NOTEBOOK OR LAPTOP ?????????

[hepyboy]

IM CURRENTLY IN A DILEMA WHETHER TO BUY A LAPTOP OR A NOTEBOOK FOR MY 7 YEAR OLD.SHE WILL PROBABLY ONLY USE IT FOR WATCHING MOVIES,LISTENING TO MUSIC AND PLAYING GAMES.CAN U HELP ME AS IM NOT THAT WELL INFORMED ABOUT WHATS WHAT & HOW THEY WORK.THANX,HEPYBOY

[soybean]

Please turn your CAPS LOCK off.  Laptops and notebooks are basically the same, or at least some manufacturers do not make a clear distinction. My Compaq "notebook" really fits the definition of laptops given at http://whitecapcomputer.com/newsletter/articles/notebook_vs_laptop.htm.  Anyway, take a look at that link and see whether you really want to phrase your question as "NOTEBOOK OR LAPTOP ?", or maybe portable vs. desktop? 

I think I'd be inclined to choose a desktop (this term is somewhat mis-leading; it really means a full size computer which is often sitting on the floor, not on the desktop) for a 7 year old.  I'd be afraid of them dropping a notebook or laptop and damaging the computer.

Of course, a desktop takes up more space.  Is that an issue? 

[hepyboy]

i already have a desktop

[soybean]

Nevertheless, based on what I said, are you sure you want a portable for her?

[hepyboy]

its what she wants,i just dont know what to expect from a note book,ie how many films ect is it capable of handling

[soybean]

Well, if you anticipate movies and/or music being stored on the hard drive, she'll need a fairly large hard drive. Would help to know what your budget is for this.  But, fortunately, even some of the budget priced laptops and notebooks now have 250GB hard drives.  For example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146581  By the way, that one is a very good deal now, with the $150 discount and free shipping. 

Edit: to add "and/or music" in first sentence.

[hepyboy]

my budget is about £300

[soybean]

Oh, you're in the UK? In that case, you won't be able to order from newegg.com.  I'm not familiar with your options for source of purchase in the UK.  But, since 300.00 GBP =
476.479 USD, I was in the right price range. 

Are you familiar with sellers in the UK?  Some of our members are in the UK, so someone may be able to suggest a seller.