Types of digital devices
• Mainframe computers: These are large computers
that can do a lot of complicated jobs quickly.
• Super computers: These are the fastest type of
computers.
• Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed
for specialized applications that require immense
amounts of mathematical calculations
Personal computers
• Desktop computer: A desktop PC usually has these
basic components: a monitor, a keyboard, a system
unit and a mouse.
• It always provide users with option to upgrade or add
additional components.
Laptops
• A laptop includes a keyboard, a screen and a rechargeable
battery.
• Some laptops are called desktops replacements.
Embedded computers
• An embedded computer is designed for and built into a specific
application where it will perform a limited range of dedicated
functions.
• Examples: home appliances, industrial robots, air conditioning
systems.
Mobile phones
• Mobile phones use a sim card to connect to mobile
phone networks.
• A sim card (Subscriber Identity module) is used to
identify a subscriber on the network.
Cameras and camcorders
• Digital cameras are used to capture still images.
• Camcorders are used to capture moving images
(videos).
• Digital images are made up of small dots called pixels.
Televisions
• Television display still and moving pictures on the
screen.
• The quality of the images is set by the number of
pixels that are used to display the images.
• This is called the screen’s resolution.
• Smart television can be used to stream videos.
• Stream is the ability to play a video while it is being
downloaded rather than saving it as a file.
Blu-Ray and DVD Players
• Blu-ray and DVD players are connected to televisions
to play films and other content.
• Blu-ray plays DVD discs but DVD players cannot play
Blu-ray discs.
Navigation aids
• They are used to calculate the best route between
two or more locations.
• Navigation aids use GPS satellite to determine the
exact location of a device.
• GPS do not need internet connectivity in order to
work.
• Navigation aids need internet in order to update map
data.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL DEVICES AND CONVERGENCE
• A multifunctional device is a device that can perform a range of
different functions.
• A smartphone has a primary function of making calls but it can also
take photos, act as a navigation aid, fitness tracker, music player,
and hand held game console.
• Therefore a phone is regarded as a multifunctional device.
