subnotebook: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal / Specialised (IT, business hardware)
Quick answer
What does “subnotebook” mean?
A portable computer that is smaller and lighter than a standard notebook/laptop, with reduced size often involving smaller keyboard, screen, and fewer ports.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable computer that is smaller and lighter than a standard notebook/laptop, with reduced size often involving smaller keyboard, screen, and fewer ports.
A class of very small, highly portable laptop computers, often with premium build quality, designed for maximum mobility. Historically, the term described laptops smaller than the then-standard 'notebook' size, a distinction largely superseded by terms like 'ultrabook' or specific size categories (e.g., 11-inch, 13-inch).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally technical and dated in both variants.
Connotations
In both, connotes a specific, somewhat old-fashioned tech category. May imply a focus on portability over full functionality.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher potential occurrence in British English in formal IT specifications or historical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “subnotebook” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] subnotebooka subnotebook for [NOUN/PURPOSE]to purchase/issue/use a subnotebookVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subnotebook” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The subnotebook market has evolved into the ultrabook sector.
- He preferred a subnotebook form factor for his commute.
American English
- The subnotebook category was crucial for early mobile computing.
- This is a subnotebook design with a full-sized keyboard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in IT procurement or hardware specifications: 'We are issuing subnotebooks to the sales team for travel.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical analyses of computing technology or product design.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A non-specialist would say 'small laptop' or 'tiny computer'.
Technical
The primary register. Used in tech journalism, product reviews, and IT hardware catalogs to denote a specific size/weight class.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subnotebook”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subnotebook”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subnotebook”
- Using 'subnotebook' in everyday conversation instead of 'small laptop'.
- Confusing it with 'tablet' or '2-in-1 convertible' – a subnotebook is fundamentally a clamshell laptop.
- Misspelling as 'sub notebook' (two words); it is typically a closed or hyphenated compound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A netbook (c. 2007-2013) was a specific type of small, low-cost, low-power laptop primarily for web browsing. A subnotebook is a broader historical category for any laptop smaller than the contemporary standard, which could be high-end and powerful.
They sell computers that fit the definition (small, lightweight laptops), but the term itself is rarely used in modern marketing. Terms like 'ultrabook', 'compact laptop', or specific screen sizes (e.g., '13-inch laptop') are now standard.
Portability was achieved at the expense of full-sized keyboards, larger screens, internal optical drives, and sometimes processor performance and upgradeability.
It is not recommended, as it is a dated technical term. In everyday conversation, saying 'a really small laptop' or 'a compact laptop' will be far more widely understood.
A portable computer that is smaller and lighter than a standard notebook/laptop, with reduced size often involving smaller keyboard, screen, and fewer ports.
Subnotebook is usually technical / formal / specialised (it, business hardware) in register.
Subnotebook: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌnəʊtbʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌnoʊtbʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUBmarine + NOTEBOOK. A submarine operates below (sub) the surface; a subnotebook operates 'below' the standard size of a notebook computer.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY/SCALE (A subnotebook is lower on the size scale than a notebook). CONTAINMENT (A subnotebook fits *within* the conceptual category of 'notebook', but is a smaller contained unit).
Practice
Quiz
In contemporary usage, which term has largely replaced 'subnotebook' in consumer electronics marketing?