAP3 Processor. This amazing new processor allows you to turn the Touch Book on immediately; no more rebooting! In addition, it delivers ample computing power using only a miniscule amount of energy. Combined with two batteries, the result is an unheard of 10 to 15 hour battery life! The Touch Book also comes with three internal USB drives. This allows you to place your USB devices inside the Touch Book itself.

Along with the boatload of new features listed above, the Touch Book also comes with a 1024×600  8.9″ screen, an 8GB micro SD card for storage (storage is upgradeable), a 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth card, 6 USB ports, and speakers. Even with all of this packed inside, the Touch Book weighs a measly two pounds. In addition, the Touch Book allows you to install nearly any OS you wish; from Google Android to Windows CE (Touch Book OS is installed from the factory).

As we continue to expect more and more from our computers and laptops, companies will constantly be striving for an all-in-one solution.  Always Innovating is definitely on the right path with the Touch Book. With Instant-on technology and an enormous battery life, the Touch Book is always ready for any task you ask of it. Priced at only $299 for the tablet or $399 for the tablet with the keyboard, the Touch Book offers the ultimate in innovation at an extremely low price. The Touch Book will not be available until later the spring, but to pre-order your own limited-edition first batch click here.