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Where is 计算机 used for "computer", and where does it mean "calculator". In regions where it means "calculator" what is the word for "supercomputer" (assuming that there, 超级计算机 is not used)

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most regions use 计算机 for computer,calculator is 计算器,it is less powerful than a computer.but some people use 计算机 for caculator. – macskuz Dec 15 '11 at 5:22
计算机 is the formal form usage of 电脑 – macskuz Dec 15 '11 at 5:23

3 Answers

up vote 9 down vote accepted
  1. 计算机 is often used for computer in written language in mainland China. And 电脑 usually means Desktop computer in oral language.
  2. Calculator is 计算器 not 计算机 just as @StarCub said.
  3. And for laptop, it's 手提电脑, 笔记本电脑, or just called 笔记本(not the notebook here).
  4. Usually, 超级计算机 is used for supercomputer. But generally speaking, supercomputer often has its own name, just like 天河一号(Thiahe-1A).
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1  
There's a joke about 笔记本电脑. A school was holding an activity, saying everyone joined in will get a 笔记本电脑. But everyone just got a 笔记本. So students asked their teachers but the answer was "Put your head on the notebook, that's 笔记本垫脑". – Mike Manilone Feb 14 at 18:32
@MikeManilone that's interesting XD – Kjuly Feb 15 at 0:29
up vote 6 down vote

In mainland China

Calculator = 计算器

Computer = 计算机

电脑 is also used for Computer, especially Personal Computer. Mostly used in oral form.

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up vote 2 down vote

In Taiwan, 计算机 is a pocket calculator, and 电脑 is any kind of computer (with a screen, keyboard, graphics card etc).

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