Different Types of

Computer
Variations
 Desktop

 A desktop PC (Personal Computer) is a

computer meant for a desk or a home, it is not
wireless or portable. Desktop pc’s have a
mouse, a keyboard and a base unit which
includes the computers components. Some
newer models have the base unit in with the
monitor to save space. Desktops are generally
cheaper than laptops and have a longer life
span. An example of a Desktop is an Apple Mac.
 Laptop
A laptop is a portable wireless PC, it can do
everything a desktop can do, but it can do it on
the move which makes laptops generally more
popular because you can use a Laptop
anywhere in the home. Laptops are generally
more expensive than desktops and netbooks.
Instead of a mouse, laptops have touchpads
which is built in with the integrated keyboard.
An example of a Laptop is the Dell Inspiron and
Apple Mac.
 Netbook
 A Notebook or Netbook, which is what it is
sometimes known as, is a PC that is
similar to a laptop but is cheaper, lighter
and a lot small (e.g small like a notebook)
Netbooks are great for business men
because they can use them on the move
and they can also easily put them in a brief
case or shoulder bag without taking up too
much space.
 Tablet
A tablet is a wireless phone-like computer with a
touch screen. The touch screen enables you to
control the pointer by moving your finger around
the screen, this is instead of using a mouse. You
also use a virtual keyboard rather than a
physical one. Tablets are bigger than PDA’s and
Mobile Phone’s and are more limited to what
they can do compared to aLaptop or Notebook.
An example of a Tablet is the Ipad.
 PDA
 A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is a phone-
like device that manages information. Most
modern PDAs can access the internet and can
operate like phones so they are now commonly
know as Smartphones. PDA’s are becoming
uncommon mainly because phones can do all
the things PDA’s can do, but they can also do
more.
 Games Console

 The purpose of a games console is to play video games.

Like most modern devices you can now access the
internet, play other types of media (DVD & Iplayers) and
talk with friends. An example is the PS3 and the Xbox
360. The PS3 and Xbox are 4th generation games
consoles.
 Mobile
A mobile phone is a portable phone device that
allows the user to phone someone while on the
move, as well as writing a text message. Most
modern phones can also connect to the internet,
social networking sites (e.g twitter & Facebook),
play games and send emails. Some examples of
mobile phones are the Iphone, blackberry and
HTC, various Androids.
 Base Unit
 A Base unit is a case that contains all of the
desktop components. It contains components
like the DVD Drive, RAM and Motherboard.
Form factors (e.g size & shape) of the case may
vary. Portable computers like Netbooks,laptops
and tablets don’t have a base unit. Newer
Desktops have a base unit built into the monitor.