1.1 - Laptop Hardware

Laptop Hardware

Engineered to precise specifications

• A challenge to repair.

Some laptops are easier to fix than others.

• An ongoing learning process.

Understand the process.

• The details will vary between laptop manufacturers.

Laptop Batteries

The power source of a laptop when not plugged in. May be easily replaced or require a tear-down.

Five minutes to one hour.

Different form factor for each laptop. Can very in style.

The technology is constantly chaning.

Li-ion and LiPo

Two common types of laptop batterie.

No “Memory Effect”.

Charging the battery does not diminish capacity.

Laptop Keyboard

The most-used component of the laptop. Can be easy to replace, but not always.

If it cannot be replaced easily, use an external USB version if you are in a pinch.

Laptop Keys

Some repairs might require the removal or replacement of a key cap. This can be a delicate procedure.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions. It is very easy to accidentally break the key cap or the components underneath.

SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module)

The type of memory used in laptops and mobile devices.

• It often is easy to install and replace.

• Sometimes it is soldered to the system board.

  • No upgrade available

  • Requires a full system-board replacement.

Types of Laptop Storage

Magnetic Disk

SSD

M.2

Magnetic Disk

A type of storage used in laptops.

• Traditional spinning drive platters.

• Uses the 2.5 type-inch of form factor (3.5 inch is used for desktops).

SSD (Solid State Drive)

A type of storage used in laptops.

• All memory, no moving parts.

• Silent, fast access time, less latency.

• 2.5 inch form factors.

M.2

A type of storage used in laptops.

• Smaller form factor.

• No SATA data or power cables.

• Easy to install and replace.

Replacing Laptop Storage

All Internal

• Open a cover on the back.

• Open the entire laptop.

Can be very modular

• Two screws and the drive slides out.

M.2 drives are even easier.

• One screw - Similar to RAM installation.

Methods of Migrating HDD to SSD

Install an OS on the SSD

Image/clone the HDD

Drive-to-drive Image

Benefits of HDD to SSD Migration

Move from spinning mechanical drive to solid state memory.

It’s almost like getting a new laptop.

OS installation on SSD

Allows you to move documents between drives, if both drives have the same OS.

Allows you to install any required applications.

Can be time consuming.

Image/Clone the HDD

Allows you to move all contents at once between HDD and SSD.

No OS installation required.

Move everything from one to the other.

Imaging software is needed, and this is sometimes included with the SDD. There are many commercial and open source options.

Create an image file one drive at a time.

Drive-to-Drive Image

Image directly from one drive to the other.

Laptop Wireless Connectivity

Can use either 802.11 and Bluetooth.

802.11

Type of wireless internet connectivity.

LAN (Local Area Network)

High speed internet access.

Bluetooth

PAN (Personal Area Network).

Short range.

Connect peripherals and other nearby devices.

Biometrics

Sign in or unlock your laptop with a fingerprint reader or facial recognition

• Something you have.

Requires additional configuration in the OS

• Hardware required for most options.

Relatively secure

• Faces and fingerprints are quite unique.

NFC (Near-Field Communication)

A type of short-distance networking (4 cm or less).

Used for data transfers or authentication.

Common on mobile phones and smart watches - payment method on your wrist.

Used for authentication without typing a password, such as in hospital workstations, warehouses, and manufacturing.

WiFi Antennas

Can be multiple types.

• WiFi main and aux.

• Bluetooth

Antenna wires wrap around the laptop screen. It’s high up.

Microphone

Built-in sound input device in laptop display.

• Useful for video calls.

Not good for non-casual use.

• Analog or USB versions can help.