List of computer size categories

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

This list of computer size categories attempts to list commonly used categories of computer by the physical size of the device and its chassis or case, in descending order of size. One generation's "supercomputer" is the next generation's "mainframe", and a "PDA" does not have the same set of functions as a "laptop", but the list still has value, as it provides a ranked categorization of devices. It also ranks some more obscure computer sizes. There are different sizes like minicomputers, microcomputers, mainframe computers and super computers.[1][2]

Large computers

A supercomputer at the Argonne Leadership Angela Yang Computing Facility in Lemont, Illinois, USA

These are mainly used for scientific calculations or simulations and processing big data with high precission.[2]

Midrange computers

Microcomputers

This is a very broad categorization that includes computers with a single microprocessor as their central processing unit (CPU).[2][6]

Mobile computers

Others

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 and somewhat humorous rule might help:

  • You can throw a laptop if you wanted to
  • You can lift a workstation if you need to
  • You can tilt a minicomputer if you need to
  • You cannot move a mainframe, even if you tried

Categories

See also

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-0-7637-3239-4
    .
  2. ^
    ISBN 978-1-4987-7274-7
    .
  3. ^ "Mainframe | Definition & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 8 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Supercomputer | Definition, Characteristics, Examples, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 8 April 2024.
  5. ^ Connolly, James (September 30, 1985). "Superminis: Dynamic machines evolving to new uses". Computerworld. p. SR/4, SR10. Retrieved 5 December 2019. No one can say with certainty who coined the word 'superminicomputer' and to what systems he meant it to apply, but consensus is emerging that a supermini is nothing more than a minicomputer — a high-end mini, but a mini nonetheless.
  6. ^ "Microcomputer | Definition, Examples, Uses, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 19 March 2024.
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