Mainframe ComputerUsed to process large amounts of information quickly.

Extremely large.

Applications• Government departments• Airline industry• Weather forecasting• Commerce (banks)

Mainframe ComputerUsers connect to the mainframe via a dumb terminal which has no processor or memory.

Desktop ComputerUsed by an individual at work, school or home.

Applications• Word processing• Graphics• Database• Spreadsheet• Internet• Email• Gamesetc.

Laptop ComputerSame applications as a desktop computer, but it is portable.

Similar processors, memory and backing storage as found in a desktop computer. Generally laptop computers have a slightly lesser specification than desktop models.

The price of an average laptop = much more powerful desktop.

Palmtop Computer / PDAUsed by an individual while on the move.

Also know as PDAs (Personal Desktop Assistants) or Handheld Computers.

Applications• Word processing• Sketchpad• Diary• Notes• Email• Database• Spreadsheetetc.

Smartphones and TabletsSince the launch of the iPhone in 2007, the line between palmtops and mobile phones has blurred. A mobile phone which can surf the net and run other applications is known as a Smartphone.

In 2010 Apple launched the iPad heralding another new category of device – the Tablet.

Embedded ComputerUsed to control dedicated systems.

CreditsS2-3 Curriculum for Excellence – Types of Computer

M. Cunningham, Forrester High School 2011

All images licenced under Creative Commons 3.0• Mainframe Computer by Dave Winer (scrtiptingnews on Flickr)• IBM Mainframes by Tom Purves• Apple Keyboard by Declan Jewell• TT2 Laptop by KIE HPI• ESOM270_eSOM300_Computer_on_Modules by Lakshmin• LG Washing Machine by LGEPR• Sharp Carousel Microwave by Chris Kelly• BMW 750Li by Paul Tan