List of computer size categories

This list of computer size categories attempts to list commonly used categories of computer by size, in descending order of size. Of course, one generation's "supercomputer" is the next generation's "mainframe", and a "PDA" doesn't have the same set of functions as a "laptop", but the list should have some recognition value. It also ranks some more obscure computer sizes.

* Supercomputer, which include the class:
** Minisupercomputer
* Mainframe computer
* Rackmount/Framemount computer
* Minicomputer, which include the class:
** Superminicomputer
** Server
** Workstation
* Deskside computer
* Microcomputer, which include the classes:
** Personal computer
*** Desktop computer
*** Home computer
* Cart computer
* Portable computer (or luggable computer)
* Small form factor
* Blade server
* Mobile computers, which include the classes:
** Desktop replacement computer or desknote
** Laptop computer, also known as a Notebook computer
** Tablet personal computer (as defined by Microsoft)
** Subnotebook computer, also known as a Kneetop computer; clamshell varieties may also be known as minilaptop or ultraportable laptop computers
** Handheld computers, which include the classes:
*** Ultra-Mobile personal computer
*** Personal digital assistant or enterprise digital assistant, which include:
**** Handheld personal computer (as defined by Microsoft), also known as Palmtop computer
**** Pocket personal computer (as defined by Microsoft)
*** Electronic organizer
*** Pocket computer
*** Calculator, which includes the class:
**** Graphing calculator
*** Handheld game console
*** Portable data terminal
*** Information appliance
**** Smartphone, a class of mobile phone
**** Q Smartphone,(QWERTY Smartphone) a class of mobile phone
** Wearable computer
* Single board computer
* Wireless sensor network components
* Microcontroller
* Smartdust
* Nanocomputer

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 rule might help:

* You can throw a laptop
* You can lift a workstation
* You can tilt a minicomputer
* You can't move a mainframe

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ee also

* Classes of computers