List of computer size categories
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This List of computer size categories attempts to list commonly used categories of computer by size. Of course, one generation's "supercomputer" is the next generation's "mainframe", and a "PDA" doesn't have the same set of functions as a "laptop", but the list should have some recognition value. It also ranks some more obscure computer sizes.
- Supercomputer
- * Minisupercomputer
- Mainframe
- Minicomputer
- * Supermini
- Server
- Workstation
- Desktop computer, which may be one or more of
- * Microcomputer
- * Home computer
- * Personal computer
- Cart computer
- Portable computer (or luggable computer)
- Mobile computers, which include, in order of descending size, the classes:
- * Desktop replacement computer or desknote
- * Laptop
- ** Tablet PC (as defined by Microsoft)
- ** Subnotebook, also known as
- ** Handheld PC (as defined by Microsoft)
- ** Palmtop
- ** Kneetop
- * Handheld device, also known as
- ** Personal Digital Assistant
- ** Handheld game console
- ** Pocket PC (as defined by Microsoft)
- ** Portable Data Terminal
- ** Electronic organizer
- ** Information appliance
- *** Smartphone, a class of mobile phone
- * Pocket computer
- Wearable computer
- Embedded computer
- Sensor network components
- Smartdust
Distinctive marks
The classes above are not rigid; there are "edge devices" in most of them. For instance, the "subnotebook" category can usually be distinguished from the "PDA" category because a subnotebook has a keyboard and a PDA has not; however, tablet PCs may be larger than subnotebooks (making it seemingly correct to classify them as laptops) and also lack a keyboard, while devices such as the Handspring Treo 600 have something that might charitably be called a keyboard, but are still definitely in the "smartphone" category.In the higher end of the spectrum, this informal rule might help:
- You can throw a laptop
- You can lift a workstation
- You can tilt a minicomputer
- You can't move a mainframe
Categories
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- Smartdust
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