1.1 - Laptop Hardware

From Professor Messer's CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Course

Why have laptops become a standard computing platform?

Because so much technology can be engineered into a small, portable form factor

Laptop Repair Difficulty

Laptops are engineered to precise specifications, making some models easy to repair while others require extensive teardown to access components.

What are the two primary types of laptop batteries?

Lithium-ion and (Li-ion) Lithium-polymer batteries (LiPo)

What is a key feature of Li-ion and LiPo batteries regarding charging?

They can be recharged anytime without affecting overall capacity

Built-in Battery

Battery integrated int the laptop chassis (external shell) that usually requires a full teardown to replace

Modular Battery

Easily removeable battery with a latch or button for replacement

Ribbon Cable

Component that commonly connects a laptop keyboard to the system board

What is a quick way to trouble shoot laptop keyboard issues?

Connect an external USB keyboard to determine if the issue is hardware or OS related

Keycap Replacement

A delicate process requiring manufacturer instructions to avoid damaging key mechanisms underneath.

SO-DIMM

Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module; memory module used in laptops and mobile devices

What is the limitation of laptops with soldered memory?

The memory cannot be upgraded; the entire system board must be replaced

2.5” Magnetic Disk

A traditional spinning hard drive used in laptops

SSD (Solid-State Drive) Advantages

Silent operation, fast access time, low latency, and no moving parts

M.2 SSD

A compact SSD with no SATA cables; easy to install with a single screw

What are the two methods to migrate from HDD (Hard Disk Drive) to SSD?

1. Fresh OS install & move user files and apps

2. Disk imaging/cloning from old drive to new drive

Drive-to-Drive Imaging

Cloning data directly from one drive to another in real time

What wireless standard is commonly used for LAN connectivity inside buildings?

802.11 (Wi-Fi)

Mini PCI / Mini PCIe

Interfaces used for internal Wi-Fi network cards in laptops

What are the antenna wire colors typically used for Wi-Fi cards?

Grey and black (for main and aux antenna connections)

Bluetooth

Short-range PAN (Personal Area Network) connectivity used for devices like wireless mice and headsets

Where are Wi-Fi antennas usually located in a laptop?

Wrapped around the laptop display for better signal positioning

Biometrics

Authentication using “sometime you are”, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition

What does biometric authentication require?

Compatible hardware and OS configuration

What is the typical effective range of NFC (Near Field Communication)?

4 centimeters or less

Name two use cases for NFC on laptops or mobile devices

1. Payment authentication

2. Quick login to systems (Ex. hospital workstations)

Integrated Laptop Camera

Built-in video device for conferencing, usually paired with a built-in microphone

Why might built-in laptop microphones be insufficient for professional audio use?

They are designed for casual use; external analog or USB microphones provide better quality