Describe the Components Found on the Outside of the Laptop
Laptop and desktop computers use the same types of ports so that peripherals can be interchangeable. These ports are specifically designed for connecting peripherals and providing network connectivity and audio access.
Ports, connections, and drives are located on the front, back, and sides of the laptop because of the compact design. Laptops contain PC Card or ExpressCard slots to add functionality such as more memory, a modem, or a network connection. You learn more about PC Card and ExpressCard slots in the section "Compare and Contrast Laptop and Desktop Expansion Capabilities," later in this chapter.
Laptops require a port for external power. Laptops can operate using either a battery or an AC power adapter. This port can be used to power the computer or to charge the battery.
The exterior of the laptop also has status indicators (also called light-emitting diode [LED] displays), ports, slots, connectors, bays, jacks, vents, and a keyhole.
Note
Exterior components and LED displays vary among different laptops. Technicians should consult the laptop manual for a list of specific components and status displays.
The top of the typical laptop has the following three LEDs, as shown in Figure 6-1:
■ Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
Figure 6-1 Laptop: Top View
Battery
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Standby
Battery
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Standby
The back of some laptops has the following three components, as shown in Figure 6-2:
■ Battery bay
■ AC power connector
■ Parallel port
Figure 6-2 Laptop: Rear View
Battery Bay
AC Power Connector
Parallel Port
Battery Bay
A laptop operates using a battery or an AC power adapter. Laptop batteries are manufactured in various shapes and sizes. They use different types of chemicals and metals to store power.
Table 6-1 compares rechargeable batteries typically used in laptops.
|
Type of Battery |
Characteristics |
Disposal |
|
|
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) |
Lightweight for power, no memory effect, can easily overheat and sometimes explode. Keep cool, charge often, seek freshest batteries (most recently manufactured). |
Cell phones, laptops |
Check local rules, contents flammable |
|
Lithium-polymer (Li-Poly or LiPo) |
Costly, small, lightweight for power, moderate capacity, fast recharge, moderate life span, do not short-circuit, can explode but are not flammable. |
PDAs, laptop computers, portable MP3 players, portable gaming devices, radio controlled airplanes |
Check local rules |
The left side of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-3, has the following ten components:
■ Security keyhole
■ S-video connector
■ Ethernet port
■ Network LEDs
■ Stereo headphone jack
■ Microphone jack
■ Ventilation
■ PC combo expansion slot Figure 6-3 Laptop: Left-Side View
Security Keyhole Headphone Jack
Security Keyhole
Security Keyhole Headphone Jack
Security Keyhole
USB Ports Network LEDs Expansion Slot
RJ-11 Modem Port Microphone Jack
USB Ports Network LEDs Expansion Slot
RJ-11 Modem Port Microphone Jack
The front of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-4, has the following components:
■ Infrared port
■ Speakers
■ Laptop latch
Figure 6-4
Laptop: Front View Infared Port
Laptop Latch
Laptop: Front View Infared Port
Laptop Latch
Speakers
Ventilation
Speakers
Ventilation
The right side of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-5, contains four components:
■ Optical drive
■ Optical drive status indicator
■ Drive bay status indicator
■ Video Graphics Array (VGA) port
Figure 6-5 Laptop: Right-Side View
Figure 6-5 Laptop: Right-Side View
Optical Drive Indicator
Optical Drive VGA Port Status Indicator
Optical Drive Indicator
Optical Drive VGA Port Status Indicator
The bottom of the laptop, shown in Figure 6-6, has the following components:
■ Hard drive access panel
■ Battery latches
■ Docking station connector
■ RAM access panel
Figure 6-6 Laptop: Bottom View
Docking Station Connector Battery Latch Battery Latch
RAM Access Panel
Hard Drive Access Panel
Docking Station Connector Battery Latch Battery Latch
Hard Drive Access Panel
RAM Access Panel
Virtual Laptop Activity: Explore Laptop
Explore the different views of the Virtual Laptop. Refer to the Virtual Laptop software on the CD that accompanies this book.
Continue reading here: Describe the Components Found on the Laptop Docking Station
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