appliance computer

English

Noun

appliance computer (plural appliance computers)

1. (computing, dated) A computer sold to consumers as a unit ready to be switched on and used, rather than a kit for self-assembly.
   • 1988, Random House Value Publishing, Home Computers, →ISBN, page 53:

     While consumer computers offer color graphics, joysticks, and other video game spinoffs, their computational ability is not nearly as powerful as that of some similarly priced appliance computers.

   • 2014, Gerard Alberts, Ruth Oldenziel, Hacking Europe: From Computer Cultures to Demoscenes, page 53:

     While the MK14 was providing British enthusiasts with an affordable way to explore microprocessors, the first “appliance computers,” the Commodore PET2001 and Apple II, were being released in the USA.