## Common ground
All options refer to smart glasses—wearable devices worn on the face with digital functionality.
## Options at a glance
**8471.30 – Portable computer**
- **Defining trait:** Functions as a standalone portable computing device with full input/output and processing capabilities.
- **Typical examples:** RealWear HMT-1, XREAL Beam Pro
- **Best fit when:** The glasses run apps, support touch/voice input, and operate independently of a paired phone or tablet.
**8471.41 – Computer**
- **Defining trait:** Designed as a general-purpose computer but not fully portable; often requires external power or connection for full function.
- **Typical examples:** argo smart glasses
- **Best fit when:** The device is more like a fixed or semi-fixed computing interface, lacking true portability.
**8517.62 – Data communication with paired device**
- **Defining trait:** Primarily acts as a display or input/output accessory that relies on a connected smartphone or tablet for core functions.
- **Typical examples:** Google Glass Enterprise Edition, most AR glasses used with a phone
- **Best fit when:** The glasses only show data from another device and do not run apps independently.
**9021.90 – Vision/hearing assistive device**
- **Defining trait:** Designed specifically to aid users with visual or hearing impairments through real-time enhancement or translation.
- **Typical examples:** eSight 4, Sony Closed Captioning Glasses
- **Best fit when:** The primary purpose is medical or accessibility support, not general computing.
## Key differences
| Feature | 8471.30 (Portable computer) | 8471.41 (Computer) | 8517.62 (Data communication) | 9021.90 (Assistive device) |
|--------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Standalone operation | Yes | Rarely | No | No |
| Primary use | Computing | Computing | Display/extension | Accessibility |
| Dependency on paired device | Low | Medium | High | Low |
## How to choose
- Does it run apps and process data independently? → 8471.30
- Is it used mainly as a fixed or semi-fixed computer interface? → 8471.41
- Does it only display information from a paired phone/tablet? → 8517.62
- Is its main purpose to help with vision or hearing loss? → 9021.90
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A device like eSight 4 may also connect to a smartphone (8517.62), but its primary function is medical assistance, so 9021.90 takes priority.
- Some smart glasses blur lines: e.g., Google Glass can be both a data display (8517.62) and a portable computer (8471.30). In such cases, prioritize the **main function**—if it's for work/entertainment, use 8471.30; if for accessibility, use 9021.90.
- "Computer" vs. "portable computer": 8471.30 implies mobility and full functionality; 8471.41 is less clear—may refer to non-portable or limited-use systems. Use context to decide