Decades ago, computers used to take up rooms the size of a two-car garage. Nowadays, that same amount of processing power can fit in the palm of your hand. However, several size tiers still exist, and "minicomputer" sits in the middle.

Minicomputer Basics

Although "mini" may make you think of Apple's Mac Mini, an extra-small desktop computer, this term technically applies to systems that are smaller than a mainframe computer, but larger than a desktop computer (which is technically in the microcomputer tier).

Historical Origins

This term goes all the way back to the 1960s and refers to computers that developed in the wake of the invention of the transistor and magnetic memory (like the kind you have on the sticks of RAM in your computer).

Enter the Microcomputer

In the 1980s came the microcomputer, such as the Apple Macintosh and the IBM PC. At the time, only the mini variety was capable of handling multiple user accounts, long-distance networking, large amounts of storage space, and advanced calculations like weather prediction.

The Minicomputer Now

This tier still exists today, in the corporate server world. Companies such as HP and Sun Microsystems produce computers with relatively huge amounts of storage and processing capacity, and very-high-speed Internet connections at a speed that is only available to a limited number of residential Internet users.

Informal Meanings

In addition to reduced-size desktops, you will encounter the "mini" term a lot in reference to netbooks, which are miniature laptops. This latter device has a smaller screen, lower performance, and lacks an optical drive, but it usually has longer battery life than a standard laptop, since its components are less demanding.

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History of the Minicomputer

Gallery of Early Minicomputers

Netbooks Overview