Laptops and Portable devices PDF

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CHAPTER 6

Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you will able to answer the following questions: ■

What are laptops and other portable devices?

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What are the different mobile phone standards?

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What are the components of a laptop?

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How would you compare and contrast laptop and desktop components?

What are some common preventive maintenance techniques used for laptops and portable devices?

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What are different ways to configure laptops?

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What are some ways to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices?

Key Terms This chapter uses the following key terms. You can find the definitions in the Glossary. personal digital assistant (PDA)

page xx

stereo headphone jack

smartphone page xx

microphone jack

battery

ventilation page xx

page xx

page xx

page xx

stylus page xx

PC combo expansion slot page xx

audio page xx

infrared port

battery bay

speakers page xx

page xx

AC power connector

page xx

page xx

laptop latch page xx

parallel port page xx

optical drive page xx

security keyhole page xx

optical drive status indicator

USB page xx

drive bay status indicator

S-video connector

page xx

page xx

page xx

Video Graphics Array (VGA) port page xx

modem page xx

hard drive access panel

Ethernet page xx

battery latch page xx

network LEDs page xx

docking station connector

page xx

page xx continues

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IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guide

continued

RAM access panel

page xx

USB port page xx

input device page xx

mouse port page xx

volume control

keyboard port page xx

page xx

power button page xx

external diskette drive connector

keyboard page xx

serial port page xx

pointer controller

page xx

modem port page xx

fingerprint reader

page xx

Ethernet port page xx

page xx

touchpad mouse page xx

key lock

wireless LED page xx

form factor

Bluetooth LED page xx

CPU throttling

Num Lock LED page xx

power management page xx

Caps Lock LED page xx

Advanced Power Management (APM)

hard drive activity LED page xx

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) page xx

power on LED page xx battery status LED page xx hibernate/standby LED page xx function key

docking station page xx page xx

page xx

exhaust vent page xx

power options page xx standby

page xx

critical battery alarm page xx hot-swappable page xx

analog

page xx

digital signals page xx

PC Card/ExpressCard slot page xx Digital Visual Interface (DVI) port page xx page xx

headphone connector

page xx

Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SODIMM) page xx

eject button page xx

Line In connector

page xx

low battery alarm page xx

base station page xx

laptop connector

page xx

hibernate page xx

page xx

port replicator

page xx

page xx

Short Message Service (SMS)

page xx

Multimedia Message Service page xx packet switching

page xx

optimal operating environment page xx

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

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One of the original laptops was the GRiD Compass 1101. Astronauts used it during space missions in the early 1980s. It weighed 11 lb. (5 kg) and cost $8,000–$10,000! Laptops today often weigh less than one-half the weight and cost less than one-third the price of the GRiD Compass 1101. The compact design, convenience, and evolving technology of laptops have made them as popular as desktops. Laptops, personal digital assistants (PDA), and smartphones are becoming more popular as their prices decrease and technology continues to progress. As a computer technician, you need to have knowledge of portable devices of all kinds. This chapter focuses on the differences between laptops and desktops and describes the features of PDAs and smartphones.

Describe Laptops and Other Portable Devices Early laptops were heavy and expensive. Today, laptops are very popular because advances in technology have resulted in laptops that cost less, weigh less, and have improved capabilities. Many laptops can be configured with an additional video port, a FireWire port, an infrared port, or an integrated camera. Note Notebooks, laptops, and tablets are types of portable computers. For clarity and consistency in IT Essentials I, all portable computers will be called laptops.

PDAs and smartphones are examples of portable, handheld devices that are becoming more popular. PDAs offer features such as games, web surfing, e-mail, instant messaging, and many other features offered by PCs. Smartphones are cell phones with many built-in PDA capabilities. PDAs and smartphones can run some of the same software as laptops. After completing the following sections, you will meet these objectives: ■

Identify some common uses of laptops

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Identify some common uses of PDAs and smartphones

Identify Common Uses of Laptops The most significant feature of a laptop is the compact size. The design of the laptop places the keyboard, screen, and internal components into a small, portable case. Another popular feature of the laptop is that it can be used almost anywhere. A rechargeable battery allows the laptop to function when it is disconnected from an AC power source. The first laptops were used primarily by businesspeople who needed to access and enter data when they were away from the office. The use of laptops was limited because of expense, weight, and limited capabilities compared to less expensive desktops.

