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-mini computers, microcomputer, mainframe computer and super computer.
Large computers
Midrange computer
- Superminicomputer
- Minicomputer
Microcomputers
- Interactive kiosk
- Arcade cabinet
- Personal computer (PC)
- Desktop computer—see computer form factor for some standardized sizes of desktop computers
- full-sized
- All-in-One
- compact
- Home theater
- Home computer
- Desktop computer—see computer form factor for some standardized sizes of desktop computers
Mobile computers
- Desktop replacement computer or desknote
- Laptop computer
- Subnotebook computer, also known as a Kneetop computer; clamshell varieties may also be known as minilaptop or ultraportable laptop computers
- Tablet personal computer
- Handheld computers, which include the classes:
- Ultra-mobile personal computer, or UMPC
- Personal digital assistant or enterprise digital assistant, which include:
- Electronic organizer
- Pocket computer
- Calculator, which includes the class:
- Graphing calculator
- Scientific calculator
- Programmable calculator
- Accounting / Financial Calculator
- Handheld game console
- Portable media player
- Portable data terminal
- Handheld
- Smartphone, a class of mobile phone
- Feature phone
- Wearable computer
- Single board computer
- Wireless sensor network components
- Plug computer
- Microcontroller
- Smartdust
- Nanocomputer
Others
- Rackmount computer
- Small form factor personal computer (SFF, ITX, DTX.etc.)
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
See also
- Classes of computers
- Computer form factor
- Form factor (design)