TYPES OF COMPUTER

TYPES OF COMPUTER

Desktop Computer

Laptop Computer

Palmtop Computer

Desktop

A desktop computer is an independent personal computer that is too large to carry easily or set up quickly. It is designed to remain in the same place. Desktops are currently the cheapest and most common computers, and are frequently used by businesses, schools, households and other organizations. Nearly all modern desktop computers are modular, meaning that the components can easily be replaced or upgraded.
The hardware in a desktop computer is modular, making it easy for someone with intermediate knowledge of a computer to modify one. Desktop computers have a separate monitor and case. User-input peripherals such as keyboards, mouse are attached to the case, as well as other peripherals such as printers. Most of the functionality is contained within the case, but some components can be either external or internal (such as various storage devices or modems). The case is often placed on or under the desk. Sometimes, it can be placed underneath the monitor.
Desktop computers are generally cheaper than notebook computers. This is because no extra effort is needed to miniaturize the components, or manufacture components that use up less power. However, desktop computers do use up more power than notebook computers.

Laptop

A laptop (also known as a notebook) is a personal computer designed for mobile use. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad) and speakers into a single unit. A laptop is powered by mains electricity via an AC adapter, and can be used away from an outlet using a rechargeable battery. A laptop battery in new condition typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for three to five hours, depending on the computer usage, configuration and power management settings.
Laptop computers generally cost more than desktop computers with the same capabilities because they are more difficult to design and manufacture. Laptops usually come with displays that use thin-screen technology. The thin film transistor or active matrix screen is brighter and views better at different angles than the STN or dual-scan screen. Laptops use several different approaches for integrating a mouse into the keyboard, including the touch pad, the trackball, and the pointing stick. A serial port also allows a regular mouse to be attached. The PC Card is insertable hardware for adding a modem or network interface card to a laptop. CD-ROM and digital versatile disc drives may be built-in or attachable.

Palmtop Computer

A palmtop computer is a very small computer which you can hold in one hand and manipulate with the other.These kinds of computers have specialized keyboards or keypads to enter data, or small QWERTY keyboards. Other names for palmtops are handheld computers, pocket computers and PDA.
The main features of these computers are that they are small, light, draw power from a battery and are intended for general usage. Their input includes a typewriter keyboard and the output consists of a small, full-color LCD display. The palmtop has a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a calendar and a phone book.
An important characteristic is that its operating system is compatible with that of a PC. Various programs can be installed and run and the data may be transferred to and from a desktop computer. In contrast to personal digital assistant, it has more memory, a keyboard and many available programs. Handheld computers usually do not have disk drives due to their small size. They have PCMCIA slots where disk drives, modems, memory or other devices could be put into. Palmtops that do not use a keyboard but a pen are called PDAs or hand-held computers.