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IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guide

Today laptops have lower prices and increased capabilities. A laptop is now a real alternative to a desktop computer. Common uses for the laptop include the following: ■

Taking notes in school or researching papers

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Presenting information in business meetings

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Accessing data away from home or the office

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Playing games or watching movies while traveling

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Accessing the Internet in a public place

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Sending and receiving e-mail in a public place

Identify Common Uses of PDAs and Smartphones The concept of the PDA has existed since the 1970s. The earliest models were computerized personal organizers designed to have a touch screen and a stylus. Today, some models have both a touch screen and a keyboard and use an operating system that is similar to operating systems used on desktop computers. The PDA is an electronic personal organizer with the following tools: ■

Address book

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Calculator

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Alarm clock

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Internet access

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E-mail

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Global positioning

The smartphone is a mobile phone with PDA capabilities. Smartphones combine cell phone and computer functions in a single, handheld device. The technology of the PDA and the technology of the smartphone continue to merge. Smartphones can include these additional options: ■

Built-in camera

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Document access

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E-mail

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Abbreviated note taking

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Television

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

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Smartphone connectivity and PDA connectivity include Bluetooth and regular Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable connections. Worksheet 6.1.2: Research Laptops, Smartphones, and PDAs

Research laptop, smartphone, and PDA specifications. Refer to the worksheet in IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, Third Edition (ISBN 158713-198-6). You can perform this worksheet now or wait until the end of the chapter.

Identify and Describe the Components of a Laptop Common laptop features include the following: ■

They are small and portable.

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They have an integrated display screen in the lid.

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They have an integrated keyboard in the base.

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They run on AC power or a rechargeable battery.

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They support hot-swappable drives and peripherals.

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Most laptops can use docking stations and port replicators to connect peripherals.

In the following sections, you look closely at the components of a laptop. You also examine a docking station. Remember, laptops and docking stations come in many models. Components can be located in different places on different models. After completing these sections, you will meet these objectives: ■

Describe the components found on the outside of the laptop

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Describe the components found on the inside of the laptop

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Describe the components found on the laptop docking station

Describe the Components Found on the Outside of the Laptop Laptop and desktop computers use the same types of ports so that peripherals can be interchangeable. These ports are specifically designed for connecting peripherals and providing network connectivity and audio access. Ports, connections, and drives are located on the front, back, and sides of the laptop because of the compact design. Laptops contain PC Card or ExpressCard slots to add functionality

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IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guide

such as more memory, a modem, or a network connection. You learn more about PC Card and ExpressCard slots in the section “Compare and Contrast Laptop and Desktop Expansion Capabilities,” later in this chapter. Laptops require a port for external power. Laptops can operate using either a battery or an AC power adapter. This port can be used to power the computer or to charge the battery. The exterior of the laptop also has status indicators (also called light-emitting diode [LED] displays), ports, slots, connectors, bays, jacks, vents, and a keyhole. Note Exterior components and LED displays vary among different laptops. Technicians should consult the laptop manual for a list of specific components and status displays.

The top of the typical laptop has the following three LEDs, as shown in Figure 6-1: ■

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

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Battery

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Standby

Figure 6-1

Laptop: Top View Battery Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Standby

The back of some laptops has the following three components, as shown in Figure 6-2: ■

Battery bay

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AC power connector

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Parallel port

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

Figure 6-2

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Laptop: Rear View AC Power Connector Battery Bay

Parallel Port

A laptop operates using a battery or an AC power adapter. Laptop batteries are manufactured in various shapes and sizes. They use different types of chemicals and metals to store power. Table 6-1 compares rechargeable batteries typically used in laptops. Table 6-1

Laptop Battery Comparison

Type of Battery

Characteristics

Common Use

Disposal

Lithium-ion (Li-ion)

Lightweight for power, no memory effect, can easily overheat and sometimes explode. Keep cool, charge often, seek freshest batteries (most recently manufactured).

Cell phones, laptops

Check local rules, contents flammable

Lithium-polymer (Li-Poly or LiPo)

Costly, small, lightweight for power, moderate capacity, fast recharge, moderate life span, do not shortcircuit, can explode but are not flammable.

