In today’s fast-paced digital world, laptop computers and notebooks have become essential for both personal and professional use. Whether you're working remotely, gaming, studying, or editing media, the right laptop or notebook computer can make all the difference. At Adorama, we offer a comprehensive selection of both laptop computers and notebooks from top brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. With a variety of models ranging from ultra-portable notebooks to high-performance laptops, you can find a device tailored to your needs. If you’re looking to buy laptops or notebook computers, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly options to cutting-edge machines with advanced processors, high-resolution displays, and robust storage solutions. Whether you need a lightweight notebook for travel, a powerful workstation for creative projects, or a gaming laptop for immersive experiences, Adorama has you covered. Our user-friendly filtering system makes it easy to compare specs, features, and prices, helping you make an informed decision. Explore our collection today and buy laptops or notebook computers that match your performance requirements and budget.

Should You Buy a Notebook or Laptop?

Not sure if a notebook or laptop is right for you? It helps if you can make a distinction between the two. While the differences between laptops and notebooks aren’t always clear, the former is often slightly heavier and thicker than the latter. The average laptop weighs about five pounds, whereas the average notebook weighs about three pounds or less. As for thickness, laptops are generally 1.5 to 2 inches thick, whereas notebooks are generally between 0.5 to 1 inch thick.

These distinctions aside, the right laptop or notebook for you will depend on your intended purpose for the device. Will you be doing a lot of multimedia work, such as recording and mixing music, or uploading and editing photos and videos? Or will your device primarily be used for web browsing, researching, and writing reports on Google Docs? By focusing on your intended use, you can more easily narrow down your choices. Other considerations include your budget, desired features, and operating system.

Powerful Gaming Laptops from MSI, Acer, & Asus

Perhaps you’re looking for a sturdy, high-performance gaming laptop to play today’s demanding, graphically intense games. If so, consider getting an Acer gaming laptop, an Asus gaming laptop, or an MSI gaming laptop. The best gaming laptops boast state-of-the-art gaming hardware, innovative features, premium builds, and superior raw graphics processing power. If you’re worried about the price points for the more premium gaming laptops, you’d be glad to know that many of the more affordable gaming laptops don’t scrimp on processing power and other essential features.

Get the Best Laptop for Photography & Videography Only at Adorama

Need a powerful laptop for photo or video editing? Adorama carries a wide range of high-performance laptops from the most reputable brands, including Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and HP. Available at various price points, these durable and well-built workhorses provide accurate color and image reproduction. They can also accommodate hefty editing software and have other great features that will boost your productivity. Filter your specifications on the right-hand side of this page and you’ll be able to narrow down your choices to the ideal notebook or laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laptops & Notebooks

Let’s unpack some of the most frequently asked questions about these handy devices.

What is the Difference Between a Laptop and a Notebook?

While many people use the terms laptop and notebook interchangeably, there are a few key differences between these portable computers, including capability, size, and weight. For example, notebooks are usually smaller and lighter than laptops, and they don’t have as much processing power or onboard RAM.

If you’re looking for a computer for surfing the web, running web-based applications, or basic word processing, then a notebook is usually sufficient and has the benefit of a lower price tag. For more demanding applications like gaming or photo, video, and music editing, you’ll need a robust laptop computer with all the bells and whistles.

Is a Notebook the Same as a Laptop?

A notebook computer is similar to a laptop in terms of portability and general appearance, though there are some major differences. A notebook is best used for less demanding tasks, streaming media, and web-based applications. Notebooks also have better battery life and a more modest price by comparison.

Some notebook computers feature more simplified operating systems like Chrome OS rather than a full version of Windows. These operating systems are designed to be more nimble, making them ideal for use in machines with reduced processing capabilities and less RAM.

If you’re looking for a computer to run specific programs, make sure the device you’re shopping for matches the software’s system requirements.

What are Notebook Laptops Good for?

Notebook laptops are perfect for a wide range of web-based applications, streaming, and communications programs. If you’re looking for a computer for watching movies, playing modest web-based games, joining video chats, or writing documents in an online word processor, notebooks are a smart choice.

These streamlined, affordable portable computers are useful for students of all ages as well as professionals who need a lightweight, power-efficient device for working on-the-go.

As more and more document and graphic design software options move to a web-hosted system, notebooks have become a very convenient option.

Does a Notebook Have a Hard Drive?

Yes, notebook computers do have hard drives, though they are slightly different from what most laptop users may be accustomed to. The hard drives used in basic notebooks are usually physically smaller and consume less power than the hard drives found in more sophisticated laptops or desktop computers.

Solid state drives (SSDs) are becoming more common in notebooks, and they offer even better performance and battery life. Because SSDs don’t have any moving parts, they don’t generate the same level of heat or require the same amount of power to operate. As a result, your notebook stays cooler and operates more efficiently.