Pem’s Tech Blog

In the big picture, there are basically 3 major form factors for computers:
* desktop / workstation / server: more powerful, less portable, typically doesn’t run on battery
* laptop / notebook / mobile: carry around, or easily fit in backpack, runs on big battery
* smart phone / device / iPod / game player: fits in pocket, runs on small battery, low power with long battery life, less often than laptop has any heat issues

Obviously screen size is a big part of this too, but you can of course attach an external monitor to any of them…

Like many attempts at categorization, this isn’t completely set in stone… For example, the netbooks (which recently starting getting big/popular after Asus Eee PC, and OLPC XO), are laptops, but they are lower powered, less expensive, and smaller than standard laptops… For example, there small desktops that use internal components normally meant for mobile hardware. For example, an Ultra-Mobile PC (such as OQO model 2) is still in the laptop category (in terms of performance/functionality and battery life), but size is closer to the the smart phone / device category.

And then there are things that threaten the category boundaries even further… Take the rumored Asus Eee Keyboard. Personally, I would call it a ntebook-style laptop without a screen, because it looks like it will use netbook / laptop-style internal hardware, not fit in your pocket, and the battery life goal sounds like laptop battery life (only 1 to 3 hours).

In the current world, another big distinguishing feature is software… My next post will be about smart phone OS’s

Pem (Admin) :: Jan.22.2009 :: Mobility :: No Comments »

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