Netbook vs Smartphone
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[edit] Keyboard
Netbook computers usually offer a keyboard which allows quick typing with all fingers. Smartphones that provide a keyboard at all, provide one that is used with the thumbs only. For someone skilled at both types of keyboards, the "all fingers" keyboard allows the user to type several times faster. For a novice typer, this difference may not be significant.
[edit] Screen
Netbooks generally have a screen diameter of 7 inches or more. Smart phones usually have a screen diameter of 2 to 4 inches. Smart phones aren't easy to use for certain types of work such as typing documents and spreadsheets.
[edit] Applications
Netbooks are designed to run many of the applications that are made for a desktop computer. (For example, OpenOffice and Firefox). Smartphones use different processors, screens, and keyboards, which means that their applications usually have to be different.
[edit] Power Consumption
Netbook computers typically require 10W or more of power while running. Smart phones usually require about a tenth as much power. In underdeveloped countries, it may be difficult or expensive to obtain enough power to run a netbook computer.
Because a smart phone uses less power, it will include a much smaller battery too. Battery life (measured in hours of active use) is often comparable for a smartphone or a netbook, given the difference in battery size.
[edit] Internet Access
Services are available that allow a netbook to connect to the internet from almost any location, using cellular telephone infrastructure. These services may cost as little as $15/month. Service fees for smart phones are usually higher, even when the price of voice calling is taken into account.
[edit] Telephony
Most netbooks can be used to make telephone calls via the internet. A popular service for doing so is Skype. Netbooks are inconvenient for making phone calls while walking or moving around, and are not usually set up to receive calls from ordinary telephones. (Though one of Skype's paid services allows a computer with Skype to receive calls from ordinary phones.)
[edit] Portability
Netbooks are not designed to fit in one's pocket. Compared to a phone, they are bulky and heavy. People who don't mind carrying a phone with them wherever they go may not want to carry a netbook.
[edit] Price
Netbooks are usually designed with low price as a priority. Some smartphones are, likewise, quite inexpensive. (Sometimes less than $200 with no service contract required).
The most highly-sought-after smart phones cost over $600, while netbooks are almost always priced at $400 or less.
