CompTIA A+ Core Study 1.0 (Mobile Devices)

1.1 - Keyboard

smaller, more compact. Missing some functions you'd expect like numpad. Some come with numpad or 'compressed' functions

1.1 - SSD

Many laptops use 2.5 inch SSD. Faster response time because there is no spinning parts (HDD) because writing directly to memory. Comes in 2.5 inch or 1.8 inch on older SSDs.

1.1 - SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive)

Has Flash memory and hard drive storage. SSD caches information as it's being read or written the hard drive data. Writes information quickly so you can continually perform functions on laptop. Hybrid drive then takes info from SSD and writes it separate from the operation of the laptop.

1.1 - Magnetic Disk

Can store much more information than an SSD, has larger capacity. Slowly being phased out, but for the same amount of money you can store a lot more.

1.1 - Laptop Memory / RAM

two types exclusively used in laptops. SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module) and MicroDIMM (Micro-Dual In-Line Memory Module).

1.1 - Smart Card Reader (Two Types).

Two Types: Integrated card reader and External Reader (USB). Need to scan physical card in order to authenticate into the network.

1.1 - Optical Drives

Newer Laptops are coming without optical drives. If you do need one, make sure it can both read and write in CD and DVD format.

1.1 - Wireless Cards (Laptops usually have three types)

Laptops don't always have physical cables. Has three adapter slots:

- 802.11 wireless connection
- WLAN (cellular based wireless connection)
- WPAN (Bluetooth connection)

Installing is pretty easy, make sure antenna is in place.

1.1 - Mini PCIe (What does it do)

Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. Laptops use smaller PCI modules (Mini PCI and PCIe). Helps communication between peripherals (graphics cards, wireless cards, etc.) and motherboard.

1.1 - Video Card

Often built into the processor and sometimes part of the system board and not usually upgradable. Some do for people who need high performance on the go.

1.1 - Screen

Usually LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Usually fragile but has light and high resolution. Resolutions are fixed so changes to native resolution may not be as crisp. Make sure to use native resolution.

1.1 - DC Jack

Computers need (DC) to operate. Laptops have DC jacks in order to provide power to computers. Converts AC (from outlet) to DC (for laptop). If you're replacing power supply, make sure to get one that's compatible. Input voltage is usually 110 to 220 volts.

1.1 - Laptop Battery

Common battery technology is Lithium Ion. You can charge at anytime and won't have decrease in charging capabilities. However, every time you charge it will have diminished capacity, so it won't hold as much as it used to over the years. Different laptops have different form factors.

1.1 - Touchpad

Laptops have touchpads or pointing sticks.

1.1 - Laptop Frames

Usually plastic. Lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. Some have metal but more expensive to replace.

1.1 - Speakers

Portable Audio with not the highest quality, but it might have subwoofers.

1.1 - System Boards

Proprietary and replacement isn't easy. Most components are built into the port.

1.1 CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Designed for mobility. Want to use as little power as possible and little heat as possible since it is difficult to cool. Has integrated features to reduce moving parts (memory controller, video controller). Replaceable, but not upgradable.

CPU vs GPU

GPU- massive, parallel architecture consisting of thousands of smaller, more efficient cores designed for handling multiple tasks simultaneously (good for gaming or rendering, where you need render thousands of shapes)

CPU- a few cores optimized for sequential, serial processing (good for performing wide range of tasks such as watching videos, using spreadsheets, browsing).

1.2 LCD Laptop Display

*Majority of laptops use LCD displays.

*A backlight shines through liquid crystals, color filters, and other components to display the text and images on screen.

*Advantages of LCD: Lightweight, doesn't consume a lot of power, relatively inexpensive

*Disadvantages of LCD: Doesn't produce true black colors, use a backlight such as Florescent (CFFL) or LED bulb which can be difficult to replace

1.2 OLED Display

Flexible and mobile, no glass needed. Organic compound provides the lights proving good color representation. Not ready for laptops as more costly, power hungry, and materials can degrade.

1.2 WiFi antenna connector/placement in laptop

Wi-fi main, cellular type connections, Bluetooth. Placement: wrapped around the laptop screen since it's the highest point of the laptop.

