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Personal Computers

• Personal Computers refers to any computer that is meant to be used by a single person only.
• Personal Computers are also called Microcomputers as they are the smallest computers for personal use.
• The term PC is most commonly used to refer to a Desktop Computer.

Types of Personal Computers

The seven main types of Personal Computers are:

• Desktop Computers
• Workstations
• Laptop Computers
• Notebook Computers
• Tablet Computers
• Handheld Computers
• Smartphone Computers

Desktop Computers

• The most common type of Personal Computer
• Commonly used in workplaces, schools and homes.
• Owing to their large size they are difficult to carry around.
• Is designed to make it sit on a table or desk that’s why it’s called a Desktop Computer
• Desktop Computer performs a multitude of tasks ranging from communication, photo editing, playing games, watching videos and much more.
• The main component of a Desktop Computer is the System Unit.
• System Unit is the case that houses critical parts of desktop PC such as processing and storage devices.
• System Units generally available in two models
  • Originally Oriented System Unit
  • Vertically oriented system Unit also called as tower model.

Workstations

• A desktop computer but with more powerful processing additional memory and graphics handling capabilities than a standard desktop PC and thus more speedy.
• Optimized for scientists, engineers, animators, who need a system with greater average speed and power to perform sophisticated tasks such as 3D graphics and game development.

Laptop Computers

• People normally place these devices on their laps, hence the name laptop computer.
• Those who require the power of full-size desktop computers can avail themselves of laptop computers because they are microcomputers in the true sense.
• Owing to their small size and portability, laptops belong to the category of mobile computers.
• Mobile computers are easy to carry around because of their small size.
• Some laptop systems are designed to be plugged into a docking station, including a full-size keyboard and mouse or other devices.
• Docking stations also provide additional ports that enable the laptop to be connected to different devices or a network in the same manner as a desktop computer.

Notebook Computers

• Notebook computers are the same as laptop computers exact for they are smaller and lighter than laptops.

Tablet Computers

• Tablet PCs offer all the functionality of notebook PC, but they are lighter and can accept input from a special pen called a stylus or a digital pen that is used to tap or write directly on the screen.
• Many tablet PCs also have a built-in microphone and special software that accepts input from the user’s voice
• Tablet PCs use tailored versions of stander software and can even be plugged into the network.
• It may be possible to convert a few models to a keyboard as well as a full-fledged monitor.
• In some models a tablet PC may be converted into a notebook PC by using a book cover keyboard.

Handheld Computers

• Computers are small enough to fit in your hand or placed in your pocket.
• Most common example is the personal Digital Assistant (PDA) which is nothing more in size than a small appointment book.
• PDAs are used for notes taking maintaining a list of telephone numbers and addresses and keeping oneself informed of important dates and agenda items.
• May be synchronized with a Desktop Computer to Exchange Data.
• Some PDAs allow users to write on the screen using a pen.
• Provide features such as access to the internet using a wireless connection, global positioning systems, music players and digital cameras and can include a cell phone.
• Some PDAs allow voice input.

Smartphone Computers

• smartphones are hybrid of PDAA and cellular phones.
• Smartphones offer sophisticated features not normally present in cellphones. That’s why they are referred to as smartphones.
• These advanced features could be access to web and email, high-resolution digital cameras, music players as well as the ability to install different mobile apps.