Types of Digital Devices (Edexcel IGCSE ICT): Revision Note
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device capable of taking an input, processing data, storing information and providing an output
Data that is input, is raw, unprocessed information
Information is data that people understand

Mainframe computers & microprocessors
What is a mainframe computer?
A mainframe computer is a computer with huge processing power and data storage capabilities
Built to handle enormous amounts of data and carry out complex calculations
Designed to be secure, reliable and support large volumes of simultaneous users
Carry out critical tasks for large organisations in sectors such as:
Finance
Health
Government etc.
What is a microprocessor?
A microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC) that contains a central processing unit (CPU)
A microprocessor is embedded into devices to help them carry out tasks
The microprocessor is responsible for executing instructions
Microprocessors are used in a home to monitor and control devices such as:
Central heating systems
Security alarm systems
Home entertainment system etc.
Laptops & desktop computers
What is a desktop computer?
A desktop computer is a computer designed to stay in one place, for example on a desk
A desktop computer traditionally consists of a separate:
Monitor
Computer
Keyboard & mouse
Desktop computers are typically more powerful than mobile computers
Desktop computers are upgradable, the parts can be replaced/changed to increase performance
Uses of desktop computers
Office & Business | Education | Gaming & entertainment |
---|---|---|
Word processing | Online learning | Online gaming |
Financial modelling | Research (www) | Streaming music/film/TV |
Content creation | Social media | |
Data storage & backup | Multimedia presentations | Online browsing |
Video/image editing | Online collaboration | |
Project management | Online communication | |
Video conferencing |
What is a laptop computer?
A laptop computer is a computer designed to be portable
A laptop computer traditionally consists of built-in:
Monitor
Computer
Keyboard & trackpad or touch screen keyboard & pointer
Laptop computers are typically less powerful than desktop computers due to:
Power constraints due to size
Focus on extending battery life
Laptop computers are not easily upgradable, components are integrated for size and efficiency
Laptop computers are battery powered
Some laptops are used as desktop replacements
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability) | Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade hardware) |
Access to internet and resources from anywhere (Flexibility) | Less powerful (Lower performance compared to desktop computers) |
Can be used for various tasks and activities (Multi-functionality) | Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging) |
Mobile phones & tablet devices
What is a mobile phone?
A mobile phone is an ultra portable electronic device designed to be lightweight and fit in a pocket or small bag
Mobile phones are used to transmit information between people and devices using radio waves
Two examples of mobile phones are:
Smartphones
Specialist
Smartphones
A smartphone is a versatile general purpose device
Smartphones use subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to link the devices to a network carrier, allowing them to make phone calls and send messages
Smartphones include features such as:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
SMS messaging |
|
Phone calls |
|
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) |
|
Accessing the internet |
|
Mobile payments |
|
Camera |
|
Specialist
A specialist phone is designed for a particular groups of users or environment
They prioritise specific features over general purpose use
Example | Specialist features |
---|---|
Senior phones |
|
Children's phones |
|
Rugged phones |
|
What is a tablet device?
A tablet is a general purpose device that sits between a laptop and a smartphone
A quick comparison shows:
Feature | Smartphone | Tablet |
---|---|---|
Size | Ultra portable, designed to fit in a pocket | Portable but the larger screen means they require a bag or case to carry around |
Focus | Communication (calls, texts, mobile data), camera for capturing images & videos | Entertainment & productivity (games, reading, watching movies) |
Power & performance | Carry out everyday tasks but may lack power for demanding applications or tasks | Typically more powerful than a smartphone but not as powerful as a laptop, more processing power & RAM. |
Battery life | Due to battery size they usually require charging more often than a tablet | Typically longer battery life depending on usage |
Other digital devices
Device | Description | Features |
---|---|---|
Cameras & camcorders | Uses light sensors to capture images formed by light passing through a lens |
|
Games console | Specialised PC for playing video games |
|
Home entertainment systems | Hub for connecting audio and video devices |
|
Media players | A device for multimedia playback |
|
Multifunctional devices
What is a multifunctional device?
A multifunctional device is a device designed to carry out a wide range of tasks
Multifunctional devices combine functions that would usually be separate
Examples of multifunctional devices include:
Smartphones - Communication, photography, gaming, media playback/streaming, web browsing all in one device
Printers - Printing, copying and scanning in one device
Smart TVs - Watch TV, connect to the internet, stream content
What is convergence?
Convergence is the merging of technologies that would usually be separate
Convergence led to the rise of smartphones
Worked Example
A. Which one of these could be used as a desktop replacement computer?
Laptop | |
Mainframe | |
Media Player | |
Server |
[1]
B. Describe how tablet computers allow people to work from home.
[2]
Answers
A. Laptop [1]
B. A description to include two linked points from:
Portability
Internet connectivity
Cloud storage
Hosted applications
Collaboration
Example
Workers can connect to the Internet [1] to access cloud storage [1]
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