subnotebook

A laptop computer that weighs less than four pounds. In order to reduce weight, subnotebooks, also called "Ultrabooks" or "ultralights," often eliminate built-in CD/DVD drives. However, an external USB optical disc can always be added.

The Mini Laptop/Netbook
In the 2007 time frame, subnotebooks called "mini laptops" and "netbooks" made their debut, the latter term coined by Intel for machines that used its Atom processor. Weighing up to three pounds, mini laptops/netbooks have screens from 8 to 10" (see netbook). For features of portable computers, see laptop. See ultrathin laptop, notebook and Ultrabook.

The Trend Setter

In 1998, Sony popularized the subnotebook class with its VAIO (pronounced "vy-o") 505G at three pounds and less than an inch thick. To reduce traveling weight, floppy and CD-ROM drives were external, and a docking station was included. (Image courtesy of Sony Corporation.)

Laptop and Netbook

The Acer netbook on the right sports an 8.9" screen compared to 15" on its big brother to the left. Netbooks sacrifice keyboard and screen size for portability.

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References in periodicals archive

This capability allows professors to use the powerful subnotebook for inclass demonstrations.

Innovative subnotebook delivers full power at half the weight

The Silicon Sport line also includes backpacks specifically designed for notebook and subnotebook computers.

A waterbed for the wrist debuts

The subnotebook, a 3.9-pound unit, is offered in DX2/50 and DX4/75 configurations, with either an 8.3-inch color dual scan or 7.8-inch color TTT LCD display.

Samsung paves way to tomorrow

There are notebooks, netbooks, subnotebooks, Ultrabooks, and ever Chromebooks (a laptop built around an operating system that's built around a browser).

Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro

Two things, both related to Windows 8: A challenge from the low-priced Windows-on-ARM subnotebooks that I mentioned last month, and confusion between laptops and tablets as users - even at the cost of extra weight, thickness, and, well, cost - demand touch screens to take advantage of Win 8's new interface.

Is 'affordable ultrabook' an oxymoron?

Netbooks, or subnotebooks (sometimes also called mini notebooks or ultraportable) are a rapidly evolving category of small, light and inexpensive laptop computers suited for general computing and accessing web-based application; they are often marketed as "companion devices", that is, to augment a user's other computer access.

(ECO) 200,000 VINN 3G MODEMS & NETBOOKS SOLD IN TURKEY SINCE JULY 30

Also called mininotebooks or subnotebooks, these are the smallest computers today that have keyboards you can type onto with both hands for quick data entry.

Going smaller with PCs

Also called mini-notebooks or subnotebooks, these are the smallest computers today that have keyboards that you can type into with both hands for quick data entry.

Computers getting smaller, but netbooks aren't for everyone

Throngs of people crowded into booths to "kick the tires" on these small, ultraportable subnotebooks (see Cyberwise, Techwatch, March 2009 for a quick overview).

What's new for '09: netbook the big hit at Consumer Electronics Show