PDAs, laptop computers, portable MP3 players, portable gaming devices, radio controlled airplanes

Check local rules

The left side of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-3, has the following ten components: ■

Security keyhole

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USB port

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S-video connector

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Modem

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Ethernet port

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Network LEDs

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IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guide

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Stereo headphone jack

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Microphone jack

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Ventilation

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PC combo expansion slot

Figure 6-3

Laptop: Left-Side View Security Keyhole Headphone Jack Security Keyhole Ethernet Port Ventilation

Expansion Slot USB Ports Network LEDs RJ-11 Modem Port Microphone Jack

The front of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-4, has the following components: ■

Infrared port

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Speakers

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Laptop latch

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Ventilation

Figure 6-4

Laptop: Front View Infared Port

Laptop Latch

Speakers

Ventilation

The right side of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-5, contains four components: ■

Optical drive

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Optical drive status indicator

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Drive bay status indicator

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Video Graphics Array (VGA) port

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

Figure 6-5

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Laptop: Right-Side View

Optical Drive

Indicator VGA Port

Optical Drive Status Indicator

The bottom of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-6, has the following components: ■

Hard drive access panel

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Battery latches

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Docking station connector

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RAM access panel

Figure 6-6

Laptop: Bottom View Docking Station Connector Battery Latch

Battery Latch

RAM Access Panel

Hard Drive Access Panel

Virtual Laptop Activity: Explore Laptop

Explore the different views of the Virtual Laptop. Refer to the Virtual Laptop software on the CD that accompanies this book.

Describe the Components Found on the Inside of the Laptop Laptops have a “clamshell” design. Typically, the laptop is closed when not in use. By opening the lid of the laptop, you can access a variety of input devices, LEDs, and a display screen.

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IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guide

There are several input devices available when the laptop lid is open, as shown in Figure 6-7: ■

Volume controls

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Power button

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Keyboard

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Pointer controller

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Fingerprint reader

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Touchpad mouse

Figure 6-7

Open Laptop Power Button Volume Controls

Keyboard

Point Controller

Fingerprint reader

Touchpad

A laptop receives and interprets data in many ways. As a result, the laptop is able to perform a variety of functions. At the bottom of the screen in Figure 6-8, a row of LEDs shows the status of specific functions: ■

Wireless

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Bluetooth

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Num Lock

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Caps Lock

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Hard drive activity

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Power on

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Battery status

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Hibernate/standby

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

Figure 6-8

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Laptop Status LEDs Caps Lock Power On Bluetooth

Hibernate/Standby

Wireless

Num Lock Battery Status Hard Drive Activity

Note Indicators can vary by laptop.

A laptop monitor is a built-in liquid crystal display (LCD). It is similar to a desktop LCD monitor, except that the resolution, brightness, and contrast settings can be adjusted using software or button controls. The laptop monitor cannot be adjusted for height and distance because it is integrated into the lid of the case. A desktop monitor can be connected to a laptop. Using the function key, you can toggle the screen from the laptop to the desktop monitor or view both at the same time. These key combinations vary from laptop to laptop. Refer to the user manual for directions. Virtual Laptop Activity: Keyboard

Explore the Virtual Laptop keyboard. Refer to the Virtual Laptop software on the CD that accompanies this book.

Describe the Components Found on the Laptop Docking Station A base station is a device that attaches to AC power and to desktop peripherals. When you plug the laptop into the base station, you have convenient access to power and the attached peripherals. There are two types of base stations: docking stations and port replicators. Docking stations and port replicators are used for the same purpose. Port replicators are usually smaller than docking stations and do not have speakers or Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slots.

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IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guide

The following are three typical areas on top of the docking station, as shown in Figure 6-9: ■

Power button

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Eject button

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Laptop connector

Figure 6-9

Docking Station Top View

Power Button Eject Button

Laptop Connector

Some docking stations include drive bays and ports to provide additional functionality. The back of the docking station contains ports and connectors used to attach to desktop peripherals such as a mouse, a monitor, or a printer. A vent is also necessary to expel hot air from the docking station. The following components are typically located on the back of the docking station, as shown in Figure 6-10: ■

Exhaust vent

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AC power connector

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PC Card/ExpressCard slot

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VGA port

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Digital Visual Interface (DVI) port

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Line In connector

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Headphone connector

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USB port

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Mouse port

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Keyboard port

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External diskette drive connector

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Parallel port

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

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