The first computer, ENIAC, was created by John Mauchly and J. Presper at the University of Pennsylvania. They began construction in 1943 and completed it three years later. It weighed 50 tons and was about 1,800 square feet. Here are Small Computers That We Use Today.
Imagine fitting that in your pocket!Â
It was so big because computer technology was in its infancy. Rather than integrated circuits, it used vacuum tubes and transistors. Although it wasn’t particularly powerful by today’s standards, ENIAC could crunch 5,000 addition problems a second and was hailed as a technological marvel.Â
It wasn’t until the 1960s when IBM began to revolutionize the industry with powerful yet adaptable computers. In 1981, IBM set the blueprint for PCs with off-the-shelf computers that featured an Intel processor and an operating system.Â
Computers have come a long way since then. They’re smaller, faster, and more versatile. They can be designed to suit various needs, whether it’s at home, in the factory, on the ocean, in an emergency vehicle, or any other application. Let’s look at some popular small computers today that we can’t do without:
Table of Contents
1. Small Handheld Computers
Look no further than rugged hand held computers if you’re looking for a reliable and tough computing solution for your business. Such computers are sealed, making them dustproof and waterproof. That’s why they’re excellent for use on the farm, on survey boats, or in the desert. They can also be purchased with rugged light Sunlight Readable screens for use in the bright sunlight.Â
Here are some applications for rugged small computers:
- Public safety and security.Â
- Mining, oil, and gas.Â
- Transportation
- Marine
- Hospitals and clinics.Â
- Demanding factory floors.Â
- Rescue and emergency vehicles.Â
- Digital Video Records (DVR)
- Digital signate and tough kiosks.Â
- Industrial Automation
- Kiosk, Gaming, Entertainment
2. Mobile Phones
There was a time when you needed multiple pockets to fit a phone, calculator, map, camera, video recorder, music player, and more into your clothes. Now, you just need a modern cellphone. Mobile phones are an example of how technology has become smaller, more powerful, and versatile.Â
Some of the most significant leaps in mobile phone technology were made by Apple Inc. The American multinational company introduced enhancements such as the touch screen, a seamless user-interface, and integration with other smart products. Apple’s advancements set standards that were emulated and improved upon by their rivals.
3. TabletÂ
The modern tablet is essentially a large mobile phone that allows users to perform all the tasks associated with a cellphone on a bigger screen. People use tablets to communicate, work, consume entertainment in a form factor that’s lighter and more mobile than a laptop.Â
Many companies have launched 2-in-1 machines that can be used as laptops and tablets to satiate consumers who need notebooks and tablets.Â
4. Netbook
Consumers who don’t want tablets can buy netbooks, which smaller, less powerful versions of laptops equipped with keyboards. You can use netbooks to browse the Internet, send emails, and write documents on the cloud.Â
As technology advances, you can expect computers to become smaller and more powerful. The future is only limited by our imagination.
