Laptop Facts & Keys 1.1

Three key features of portable devices

Built for mobility, use battery power, designed to withstand more wear and tear

Laptop/Notebook

Portable version of a desktop, runs similar software and hardware

Tablet PC

Notebook with a touch screen, supports input by touch or stylus, may run special OS version

Smartphone

A phone with additional computing functions and apps; supports GPS, touch, downloads

Chromebook

Notebook that uses a browser as its OS; all apps run within the browser

Laptop Processor

Low power, low heat, may throttle performance on battery, uses smaller heat solutions

Laptop Memory Types

SODIMM, UniDIMM, MicroDIMM with SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4

Laptop Memory Notes

May include onboard memory + extra slots; must match size, speed, type when replacing

Laptop Keyboard

Smaller, keys are closer together; numpad and Fn functions may be accessed via alternate key

External Keyboard Support

Supported via USB port or sometimes PS/2 port

Pointing Stick

Small knob in keyboard center; moves cursor when pushed

Touchpad

Finger-controlled pad under keyboard; can click by tapping or using physical buttons

Digitizer Pad

Stylus-based input pad that converts pen motions into data (used in laptops/PDAs)

External Mouse Support

Can connect via USB or Bluetooth

Most common laptop pointing device

Touchpad

Video Screen Aspect Ratios

XGA (4:3) and WXGA (widescreen)

Video Card Location

Integrated or separate component; some share system memory, some have dedicated video RAM

External Display Support

Ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C allow connection to monitors/projectors

Multiple Monitor Support

Can extend screen or duplicate to second display

Convertible Screens

Touchscreens may rotate 180° or detach to convert to tablets

Laptop Networking Options

Built-in Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, infrared

Wireless Networking Card

Usually a mini-PCI card; antenna may wrap around the display

Adding Networking Features

Use USB or ExpressCard adapters

Internal Storage Options

HDD, SSD, or M.2/NVMe; usually measured in terabytes (TB)

Port Replicator Function

Provides desktop ports (video, USB, etc.) for a laptop to simplify docking

WiFi antenna location in laptops

Runs through the display bezel to maximize signal field strength

Servicing the WiFi adapter

Accessed under a panel near the display; wires can be checked/reconnected

Integrated camera location

Typically at the top center of the display bezel for web calls and meetings

Camera status indicator

A small light (pin light) shows when the webcam is active

Microphone in laptops

Often embedded near the webcam in the display bezel; acceptable quality but many use external mics

What does Fn + F1 usually do on many laptops?

Puts the system into Sleep mode (often shown with a moon icon)

Which Fn combo toggles between internal and external displays?

Fn + Display key (usually has a monitor icon)

Which Fn key combo disables wireless radio?

Fn + Wireless key (Wi-Fi icon, often looks like an antenna or signal bars)

What Fn combo turns Bluetooth on or off?

Fn + Bluetooth key (typically has the Bluetooth "B" symbol)

Which function toggles cellular connectivity on a laptop?

Fn + Cellular key (antenna with waves icon)

Which Fn key combination disables GPS?

Fn + GPS key (usually a satellite icon)

Which key combo enables or disables all wireless communication?

Fn + Airplane Mode key (airplane icon)

What does Fn + Touchpad key do?

Toggles touchpad on/off (often a rectangle with a finger icon)

Which combo rotates screen orientation?

Fn + Screen Rotate key (icon with curved arrow and screen)

How do you adjust screen brightness using special keys?

Fn + Brightness Up/Down (sun or light bulb icon)

Which Fn combo increases or decreases keyboard backlight?

Fn + Backlight key (keyboard with glow lines icon)

What combo would you use to mute or adjust volume?

Fn + Volume keys (speaker icon with wave lines or mute slash)

How do you pause, play, or skip music using Fn keys?

Fn + Media keys (play/pause, skip forward/back icons)

What varies between manufacturers for Fn keys?

The specific icons, key placement, and supported features

Why do laptops use Fn keys instead of full-size keys?

To save space on compact keyboards while adding multifunction control

How are Fn special function keys identified?

By small colored icons or labels that match the Fn key color