When people say desktop computer, they are usually referring to a PC; although they may in some cases be talking about a Macintosh computer. In any case, the term is used for computers which are designed to be set up in one location and to stay there, unlike a laptop where portability is the idea. In the days when microprocessors were anything but micro, any computer which could be comfortably accommodated on a standard office desk was known as a desktop computer (and for the time, these were considered small). Today, people use the term desktop computer to refer to a specific kind of CPU casing. However, desktop computers come in many shapes and sizes from form factor models where the CPU sits behind the screen of the computer to the traditional tower style of casing.
The term 'desktop', then, specifically refers to a case that is horizontally-oriented. The desktop usually has the display screen placed on top in order to save space on the desktop. Most of the modern desktop computers of today have separate keyboards and screens. A specialized form of desktop case is used for home theatre systems. These cases incorporate front-panel mounted controls for both audio and video.
All in one computers are those which combine the monitor and CPU into a single casing, as seen in the mid-eighties Macintosh 128K and the late nineties' iMac. There were precedents for this style which include the Kaypro II and the Commodore PET 2001. All in one PCs are designed to be somewhat more portable than a traditional desktop computer, often featuring (as in the case of the iMac), carrying handles built into the casing of the computer.
Just like the laptops, the All-in-one desktop computer tends to suffer from a comparative lack of upgradeability because internal hardware is usually placed in the back part of the visual display unit. In the situation of the iMac line since the year 2002, the CPU as well as other internal hardware units are, more or less, glued permanently to the motherboard due to constraints of space.
Desktop computers have a number of advantages over laptops. One is that it is far easier and cheaper to replace hardware when needed, since these parts are much more standardized, which is not the case with most laptop computers. A desktop computer also features more room for expansion; a desktop computer typically has several PCI card expansion slots, compared to perhaps two on a laptop. These computers are also far easier to upgrade and repair; assembly and disassembly are far easier procedures and remains much the same regardless of brand.
A desktop computer also has the advantage of the user not having to be concerned about power management - it runs from wall current, so you can simply plug it in and go. Desktops also run cooler than a laptop, since there are more places for heat to escape. The microprocessors made for laptops are lower in the consumption of power and the generation of heat, but also offer less performance than do desktop processors. - 16738
The term 'desktop', then, specifically refers to a case that is horizontally-oriented. The desktop usually has the display screen placed on top in order to save space on the desktop. Most of the modern desktop computers of today have separate keyboards and screens. A specialized form of desktop case is used for home theatre systems. These cases incorporate front-panel mounted controls for both audio and video.
All in one computers are those which combine the monitor and CPU into a single casing, as seen in the mid-eighties Macintosh 128K and the late nineties' iMac. There were precedents for this style which include the Kaypro II and the Commodore PET 2001. All in one PCs are designed to be somewhat more portable than a traditional desktop computer, often featuring (as in the case of the iMac), carrying handles built into the casing of the computer.
Just like the laptops, the All-in-one desktop computer tends to suffer from a comparative lack of upgradeability because internal hardware is usually placed in the back part of the visual display unit. In the situation of the iMac line since the year 2002, the CPU as well as other internal hardware units are, more or less, glued permanently to the motherboard due to constraints of space.
Desktop computers have a number of advantages over laptops. One is that it is far easier and cheaper to replace hardware when needed, since these parts are much more standardized, which is not the case with most laptop computers. A desktop computer also features more room for expansion; a desktop computer typically has several PCI card expansion slots, compared to perhaps two on a laptop. These computers are also far easier to upgrade and repair; assembly and disassembly are far easier procedures and remains much the same regardless of brand.
A desktop computer also has the advantage of the user not having to be concerned about power management - it runs from wall current, so you can simply plug it in and go. Desktops also run cooler than a laptop, since there are more places for heat to escape. The microprocessors made for laptops are lower in the consumption of power and the generation of heat, but also offer less performance than do desktop processors. - 16738
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If you are in the market for a brand-name desktop computer, make sure you do your research. The right desktop computer is waiting for you.
