In the world of computing, technology advances so fast that there can be a problem thinking up the best words to use to describe the latest developments so that laymen will know what is being talked about. A panel PC is one such linguistic example. By now, we all know what a PC is and we use the term primarily for anything that is smaller than the early mainframe computers. PC’s were initially a metal enclosure (a tower if it sat in a vertical direction) which held the “electronics” which had numerous wires exiting and entering it; three of which were used to connect the pointing device (mouse), a keyboard and, most importantly a monitor (back then this would be of the cathode ray tube type). This was the PC – otherwise known as a “desktop computer”.
Technology advanced – especially with regards to miniaturization and different ways of displaying information on a screen. The laptop computer came into being complete with built in keyboard, mouse and flat screen. Soon, laptops were getting smaller and some became known as “notebooks” and then “tablets”. In addition, the advent of so-called “smart phones” gave us devices that are not really all that far removed from being even smaller computers with a built in telephone.
Integrated pointing devices were never a problem but, as size shrunk, the keyboard had to be left off and a new way of interfacing with the computer had to be found. The current solution is the touch screen.
If A Tablet Can Be A One Piece Device; Why Can’t It Be Much Bigger?
Obviously, it can and the only limitation on its size would be the maximum size of flat screens available. If you have a big screen that is very thin, it is easy to see why some might call it a “panel”.
The Electronic Hardware Has got Much Smaller
Furthermore, most modern components do not need air forced over them to avoid overheating (so there is no need for a fan). Therefore, it is quite straight forward to incorporate all the “computing” parts within a small space within the screen’s support panel. In which case, you have a panel PC.
Take The PC To The Workplace
There are many reasons why this can be useful but there could be a small problem. The workplace environment may not be suitable for the usual plastic materials associated with the panel construction. Plus, in (say) food processing, or clinical applications, there will be a requirement to keep equipment sterile. This can be done with chemicals or steam; either of which could damage plastic.
Again, the solution is obvious – change the material of the casing. If you have a Stainless Steel Panel PC you can take it (or place it permanently) in a number of harsh environments.
The online firm of Sitename takes only the best components to assemble a wide range of specialized and industrial computers including a Stainless Steel Panel PC for use in harsh environments.