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Definition: A desktop computer is “a standalone computer designed
to be used as a non-portable computing device at a single
location.” [author’s definition] While a desktop
computer is relocatable, it is not considered to be portable,
i.e., it cannot be quickly or easily moved from one location to another.
While notebook and laptop computers are becoming increasingly popular as
prices continue to drop, desktop computers will rule for the
forseeable future in terms of both features and raw power. The
reasons are simple and twofold — miniaturization costs money and
desktop computers are larger, enabling more components to be crammed into
the computer case.
The term desktop computer originated in the early days of computers
when the computer case, being wide and flat, was designed
specifically to fit on your desktop — often with the
monitor perched atop it. (Monitors for many years had screens with a
maximum viewable dimension of 15 diagonal inches.) One of the earliest
desktop computers was the Altair 8800; early forms such as this were
huge boxes that took up a great deal of space.
IBM is widely
acknowledged as having brought the desktop computer, which was
called the IBM Personal Computer, or IBM PC, and which
truly did fit conveniently on a desktop, to the masses in 1981.
The desktop form gave way to the computer tower as
monitors grew in both size and weight and computer users realized that they
didn’t like having a clunky old computer taking up valuable real
estate on their desktop. In fact, the very idea for the computer tower
probably originated through observation that many computer users would sit
their desktop computer on the floor on its side next to their desk
(resembling a tower) so that it took up only a modicum of space.
Originally, the computer tower (also referred to as tower computer
to distinguish it from a desktop computer) was, in point of view, a
skyscraper, rising from its floor-mounted position almost as high as the
top of your desk. The tower computer was considered a status symbol by
high-end computer users when it made its debut. Computer manufacturers
quickly realized that the average computer user did not want a giant
monstrosity looming beside their desk; hence, the mini tower
was born.
The mini tower case is about two-thirds the size of a full tower case. This
form is sufficient to accommodate all of the components that must fit into
today’s desktop computer. As the Age of Miniaturization dawned,
some manufacturers introduced the micro tower, which is about
half the size of a full tower case. The problem with a micro tower
case is that it cannot accommodate required devices without encountering
airflow restriction (resulting in potential overheat problems). It can
also be more difficult to add internal devices (such as extra hard drives)
or perform maintenance (due to the confined space) on a micro tower.
Because the micro tower must be price competitive with other desktop computer
forms, miniaturization of components has not been a viable option, although
slimmer motherboards (micro-ATX) have been designed. As price points
continue to drop for laptop and notebook components, such devices are
finding their way into micro tower desktop computers.
The full tower case is still the preferred form for those desktop computer
users who perform repair or upgrade on their own systems (such as
myself) or who require extra cooling (hardcore gamers, for example,
who overclock their systems, which results in excess generation of heat).
A full tower case easily accommodates extra fans, and its roomy interior
enhances airflow. The top of a full tower case also becomes a
convenient end table on which to place decorations or small “geek
toys”, though its most common function is as a repository for a
disheveled pile of papers or CD-ROMs.
While the computer tower, most often the mini tower, has become the
predominant form associated with today’s home and business
computers, the term desktop computer has stuck. Although
seemingly archaic, it has been reborn through innovations such as the
iMac
by Apple,
which incorporates the computer and monitor within a single sleek,
space-saving unit. Although the desktop computer will eventually be
supplanted by portable devices, innovation and the “need for
speed” will keep the concept of the desktop computer alive at least
for another decade or so.
References:
Authored by Kenneth L. Anderson.
Original article published 13 January 2007.
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