Although the terms laptop and notebook are often used interchangeably, it is important to note that there are significant differences between the two. Some of the features that are generally different in a laptop computer vs a notebook computer are weight, size, battery life and included drives.
Notebook computers are generally meant to be used for business and travel. Their light weight, small size and long battery life are ideal for someone that travels a lot.
Laptop computers could be thought of as a replacement to the desktop computer. Laptops are often used as gaming computers or for people that use performance heavy applications. Laptop computers are generally going to have a larger screen and keyboard than a notebook computer. A laptop is also going to include higher end hardware, which is going to improve performance but shorten your battery life.