My supervisor wanted me to explain to her the difference between a netbook, a notebook, and a laptop. I figured I should post the information somewhere else, so here it is.

A laptop is a portable computer that is big enough and powerful enough to do everything anyone would want to do. One would likely consider owning a laptop instead of a desktop computer. You pay for portability, and laptops are far more expensive than desktops. Laptops are big as far as portable computers go, and they often have screen sizes from 14" to 17". They are also expensive, because they are high performance machinces that can be used for things like video editing and high end gaming.

A notebooks is smaller, less powerful and cheaper than a laptop. One would consider owning a laptop in addition to a desktop, or as a replacement if they are not a high end user (not to be confused with a sophisticated user). They can do most of the things most people want to do most of the time. They typically have a 12" to 14" screen.

A netbook is a very small, very stripped down computer. They typically have a screen that is less than 10". Netbooks are small and portable, but not very powerful; less powerful than a notebook. They are, however, powerful enoungh for most of the things most users want to do most of the time. One would consider owning a netbook in addition to a larger computer, or as a replacement for a larger computer if they have very basic computing needs. You pay for small, and they are often just as expensive as notebooks. A netbook will probably be able to slowly manage most high end tasks. Netbooks often do not have much storage space.

Power
Netbook < Notebook < Laptop

Size
Netbook < Notebook < Laptop

Price
Netbook = Notebook < Laptop

Battery (less confident here)
Laptop < Notebook < Netbook