The focus of resources in this category or its subcategories is online retailers of computers, computer components, peripherals, and ink.
Devices have been used to aid in computation for thousands of years. However, the modern era of digital computers began in the late 1930s and early 1940s in the United States. These devices used switches operated by electromagnets (relays) and stored programs on punched paper tape or cards. Internal data storage was limited.
In the United Kingdom, pioneering efforts included the development of the Colossus computer during World War II. This massive machine was used to break encrypted German messages. The Manchester Mark I, built in the late 1940s, was one of the earliest stored-program computers.
Germany also made significant contributions. Konrad Zuse's Z3, completed in 1941, is the first electromechanical programmable computer. Due to World War II, his work was largely unnoticed in the US and UK.
Early computers were massive, in both size and cost. IBM's AN/FSQ-7, which powered the SAGE system, was actually two connected computers, an A-side and a B-side, with a combined weight of more than 250 tons. Each of its CPUs took up 7,500 square feet of space. The SAGE network cost $67 billion.
Personal computing began in the United States with the Kenbak-1, designed by John Blankenbaker of Kenbak Corporation in 1970. Another notable early PC was the Altair, sold as an affordable kit. The Apple II was a more advanced home computer, but it cost thousands of dollars.
In the United Kingdom, Sir Clive Sinclair introduced the Sinclair ZX80 around 1980. Selling for under £100, it became very popular. Other manufacturers soon joined the race. The Spectrum ZX and the BBC Micro were sought-after for gaming and programming.
The home computer market paved the way for the digital age as we now know it, connecting us to the technological advancements that have shaped our lives.
Although computers are embedded in several devices today, the variety of computers we recognize as such include desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, mini PCs, all-in-one computers, servers, mainframes, workstations, and gaming PCs.
Desktop computers include classic towers, sleek all-in-ones, and space-saving mini PCs. Laptops and notebooks are portable and versatile, catering to various needs. Tablets are lightweight touchscreen devices, ideal for casual use and entertainment. Smartphones are essentially tablet computers with phone capabilities.
Mini PCs are compact and energy-efficient, suitable for media centers, home offices, or personal home computing. All-in-one computers combine the display and CPU in a single unit. Apple's iMac and Lenovo's IdeaCentre are examples.
Servers are computers designed to provide services, data, or resources to other computers, known as clients, over a network.
Mainframes are powerful computers used by large corporations for bulk data processing, censuses, industry statistics, and large-scale transaction processing.
Gaming PCs are powerful desktop computers designed to play video games. Gaming PCs are optimized with powerful components (CPU, GPU, RAM) to handle resource-intensive games and for upgradability.
Computers are sold through manufacturer stores, such as the Apple Store, big-box stores, and warehouse club stores, as well as other retailers specializing in electronics. Today, computers are also sold online through computer manufacturing company websites or other retailers, such as Amazon or businesses specializing in online computer sales.
As with other online sales, companies invest in search engine optimization, online advertising, and content creation to reach a global audience and create a brand.
Although many respected historical computer brands have ceased production, several computer brands are on the market today. Popular brands include Acer, Alienware, Apple, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, NZXT, and Razer.
The best choice in a computer depends on your specific needs and preferences, as well as what you can afford. Some people have a need for a computer that costs thousands of dollars, while others can easily get by with a notebook computer that sells for under a hundred dollars. You will find some choices in the online resources presented below.
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Recommended Resources
The company liquidates multiple locations of businesses closing their doors, undergoing bankruptcy, restructuring, upgrading used computer equipment, or downsizing. The company manages bulk lots, pallets, trucks, and container loads anywhere in the United States. It also partners with thousands of wholesale buyers who provide service to just about any location in the country. Buyers of surplus computer and networks hardware equipment are encouraged to sign up for IT surplus alerts.
https://www.spintradeexchange.com/
Acer is a Taiwanese multinational company that produces computer hardware and electronics, including desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, servers, storage devices, virtual reality devices, displays, smartphones, televisions, and gaming PCs. In 2024, it was rated the world's sixth-largest computer vendor by unit sales. Its products are available through several retailers, and its categorized online shopping area. Special offers, value picks, and its business and education packages are included.
https://www.acer.com/
The Apple Store is a chain of retail stores owned and operated by Apple. The stores sell, service, and repair various Apple products, including its iMac all-in-one computer, the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Mini, as well as the Apple iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, televisions, and other electronics products, accessories, and peripherals. The store nearest you can be found through the site, or purchases may be made directly from its online store. Service requests may also be made.
https://www.apple.com/store
Canada Computers & Electronics
Founded in 1991, CC&E is a retailer of personal computers, IT, components, and consumer electronics. In business for over thirty years, the company began in Kingston, Ontario, and now has more than forty store locations nationwide. Its site includes a store locator, a list of authorized repair depots, and an overview of its CC Rewards loyalty program, which can be signed up for in one of its stores or online. An online product catalog is included, and online shopping is enabled.
https://www.canadacomputers.com/
Directron's parent company was founded in 1994 in Houston, Texas, and its web store has been online since 1998. In addition to do-it-yourself (DIY) computer components such as CPUs, memory, hard drives, optical drives, hardware, and software, the company also provides prebuilt computer systems, notebooks, netbooks, tablets, and other peripherals and accessories. Its products are available through its online store or brick-and-mortar store in Houston. Contacts are featured on its site.
https://www.directron.com/
Formed in 2015 as the legal successor of the original Hewlett-Packard after the company's enterprise product and business services divisions were spun off as a newly traded company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP develops personal computers, printers, and related supplies, including 3D printing services. Its products may be purchased at several retail locations or through its online shopping site. PCs, printers, accessories, and other items and support services are available.
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop
In business since 1995, Mac of All Trades was an Atlanta, Georgia brick-and-mortar retailer before shifting to e-commerce in 2002, later expanding to a larger office and warehouse in Tampa, Florida, where it specializes in the online sale of Apple products, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, iPads, iPhones, and watches, accessories, and parts. The company also offers a selection of vintage Mac products and special offers available through its online store.
https://www.macofalltrades.com/
Founded in 2006, MirageTek Global Resources partners with IT vendors like Cisco, HP, Lenovo, Meraki, and Dell. It caters to large and small businesses and can assist with single purchases or large-scale project rollouts. Its products include laptops, notebooks, Macbooks, Chromebooks, desktops, consoles, spare parts and peripherals, networking and security equipment, storage, VOIP and telecoms, vacuums, signage display accessories, and software. Online shopping and contacts are included.
https://miragetek.co.uk/
Raspberry Pi is a series of single-board computers developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in association with Broadcom. Originally formed to promote the teaching of basic computer science in schools, the Raspberry Pi became the best-selling British computer in 2015, surpassing the Zx in unit sales. Currently, there are three series of Raspberry Pi, and several generations of each have been released. Versions for home and industry are available.
https://www.raspberrypi.com/raspberry-pi-store/
