Everyone knows what an iPhone is. It has been at the centre of technology buzz since it was released. The latest variant, the iPhone 3G comes with 3G mobile broadband and combines with Apples Safari internet browser. It combines 3 consoles, a phone, a music player and a internet browsing device.

Turning on- Both have a simple on button but time to take to load up varies. With Linux, the time can be as short as 15 seconds, although Windows XP will take longer. The iPhone will take around 20-25 seconds from turning on to being ready to use.

Typing- Typing on both isn’t the same as on a desktop, but the notebook still has the edge here. It has a full qwerty keyboard rarely less than 80% the size of a full size keyboard. It takes practice to type quickly on the iPhone’s 3.5″ touch screen – I find it fastest with two thumbs, but accuracy is compromised. If you need to be accurate, using the corner of your finger helps. Still, it’s difficult, especially when you’ve got a protective case on to stop scratching the back.

Browsing- Apple safari as its limitations, but the version on the iPhone is more than adequate. Still, the Mozilla Firefox or Windows Internet Explorer are capable of viewing a lot more and it working. You can surf easier on notebooks, fill in forms quicker and open more windows.

Communications- The iPhone was essentially built entirely as an application for communication. Notebooks are designed for another role. As a phone, it would seemingly have the upper hand on communications, what with it’s 3G internet and wifi. Notebooks don’t generally come as standard with 3G, but wifi is standard. The rise of Skype and other internet phone companies make the notebook very competitive – but it would look a bit strange talking into your microphone of your mini laptop on your typical commute

Portability- The iPhone is easily small enough to fit in a pocket, so perhaps is an easy winner here. Still, most of us carry a bag or something similar around with us, which a notebook can easily slip into. The new Sony VAIO P Series can easily slip into a jacket pocket.