Section 8.1: Notebook Computers
This section provides an overview of portable devices.
- How notebooks and other portable devices differ from desktop systems.
- Classifications for portable devices:
- Notebook (or laptop)
- Tablet PC
- PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
- Smart phone
- Netbook
- Components in a notebook system:
- Processor
- Memory
- Keyboard
- Pointing devices
- Video
- Networking
- Internal hard disks
- Docking station
- Additional devices:
- Removable drive bays
- USB and Firewire ports
- ExpressCard card slots
- Card readers
- The role of PC cards
- Types of PC Cards
- Type 1
- Type II
- Type III
- PCI Express or ExpressCard standard
- Methods to save power on notebook systems
- Types of batteries that may be used in portable devices:
- Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad)
- Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
- Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
- Fuel Cell
Students will learn how to:
- Identify notebook external components.
- Add peripheral devices to notebook computers using US, PCMCIA, and ExpressCard slots.
Lecture Focus Questions:
- Why do processors for laptop computers not require the large heat sink and fan combinations that are used in PCs to dissipate heat?
- What types of devices do notebooks use instead of a mouse?
- What is the function of the docking station?
- What kinds of components are typically built into a notebook computer?
- How do you add devices to a notebook computer?
- What is the battery memory effect that is present in Ni-cad batteries?
- What advantages do NiMH batteries have over Li-Ion batteries?
- How should you dispose of notebook batteries?
Video/Demo Time
8.1.1 Notebook Computers 19:31
8.1.2 Notebook Connectors 10:58
Total 30:29
Number of Exam Questions
15 questions
Total Time
About 60 minutes
Section 8.2: Notebook Components
Considerations when upgrading or repairing notebook components. :
- Considerations when upgrading or repairing notebook components
- Factors to consider when working with the following components:
- Hard drive
- Memory
- Keyboard
- Touchpad
- Wireless network card
- Processor
- LCD display
Students will learn how to:
- Replace a hard disk in a notebook computer.
- Add memory to a notebook.
- Change notebook components such as the keyboard, video card, or other internal components.
- Troubleshoot problems with notebook components.
Lecture Focus Questions:
- How do you identify the location of components and replacement procedures for notebook systems?
- How can you tell if a failed notebook display is caused by the screen or the video card?
- How can you continue to use a notebook if a built-in component (such as a keyboard, pointing device, or network card) fails?
- When purchasing a replacement internal drive for a notebook, which specifications should you verify before the purchase?
- What type of notebook internal components may require you to remove the keyboard before replacing that component?
- How do you fix common problems with a notebook touchpad?
Video/Demo Time
8.2.1 Changing a Notebook Hard Disk 2:43
8.2.2 Adding Notebook Memory 4:48
8.2.3 Changing a Notebook Keyboard 4:30
8.2.4 Replacing LCD
Components 17:49
8.2.5 Replacing Internal Notebook Components 9:04
Total 38:54
Number of Exam Questions
15 questions
Total Time
About 60 minutes