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Glite Dictionary
netbook

netbook

14 3.4
A small light laptop for basic tasks and internet use
  • noun
  • /ˈnɛtˌbʊk/
  • Specialized
: netbook
  • Students often use a netbook to take notes during class because of its portability.
  • netbooks and tablets
  • netbooks and laptops

It's now Friday, the final day of my Linux Mint week, and once again I'm writing on the netbook in Google Chrome in in Google Docs.

Examples

  • Actually, while writing this on my netbook, the desktop has booted up by itself.

    Blog text (11)

  • But people also liked netbooks for their low cost and ability to experiment.

    Blog text (12)

  • I have been taking my netbook, but I only use it when I'm on break.

    Blog text (1)

  • Mind, there were a lot of companies that failed in the netbook market because of the small margins.

    Blog text (12)

  • Do you need a laptop or would a $300 netbook work for you?

    Blog text (12)

  • Acer has said they have no plans to get out of the netbook game.

    Blog text (12)

  • Our wireless network is open, and many students work on their personal netbooks or read on their iPods.

    Academic text (2010)

  • I would definitely like to buy a netbook-class device, but so far netbooks just haven't satisfied my requirements.

    Blog text (12)

  • Microsoft played a role in killing the old idea of netbooks by emphasizing new touchscreen-friendly features in Windows 8.

    Blog text (12)

  • Of course, Chromebooks are different animals than netbooks, Ultrabooks, or even standard notebooks.

    Blog text (7)

Synonyms

laptop
vsnetbook
309 1.0

A small, light computer you can use on your lap

is more about light weight and online use rather than lap focus
notebook
vsnetbook
30 2.5

A small portable computer you carry and use on battery power

is intended mainly for simple tasks and internet use rather than general power
laptop computer
vsnetbook
17 1.3

A small, light machine you can carry to use for work or study

prioritizes very basic tasks and internet access over broader computing ability
portable computer
vsnetbook
4 2.7

A small computer you can carry to use in different places

is a narrower type focused on simple portable web and basic tasks
notebook computer
vsnetbook
3 2.8

A small light portable computer like a laptop

focuses on basic online tasks and portability rather than full computing power
ultraportable
vsnetbook
1 4.4

A very small, light laptop that is easy to carry

is aimed at simple tasks and online use rather than tiny size

How Portable

smartphone
227 1.8
tablet
286 2.7
netbook
  • Specialized
14 3.4
laptop
309 1.0

Surface Forms

netbook singular
netbooks plural

Morphology

netbook = net + book (transparent) = net + book

The compound combines 'net' (internet) and 'book' (as in 'notebook' meaning a portable computer), yielding a small internet-oriented laptop that is directly inferable.

Etymology

Netbook combines net (short for the 'internet') and book (like a small, easy-to-carry 'book' or 'notebook'). So a netbook is a small, lightweight computer made for simple online tasks and easy travel.