that's awesome! :)

Since I don’t think it’s possible to be this obtuse, I’m assuming this is just marketing for your widget.

I’m sorry I wasted my time thinking you actually wanted a definition for a quantum computer.

I’m also sorry you need to waste people’s time to sell the thing but c’est la vie.

A quantum computer is a physical machine that can execute quantum algorithms with at most polynomial resource scaling.

It’s not a “legal term” where I live, and my statement was clearly a conditional, so not an accusation.

Let’s stick to subjects we both understand: Are your students walking away with the clear understanding that a classical simulator with exponential scaling is not a quantum computer?

Chris, you're doing educational malpractice if your students are walking away without a clear understanding of the difference between a classical simulation and an actual quantum computer. Ignoring the entire premise of quantum computing just to sell widgets isn't a noble antiestablishment position.

Yes this is the right definition because the whole point of trying to build a quantum computer is their ability to do certain computations much more efficiently. It’s been central since 1982.

But the most important thing IMO is centering it on scalability like Craig did.

what's wrong with this definition: A quantum computer is a physical machine that can execute quantum algorithms with at most polynomial resource scaling.

Your critique of DV didn't make much sense to me:
2- it's architecture agnostic, we can at least simulate qubits, initialization, gates, etc. in any arch.
3- who cares?
4- They're criteria, not an object description. Just like "the criteria for a valid airplane" doesn't refer to a single 747.

Personally I would go with a simpler definition: A quantum computer is a physical machine that can execute quantum algorithms with at most polynomial resource scaling.

DV criteria are necessary. Craig was just pointing out where your system clearly fails.

Craig did give a definition (scalability being key), and it seems much more informative and operationally useful than your definition.

Are you having trouble understanding this definition? Maybe you can point out what is unclear about it and the community can help you.

Anti-Nazi fighter? English is a weird language.