1.2 Laptop Webcam

Usually includes both audio and video with specialized drivers.

1.2 Microphone

Useful for videocalls, but not good for non-casual use. Left and Right side are integrated into screen.

1.2 Fluorescent vs LED Backlighting

LED-backlight LCD display. Backlit with LEDS forming matrix, uses same type of DC voltage as laptop so doesn't need to do any conversion.

Older Laptops use CCFL. Higher Voltage, need more power, and thicker than LED.

1.2 Backlight and Inverters

LCD displays need backlights. Inverters are used in older laptops that convert DC into AC used for CCFL backlights. If LED or CCFL go out, use flashlight to verify. May need to replace inverters on older laptops or entire display.

1.2 Digitizer/Touchscreen

Use pen-like device as input. Becoming more common laptops or hybrid devices.

1.3 Duel Displays

Toggle between LCD, external monitor, or both. Can move between different configurations. Computer may choose which screen to use based on sleep mode. You can set functionality in BIOS or utility.

1.3 Wireless Control

May be physical switch or function key. May include 802.11, cellular, or Bluetooth.

1.3 Volume Settings

Another function key, some might have separate dials or buttons.

1.3 Screen Brightness/Keyboard Backlights

Controls the backlight, more light is more power. Some have keyboard backlights that can be customized.

1.3 Touch Pad

Enable and disable to avoid accidental clicks.

1.3 Screen Orientation

Some laptops allow rotation on screen, sometimes a function key or a hot key.

1.3 Media Options

Control video and audio from keyboard, no mouse clicking. Specialized keys.

1.3 GPS

Enabling or disabling airplane mode can affect GPS.

1.3 Docking Station

You can connect your external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories to the docking station to easily connect to your laptop.

A docking station can extend the laptop interfaces. Some docking station allow you to add adapter cards for additional functionality.

1.3 Port replicator

A port replicator is similar to a docking station. However, they are generally smaller and do not have an option to add expansion cards.

1.3 Physical Laptop Locks

Laptops include metal-reinforced locking slots. Connect to lock and connect to a sold object so no one can take it.

1.3 Rotating / Removable Screen

Combines a laptop keyboard with a tablet for a mobile screen.

1.4 Tablets

Single-screen Touch computers. Designed for touch input that run iOS, Android, etc.

1.4 Smartphones

Mobile communication hub.

1.4 Smart Watches

Extension of your phone and body.

1.4 Fitness Monitors

Tracks heart rate, steps, sleep patterns, and more.

1.4 VR/AR headsets

Many different applications such as Gaming, Industrial Design, Art. Augmented Reality overlays virtual augmentation over physical world (Google Glasses).

1.4 E-Readers

Use technology called Electronic Paper. designed to perform well in direct light and has exceptional battery life. Use either Wi-Fi or Cellular.

1.4 GPS

In-Car navigation. Requires view of sky so GPS satellites can help.

1.5 Micro USB vs Mini USB vs USB-C

Micro-USBs common now world wide. Mini USBs are fatter and used for older devices. USB-C uses 24-pin connector and double sided.

1.5 USB-C

Acts as a USB 3.1 / USB 2.0 connection. Also useful for analog audio output, with headset support for 3.5 mm jack.

1.5 Lighting

8-pin connector proprietary to Apple. Outputs more power than Micro-USB, simpler design and more durable.

1.5 Tethering

Physically connect a device to your mobile phone. Enables internet access from almost anywhere, computer uses USB to connect. Can simply use USB if not 802.11 connection or no cellular adapters.

1.5 Hotspot

Turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Tethering and Hotspots are controlled by your phone provider.

1.5 Proprietary Mobile Interfaces

Older phones had their own interfaces. EU insisted for standard connections which simplified process for consumers.

1.5 NFC

Near Field Communication. Send small amounts of data wirelessly over a limited area. Built into phone and used for payment systems or in-person information exchange (like airdrop). Also can be used as Access Token with short range encryption.

1.5 Bluetooth

High speed communication over short distances. Sometimes referred to as PAN (Personal Area Network).

1.5 IR (Infrared)

Included on many smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Used to be used for printing, but 802.11 replaced it. Mostly used for entertainment center to control tv using phone.