### device | machine | computer | digital computer | microcomputer:

Desktop computer
* Many desktop computers come with a CD-ROM drive, used to run programs and software.
* Most desktop computers are very powerful machines
  - come with just one parallel port
  - have at least two banks
* are all networked, and interact with central and departmental servers.
* are generally less expensive but are confined to one location
  - for a given amount of computing power
  - less expensive and are designed for greater comfort than laptops
  - likely to require an infrared device attached to a physical serial port
  - personal computers
  - usually more comfortable to use because their keyboards are larger
* can be more comfortable to use because their keyboards and monitors are larger
  - use either an internal or external modem
* make it fast and easy to cut and paste content electronically.
* offer access to the Internet.

Portable computer
* Many portable computers come equipped with removable hard drive.
* Most portable computers have a trackball device included on the keyboard.
* Some portable computers have poor sound recording hardware but good playback hardware.
* are desirable items that are portable
  - even more prone to damage than desktops
  - increasingly popular as they can be used in class and at home
  - personal computers
  - very popular among people who travel, students and others

### device | machine | computer | digital computer | microcomputer | portable computer:

Laptop computer
* Many laptop computers have the capability of putting out a signal to a large computer monitor.
* Some laptop computers contain only a single removable hard disk
  - use a touch screen to perform the same function
* are also more vulnerable to theft
  - complex devices
  - currently very popular amongst thieves worldwide
  - either thin laptops or full laptops
  - increasingly popular because they are portable and can run on batteries
  - more expensive to upgrade and more expensive to repair
  - personal computers
  - the size of a briefcase or smaller
* have the advantage of being portable and convenient.
* tend to be less robust and more expensive than desktop computers.
* use significantly less energy than desktop models.
* weigh one tenth as much as desktops and require one third of the electricity.

### device | machine | computer | digital computer | microcomputer | portable computer:

Notebook computer
* Most notebook computers offer different levels of power management
  - use integrated touchpads or pointers
* are another good example of the genesis of portable technology
  - far less susceptible to the increasing trend of building systems to order
  - less obtrusive in the classroom than traditional desktop computers
  - more expensive today, and more expensive to upgrade than desktops
  - very desirable because of their lightweight compact design and portability
* increase communication.
* remain more expensive than their desktop counterparts.
* take up less space than conventional desktop computers.

Minicomputer
* are digital computers.
* are smaller than mainframes, but larger than personal computes
  - versions of mainframe computers
  - smaller, less powerful, and less expensive than mainframes