Yeah computer is definitely instrument. Yes, it basically models existing instruments but it has got that own unique "digital" sound on it. No, you don't need strings to get sound out of it, you can play it with keyboard. In my opinion the whole thought is bit over dated.

goose-stepper

Son, you steppin, and the way in which you are steppin' is most definitely not correct.

You betta recognise who the big dawgs are aroun' here, you feel me?

This.

wel z m8.

I don't see why a computer can't be an instrument, it can be used to make melody, can't it?

A computer is an instrument in the very same way it is (or rather HAS BECOME) the television, your newspaper, video game, cinema, jokebook and personal diary. The answer does not lie in the realm of music, it lies in the intellect of the musician.

Can't see how, I don't have a computer thrown on my front lawn everyday.

While I'd not ever say that a diary, televison, newspaper, or computer is an instrument per say, I'd have to agree with you on a few points.

Firstly, I'd highly doubt that something considered predominately archaic, e.g. a newspaper, would actually be considered an instrument. I've majored in print journalism (along with theatre) but it's not especially instrumentally sound.

When one is writing, that's one thing.

When one is producing media, that's another.

As a person who has produced video, audio, musical, visual, and theatrical footage over the course of my life, I'd have to say that this is kind of weird.

The vast majority of people I've known can produce perhaps one, two types of enjoyment. These types of entertainment are disctinct.

Ultimately, I'd have to say that all are different...although I'd definitely venture that computer production falls under music.

i do not belong in the PC gaming master race, i'd still take a games console over it any day

Not a chance, the best element of music is the human interaction. The skill, the feel, the talent needed to produce a sound of a musical instrument. That is lost with a computer. Anyone can press buttons, but not everyone can strum a string to make a guitar solo, and not everyone can keep beat one a drum set, and that's the beauty of music. Probably why I'm not the biggest rap fan, it's computers.