List of computer size categories

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

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]

Intermediate

Microcomputer

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

Personal computer (PC) ^[1]
- Desktop computer—see computer form factor for some standardized sizes of desktop computers
- Home computer

Mobile

Desktop replacement computer or desknote
Laptop computer
- Notebook computer
- Subnotebook computer
Tablet personal computer
Handheld computers, which include the classes:
- Ultra-mobile personal computer, or UMPC
- Personal digital assistant or enterprise digital assistant, which include:
  - HandheldPC or Palmtop computer
  - Pocket personal computer
- Electronic organizer
- E-reader
- 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
Stick PC, a single-board computer in a small elongated casing resembling a stick
Microcontroller
Smartdust
Nanocomputer

Others

Rackmount computer
- Blade server
- Blade PC
Small form-factor PC (SFF, ITX, DTX.etc.)

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Warford, J. Stanley (November 2004). Computer Systems. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7637-3239-4.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d II, Joseph D. Dumas (25 November 2016). Computer Architecture: Fundamentals and Principles of Computer Design, Second Edition. CRC Press. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-4987-7274-7.
^ "Mainframe | Definition & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 8 March 2024.
^ "Supercomputer | Definition, Characteristics, Examples, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 8 April 2024.
^ 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.
^ "Microcomputer | Definition, Examples, Uses, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 19 March 2024.

[CompSystems-1] Warford, J. Stanley (November 2004). Computer Systems. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7637-3239-4.

[CompArchitecture-2] II, Joseph D. Dumas (25 November 2016). Computer Architecture: Fundamentals and Principles of Computer Design, Second Edition. CRC Press. p. 35. 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.

[Computerworld-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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