There are many meanings for the PC acronym but; to most of us, it stands for "personal computer". In this context, we refer to a general-purpose computer of suitable size, capabilities and price to make it within the financial grasp of individuals. Additionally, a PC is intended for the use of an individual working on it directly without additional assistance. The basic concept first appeared around 1971 but IBM really set the ball rolling in 1981.
The IBM PC
The first IBM PC’s were not really state of the art for that time and their prices were not cheap; but, the fact that they carried the IBM name guaranteed good sales. Within a short time, so called IBM "clones" hit the market at prices many more people could afford. Their faster, smaller size but much larger capability models are still being purchased to this day by people wanting a fixed place computer (i.e. desktop) for home or office use.
Portability
Once computers became an essential tool for any office and as popular as the TV in our homes we sort of drifted into a state where we simply could not do without them. This gave us the desire for portable computing that we could take wherever we wanted. Various portable models had been around almost as long as desktop PC’s but it was not until the mid-nineties that technology really rose to the occasion with the introduction of today’s laptop computer – small enough to be carried and capable of duplicating just about everything that a static PC could do.
Small In Size And Light In Weight
Having a laptop quickly became a necessity rather than a status symbol. However, it formed a significant part of your luggage when travelling. Once again, technology looked to older devices and improved them to bring us the small, handheld, light weight tablet PC.
But All Somewhat Delicate
When using any kind of standardized PC; it is assumed that you will be in a relatively clean and dry environment and usually indoors (or on a cafe terrace, etc). On this assumption, there is scant budget for heavy duty materials and weather proofing during their manufacture. The outer casing is often more decorative than protective of the internal electronics.
Computing In Harsher Environments
It is not only the military, avionics and seafaring sectors that have a real need for handheld computers with the full functionality of a PC yet can be taken anywhere the human operator can survive. This need is met by a fully waterproofed Industrial Grade Tablet PC of rugged construction. Inside this secure casing, the Industrial Grade Tablet PC can have whatever choice of hard and software its user requires. Its front will be an LCD screen; it will operate on a touch screen basis and be powered by a long life rechargeable battery.
