personal computer
nounEtymology Often attributed to Stewart Brand (1974), but in use before (see quotations).
1
A computer for use by one person at a time (using a microprocessor).
- Near-synonyms: desktop computer, microcomputer
- He is working on an important project on his personal computer.
3 more examples
- “There is no reason to suppose the average boy or girl cannot be master of a personal computer,” he said.1962 November 3, John Mauchly, quotee, “Pocket Computer May Replace Shopping List”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
- Meanwhile the research center is nifty as ever. Virtuoso Peter Deutsch is working on interactive systems for secretaries. They're part way along on the Dynabook fantasy with a working personal computer the size of a breadbox.1974, Stewart Brand, II Cybernetic Frontiers, New York: Random House, →ISBN, page 88:
- Morse did confirm that the Amiga personal computer will have 128K of random-access memory (RAM) and a single 5¼-inch disk drive with 320K storage.1984, InfoWorld, volume 6, number 13, page 13:
2
Historical The IBM Personal Computer.
3
Dated A PC-compatible computer.