the difference is that the mainframe is bigger and more expensive.
For a mainframe with terminals, data processing takes place on the mainframe computer only as the terminals are 'dumb'. Conversely, in a network of computers, each computer has its own processor.
IBM produced their first mainframe computer in 1952. Between 1952 and the late 1970's the term "mainframe computer" was automatically linked with IBM because they had the largest share of the computer market.
The largest difference between any laptop computer and desktop computer is that a laptop is portable and a desktop is not. If you do not require you computer to be portable then a desktop computer is preferable as it will be cheaper to purchase than a laptop of equal specs.
a main frame computer is a large-scale computers but a super computer are larger than mainframe while a mini computer is smaller in size, have lower processing speed and also have lower cost than mainframe computers.
A desktop is larger and sits on a desk. A laptop is smaller and portable; you can carry it with you.
Main Frame computers are designed to handle large corporations. Mini computers are designed for much smaller performance.
I don't think that there is a difference. Any iPod or Zune type mp3 player is portable but there are also standard versions of it. You may be thinking of a computer program, such as itunes that is an mp3 player without being portable.
The color.
1) A mainframe will support multiple users. A personal computer originally supported only one user at a time (Windows can now have simultaneous login sessions). 2) Multitasking. A mainframe must be able to multitask between different threads. Today, PC OSs do as well but earlier versions didn't have true preemptive multitasking. 3) Remote access. Most mainframes can be remotely managed. No such requirement on a PC. 4) A mainframe should easily support a large number of processes. A PC might not be well suited to this.
Basically, a mainframe is a big piece of machinery. A client server is a complex computer program that uses that big piece of machinery and perhaps other pieces of machinery. The client server program resides in the main frame computer and takes orders from the various terminals attached to it. It may request data from the main frame or data from a distant main frame.
The price difference between a portable and stationary ac unit can be up to two hundred dollar. Portable ACs can be very expensive.
A mainframe computer cost round about 2-3 thousand dollars. Mainframe computers are built to the specifications and to suit the requirements of the end user. They may cost anywhere between several thousand and several million dollars.