When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn What Does Disposable PC Mean?
A disposable PC is a comparatively inexpensive, full-featured PC that is designed to be discarded instead of being repaired when serious issues occur.
Disposable PCs have the ability to run email, Web browsing and other simple tasks, but they are often criticized for their built-in obsolescence and poor design. In addition, disposable PCs are criticized for the environmental impact created by their disposal.
Because the casing of this type of computer cannot be opened, disposable PCs are also known as sealed-box computers.
Techopedia Explains Disposable PC
A disposable PC has some limitations, as follows:
- Does not include a Microsoft Windows operating system (OS). Linspire, a Unix system, is provided.
- Does not include traditional office programs. Instead, they use OpenOffice 1.1.3, a compatible open-source suite.
- Slow processing speeds
- Lack of game compatibility
- Not optimal for running business applications
- Maintaining critical files may lead to data loss. Regular data backups are recommended.
Although the terms are sometimes interchangeable, a disposable PC is not the same as a disposable computer, which is a small processing device with input/output (I/O) communication capabilities that is frequently used by shipping and pharmaceutical packaging companies.
