Types of Personal Computers
Table of Contents

    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.

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Trending