NOTEBOOK (Portable) COMPUTERS and PDAs

Proprietary in design

• Intel packaging innovations
  • Tape carrier packaging (TCP) – CPUs without the casing
  • Mobile module packaging (MMO) – CPU, cache and chipset on single chip
  • Ability to raise and lower system speed
• Problems specific to notebooks (display, power and expansion)
• Skills needed to deeply support them are often brand specific

A+ is especially concerned with:

POWER

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) - first to provide steady voltage needed by PCs. These type of batteries should be fully discharged to prevent "battery memory" - that is they would not fully charge after a partial discharge. Newer chargers can "reverse charge" or empty the battery before recharging. Short lifespan, self-discharging and susceptible to heat. Environmentally toxic – classified as a hazardous waste.

Disposal of batteries is Very A+

• Proprietary – separate device that has a cord that goes to AC outlet, and one going to the computer. Leaves bulky transformer out of computer.
• Keep cool and dry.
• Can be tough to find for old notebooks.
• Will charge battery when plugged in.
• Can sometimes buy external battery charger and extra battery packs.

EXPANSION

Memory - Very A+

• Type I PC card – Flash RAM
• Proprietary memory
• SO-DIMMs (Small Outline DIMM) – around 2.5 inches wide
  • May be proprietary. Generic may be available.
  • 72-Pin 32-bit memory transfer
  • 144-Pin 64-bit memory transfer
  
  
• MicroDimm
  • 144-Pin 64-bit memory transfer
  
  
• Installation - Insert module at an angle and "snap" down into position. Some notebooks require a single SODIMM module while others require matched pairs.

Peripherals - Very A+

Ports on the back and sides. Serial, Parallel, external monitor, USB, modem

Infrared - Very A+

• An infrared port is able to connect to other devices without cabling. Devices like mice keyboards printers and PDAs (personal digital assistants) can then communicate with the notebook over a short distance. Your TV remote talks to your TV using the same technology.
  
• Setup in BIOS - may not be able to use ECP and infrared due to DMA conflict
• Windows 9x and 2K support infrared devices. To set up infrared, go to Start/Settings/Control Panel and click on the infrared icon.
• Network services may need to be installed for file sharing.

PCMCIA - Very A+

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association - now simply "PC Card". The original PC Card bus was 16 bits.

Standard interface / device card for notebook computers

Type I - 3.3 mm thick. Used to add memory.

MiniPCI - Very A+

Small footprint PCI platform. Although mobile systems have the electrical equivalent of a desktop PCI bus, desktop PCI cards were too large and required too much power to be used on a portable computer. In 1998 a MiniPCI card standard was created to address this.

VIDEO

Notebook monitors use some form of LCD (Liquid Crystal Diode) to create images on the screen. Note - the monitor panels for notebook computer are fragile and can be damaged. Take precautions to prevent damage.

Note that the LCD screen uses low-power AC voltage. Very A+

LCD Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval

A common cause for marks on the LCD is oil and dirt deposited on the keys of the keyboard that can get pressed against the LCD when carried in a carrying case or when pressure is applied to the lid.

There are many cleaners sold specifically as LCD cleaners. These are perfectly acceptable for cleaning LCD's. If you do not wish to purchase one of these products designated specifically as a LCD cleanser, the following is a list of what is and is not acceptable for cleaning your LCD.

The following cleaners are acceptable:

• Water
• IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol)
• Hexane
• Petroleum Benzine

• Acetone
• Ethyl alcohol
• Ammonia
• Cleanser

These might cause permanent damage to the LCD due to a chemical reaction. Some commercial window cleaners contain ammonia and are generally unacceptable.

Clean the computer’s built-in LCD display with a soft, clean cloth (do not use paper towels – they can scratch the matte finish). Apply the cleaner to the cloth, and then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom.

Proper cleaning of the LCD is Very A+

• BIOS-based system power management
• Provides CPU and device power management
• Called when idle - provides CPU power mgt.
• Uses device activity timeouts to determine when to transition devices into low power states

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)

ACPI replaces the older Intel APM (Advanced Power Management) software utility. ACPI does more than just manage timeouts during periods of inactivity; it dynamically monitors power usage within the computer's systems and assigns power accordingly. ACPI controls are found in your PCs' BIOS.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) - Very A+

These hand held computing devices employ touch screen technology. Several platforms exist - among them Palm and PocketPC. These devices should sync up to your PC and allow you to take your stuff "on the road." Once connected you should also be able install programs and manage data.