Classification

The general terms "laptop" or "notebook" can be used to refer to a number of classes of small portable computers:

By use and by the screen size

* Desktop replacement – emphasizes performance, is less portable, 15" and larger screen;
* Standard laptop – balances portability and features, 13-15" screen;
* Subnotebook – emphasizes portability, has fewer features, 12" or smaller screen.



By features:

* Budget – a cheap, lower-performance standard-sized laptop;
* Tablet PC – Has a touch-screen interface, may or may not have a keyboard;
* Netbook – A budget subnotebook suited to Internet surfing and basic office applications. Usually has a 9" or 10" screen.
* Gaming laptop - A larger laptop with a powerful graphics card for playing graphics-intensive computer games.

* Rugged – Engineered to operate in tough conditions (strong vibrations, extreme temperatures, wet and dusty environments).

 Desktop replacement
Dell XPS M140 Laptop.
Main article: Desktop replacement computer

A desktop replacement computer is a laptop that provides most of the capabilities of a desktop computer, with a similar level of performance. Desktop replacements are usually larger and heavier than standard laptops. They contain more powerful components and have a 15" or larger display. Because of their bulk, they are not as portable as other laptops and their operation time on batteries is typically shorter; instead, they are meant to be used as a more compact, easier to carry alternative to a desktop computer.[

Some laptops in this class use a limited range of desktop components to provide better performance for the same price at the expense of battery life; in a few of those models, there is no battery at all and the laptop can only be used when plugged in. These are sometimes called desknotes, a portmanteau of the words "desktop" and "notebook," though the term can also be applied to desktop replacement computers in general.

In the early 2000s, desktops were more powerful, easier to upgrade, and much cheaper in comparison with laptops. But in the last few years, the advantages have drastically changed or shrunk since the performance of laptops has markedly increased.In the second half of 2008, laptops have finally outsold desktops for the first time ever. In the U.S., the PC shipment declined 10 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008. In Asia, the worst PC shipment growth went up 1.8 percent over the same quarter the previous year since PC statistics research started.

The names "Media Center Laptops" and "Gaming Laptops" are also used to describe specialized members of this class of notebooks.
[edit] Subnotebook
Sony VAIO P series subnotebook.
Main article: Subnotebook

A subnotebook, also called an ultraportable by some vendors, is a laptop designed and marketed with an emphasis on portability (small size, low weight and longer battery life) that retains the performance of a standard notebook.] Subnotebooks are usually smaller and lighter than standard laptops, weighing between 0.8 and 2 kg (2 to 5 pounds);[10] the battery life can exceed 10 hours[16] when a large battery or an additional battery pack is installed.

To achieve the size and weight reductions, ultraportables use high resolution 13" and smaller screens (down to 6.4"), have relatively few ports, employ expensive components designed for minimal size and best power efficiency, and utilize advanced materials and construction methods. Some subnotebooks achieve a further portability improvement by omitting an optical/removable media drive; in this case they may be paired with a docking station that contains the drive and optionally more ports or an additional battery.

The term "subnotebook" is usually reserved to laptops that run general-purpose desktop operating systems such as Windows, Linux or Mac OS X, rather than specialized software such as Windows CE, Palm OS or Internet Tablet OS.
 Netbook
An Sony VAIO W series netbook.