CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Professor Messer) 10/2025

00001 Laptop Hardware - Engineering and Repair

Challenging to repair as some laptops are easier to fix than others. Ongoing learning in understanding the process as details vary between manufacturers.

00002 Laptop Hardware - Battery Replacement

Some batteries are Modular where they can be easily replaced by pressing a button and sliding popping out the battery, while others may be built into the system and are not designed to be swapped out by the user. Non-modular batteries may require a technician to take apart the laptop just to replace the battery.

00003 Laptop Hardware - Two General Types of Batteries

Lithium-ion and Lithium-Polymer, both are designed to not have the traditional memory effect. They can be recharged at any time without affecting overall capacity of the battery.

00004 Laptop Hardware - Battery Form Factors

Manufacturers use different sometimes proprietary battery form factors that fit only their specific laptop make and model.

00005 Laptop Hardware - Keyboard Replacement

The most used component of a laptop, gets swapped out more than any other component. Usually removing a bezel and or a few screws on the laptop, then the keyboard pops out as a single unit.

00006 Laptop Hardware - Keyboard Connector

Connects to the laptop’s system board via ribbon cable. The connector on the end allows easy disconnect and reconnection of a keyboard.

00007 Laptop Hardware - Keyboard Quickest Troubleshooting

To quickly perform diagnostics of a user having problems with the built-in laptop keyboard, plug in an external USB keyboard as a quick work around for existing problems within the hardware of the keyboard itself.

00008 Laptop Hardware - Keyboard special keys

Windows or Function keys can be used simultaneously with other keys on the laptop to perform secondary functions. Wider keyboards may also have a numeric keypad (10-key) built into the laptop, extending functionality.

00009 Laptop Hardware - Keyboard Problem Key Caps

Sometimes the problem may not be the entire keyboard but a single key or keys and or keycaps and these parts just needs to be replaced. Desktop keyboard keys and keycaps are more robust whereas laptop keyboard keys and keycaps are more fragile.

00010 Laptop Hardware - Keyboard Manufacturer’s Instructions

Manufacturer’s instructions are very specific in servicing and replacing keyboards and or keycaps so that you don’t damage the mode delicate components underneath the keycaps.