Keyboard computer
Encyclopedia
A keyboard computer is a keyboard which contains all of the regular components of a personal computer
. The power supply is typically external and connects to the computer via an adapter
cable. The motherboard is specially designed to fit inside, and the device is larger than most standard keyboards. Additional peripheral components such as a monitor are connected to the computer via external ports
as usual.
While many early personal computers were keyboard computers (the Commodore VIC-20
being a prime example), this form factor went out of style and the first x86 keyboard computer was built only in the late 1990s, by Cybernet Manufacturing. Cybernet is still producing similar devices, using Intel Quad Core
processors
. Asus
has also produced a similar device, the Phantom Eee, which uses an Intel Atom
processor, and optionally solid state
hard drives.
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
. The power supply is typically external and connects to the computer via an adapter
Adapter
An adapter or adaptor is a person that adapts or a device that converts attributes of one device or system to those of an otherwise incompatible device or system.Some adapters may only affect physical attributes:...
cable. The motherboard is specially designed to fit inside, and the device is larger than most standard keyboards. Additional peripheral components such as a monitor are connected to the computer via external ports
Computer port (hardware)
In computer hardware, a port serves as an interface between the computer and other computers or peripheral devices. Physically, a port is a specialized outlet on a piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects...
as usual.
While many early personal computers were keyboard computers (the Commodore VIC-20
Commodore VIC-20
The VIC-20 is an 8-bit home computer which was sold by Commodore Business Machines. The VIC-20 was announced in 1980, roughly three years after Commodore's first personal computer, the PET...
being a prime example), this form factor went out of style and the first x86 keyboard computer was built only in the late 1990s, by Cybernet Manufacturing. Cybernet is still producing similar devices, using Intel Quad Core
Quad core
Quad core may refer to:* A processor with four cores. See Multi-core processor* Intel Core 2 Quad* AMD Phenom...
processors
Central processing unit
The central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
. Asus
ASUS
ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated is a multinational computer technology and consumer electronics product manufacturer headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. Its product range includes motherboards, desktops, laptops, monitors, tablet PCs, servers and mobile phones...
has also produced a similar device, the Phantom Eee, which uses an Intel Atom
Intel Atom
Intel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
processor, and optionally solid state
Solid state
Solid state may refer to:In science:* Solid-state chemistry* Solid-state physics* Solid-state laser* Solid matterIn electronics:* Solid state , circuits built of solid materials* Solid-state fan...
hard drives.