Depends on your definition of a "PC". While "personal computer" may be used to define any computing device used for personal use - as in one user at a time - a "PC" is often used to describe a desktop (or tower) computer. It is designated as such to differentiate it from other types of "personal computers" such as a "laptop" or "tablet".
I personally (no pun intended) do
NOT consider my laptop a "PC" but I do consider it a "personal computer". The difference? My "PC" sits in a large case on the floor and has a full sized keyboard and mouse,
two 24" monitors, multiple
internally mounted drives, and an attached full surround sound speaker system connected to my network via Ethernet cable. And it is all powered through a UPS connected to a 115VAC wall outlet. Plus, my "PC" easily "evolves" over many years by supporting nearly unlimited, "industry standard" compliant
upgrades.
My laptop, on the other hand, is a tiny, all-in-one mobile device that connects to my network wirelessly and is powered by a battery. It is basically stuck in time as it cannot evolve over time because upgrade possibilities are extremely limited (often non-existent) due to non-compliant, "proprietary"
designs.
Why does the definition of a PC matter? Simple. Look at this forum and note the confusion that happens when a poster says his PC keeps locking up and the responders trying to help suggest the OP swap power supplies, swap out CPU coolers or any number of things that would only apply to a desktop/tower "PC", only to discover the OP was talking about a "laptop".
So, my breakdown is as follows:
I have 4 "PCs" (this machine, my primary computer, a secondary computer, a backup NAS "PC" acting as my backup "server", and one PC for testing).
But I also have 3 other "personal computers". 1 laptop, 1 tablet, and 1 Android smart phone (and yes, technically, a smart phone is a personal computer too).
currently fully functional desktops.
And a basement store room shelf full of "non-functional" computers.
