In early 2009, the mobile computer landscape was dominated by laptop computers. A year later, the traditional laptop faces some competition in the mobile computing market,there are laptops, notebooks, netbooks and ultra-mobile PCs. Notebook shipments surged a massive 43 percent in the first three months of 2010 (Gartner). Laptop computers, notebooks and netbooks use the same basic form factor -- the main differentiator is size. Netbook computers are smaller and lighter than notebook computers, which in turn are smaller and lighter than laptops. But there are no specific size or weight classes for computers. So, for example, if the computer has an 11-inch (27.9 centimeter) screen, is it a netbook or a notebook?

Let's start with laptops and notebooks. Some people use the terms interchangeably because many of the laptops on the market are smaller and lighter than their predecessors. As laptop technology evolves, manufacturers are able to pack more power into a smaller package.

There are many reasons why one can choose to own an laptop as opposed to a desktop computer. With a laptop it's easy to move around with it, a laptop is also portable as opposed to a desktop computer.With a laptop it does not require a big space like the one required for a desktop computer. In a situation where one wants to use the computer and watch the TV then a laptop is preferred this is because of its small size.

The weight is something else that makes the laptop score more than the desktop computer. Laptops are not as heavy as desktops and hence you can carry them even when you are walking on foot. A laptop involves wireless connections but this is not so with a desktop computer which has many wires connecting the monitor to the CPU.These wires make the desktop difficult to work with because these wires occupy a lot of space and they also make the desktop look complicated in its appearance. Although a laptop is more expensive than a desktop computer but it has many advantages over the desktop computer making it a preferred choice for many. You may also require a computer bag and an extra battery for power but all these can not outdo its other benefits compared with a desktop computer.

Talk about price, per given memory and speed desktop PCs are less expensive than notebooks, generally $150 to $300 dollars for similar functionality. If you want a 15" screen on a notebook add $150. To make a notebook a truly functional desktop PC, add a docking station ($150-$300), keyboard and mouse ($50) and external monitor ($200+). While the line between functionality of desktop PCs and notebooks blurs, desktop PCs will maintain a significant cost advantage over notebooks.