Portable ComputingPortable Computing
Notebook ComputersNotebook Computers
Notebook Computers Notebook Computers ((continuedcontinued))
Same technology as PCs, with Same technology as PCs, with modifications for space, portability, and modifications for space, portability, and power conservationpower conservation
– Thin LCD panels (active matrix and passive Thin LCD panels (active matrix and passive matrix)matrix)
– Compact hard drivesCompact hard drives
– Small memory modulesSmall memory modules
– CPUs that require less powerCPUs that require less power
Notebooks versus PCsNotebooks versus PCs
NotebooksNotebooks PCsPCsUsually purchased Usually purchased
as a whole unit; as a whole unit; unlikely to upgrade unlikely to upgrade hardware and OShardware and OS
Design is typically Design is typically proprietaryproprietary
Some universal Some universal support issues, but support issues, but procedures vary procedures vary between brandsbetween brands
Highly modularHighly modularComponents can be Components can be
interchanged, interchanged, upgraded, and upgraded, and enhancedenhanced
Cost less than Cost less than notebooksnotebooks
Windows Notebook Windows Notebook FeaturesFeatures
Multilink Channel AggregationMultilink Channel Aggregation ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface)Interface) Power managementPower management Support for PC CardsSupport for PC Cards Windows 9x BriefcaseWindows 9x Briefcase Windows 2000/XP Offline Files and FoldersWindows 2000/XP Offline Files and Folders Folder redirection under Windows 2000/XPFolder redirection under Windows 2000/XP Hardware profiles under Windows 2000/XPHardware profiles under Windows 2000/XP
Power ManagementPower Management
Power sourcesPower sources– BatteryBattery– DC adapterDC adapter– AC adapterAC adapter
Types of batteriesTypes of batteries– Lithium ionLithium ion– NiMHNiMH– Fuel cellFuel cell
Power Management Power Management ((continuedcontinued))
Power ManagementPower Management
Power Management Power Management ((continuedcontinued))
Power Management Power Management ((continuedcontinued))
Power Management Power Management ((continuedcontinued))
Connecting Peripheral Connecting Peripheral Devices to NotebooksDevices to Notebooks Ports on the notebookPorts on the notebook
PC Card slot with lock PC Card slot with lock switch and eject switch and eject buttonbutton
Headphone jackHeadphone jack
Microphone jackMicrophone jack
Infrared portInfrared port
Secure Digital (SD) Secure Digital (SD) card slotcard slot
CompactFlash Card CompactFlash Card slotslot
Wireless antenna Wireless antenna on/off switchon/off switch
Serial portSerial port
Ports on a NotebookPorts on a Notebook
Connecting Peripheral Connecting Peripheral Devices to Notebooks Devices to Notebooks ((continuedcontinued))
Connecting Peripheral Connecting Peripheral Devices to Notebooks Devices to Notebooks ((continuedcontinued))
Connecting Peripheral Connecting Peripheral Devices to Notebooks Devices to Notebooks ((continuedcontinued))
PC Card SlotsPC Card Slots
PC Card Slots (PC Card Slots (continuedcontinued))
Used by many devicesUsed by many devices
Connect to the 16-bit PCMCIA I/O bus on Connect to the 16-bit PCMCIA I/O bus on notebook motherboardnotebook motherboard
Might contain a data cable to an Might contain a data cable to an external drive, or might be self-external drive, or might be self-containedcontained
Can interface with a networkCan interface with a network
PC Card Slot StandardsPC Card Slot Standards
CardBus (latest spec)CardBus (latest spec)
– Improves I/O speedImproves I/O speed
– Increases bus width to 32 bitsIncreases bus width to 32 bits
– Supports lower-voltage PC Cards while Supports lower-voltage PC Cards while maintaining backward compatibilitymaintaining backward compatibility
Three other types (Type I, Type II, Three other types (Type I, Type II, Type III), which vary in thicknessType III), which vary in thickness
PCMCIA / PC CardsPCMCIA / PC Cards
Short for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, and pronounced as separate letters, PCMCIA is an organization consisting of some 500 companies that has developed a standard for small, credit card-sized devices, called PC Cards
Originally designed for adding memory to portable computers, the PCMCIA standard has been expanded several times and is now suitable for many types of devices
PCMCIA / PC Cards – PCMCIA / PC Cards – (Continued)(Continued)
There are in fact three types of PCMCIA cards. All three have the same rectangular size (85.6 by 54 millimeters), but different widths:
Type I cards can be up to 3.3 mm thick, and are used primarily for adding additional ROM or RAM to a computer
Type II cards can be up to 5.5 mm thick. These cards are often used for modem and fax modem cards
Type III cards can be up to 10.5 mm thick, which is sufficiently large for portable disk drives
PCMCIA / PC Cards – PCMCIA / PC Cards – (Continued)(Continued)
As with the cards, PCMCIA slots also come in three sizes:
A Type I slot can hold one Type I card
A Type II slot can hold one Type II card or one Type I card
A Type III slot can hold one Type III card or any combination of two Type I or II cards
In general, you can exchange PC Cards on the fly (hot swappable), without rebooting your computer. For example, you can slip in a fax modem card when you want to send a fax and then, when you're done, replace the fax modem card with a memory card
PC CardsPC Cards
PC Cards (PC Cards (continuedcontinued))
Using a PC Card to Using a PC Card to Interface with a Interface with a NetworkNetwork
Using PC Card Slots Using PC Card Slots and Other Slotsand Other Slots OS must provide two (2) servicesOS must provide two (2) services
– Socket serviceSocket service Establishes communication between card and Establishes communication between card and
notebook when the card is first insertednotebook when the card is first inserted Disconnects communication when card is Disconnects communication when card is
removedremoved
– Card serviceCard service Provides device driver to interface with the card Provides device driver to interface with the card
once socket is createdonce socket is created
Can be hot-swappedCan be hot-swapped
Hot-SwappingHot-Swapping
Types of Memory Used Types of Memory Used by Notebooksby Notebooks
Upgrading MemoryUpgrading Memory
Upgrading Memory Upgrading Memory ((continuedcontinued))
Upgrading Memory Upgrading Memory ((continuedcontinued))
Other FRUs for Other FRUs for NotebooksNotebooks Hard drive Hard drive
LCD panelLCD panel
MotherboardMotherboard
CPUCPU
KeyboardKeyboard
PC Card socket PC Card socket assemblyassembly
Optical driveOptical drive
Floppy driveFloppy drive
Sound cardSound card
Pointing devicePointing device
AC adapterAC adapter
Battery packBattery pack
DC controllerDC controller
FRU – Field Reserve UnitsFRU – Field Reserve Units
Hard Drive ComparisonHard Drive Comparison
Replacing a Hard DriveReplacing a Hard Drive
Installing a Mini-PCI Installing a Mini-PCI CardCard
Resources for Resources for Troubleshooting Troubleshooting NotebooksNotebooks Apply same troubleshooting guidelines as Apply same troubleshooting guidelines as
for desktop PCs for desktop PCs Be especially conscious of warranty issuesBe especially conscious of warranty issues Loaded OS and hardware configuration are Loaded OS and hardware configuration are
specific; see documentation for details specific; see documentation for details Support CDs bundled with notebook include Support CDs bundled with notebook include
device drivers for all embedded devicesdevice drivers for all embedded devices Download additional or updated drivers Download additional or updated drivers
from manufacturer’s Web sitefrom manufacturer’s Web site
Tablet PCsTablet PCs
Type of notebook computer that Type of notebook computer that is smaller, more graphical, more is smaller, more graphical, more user friendly, and more portableuser friendly, and more portable
Has a touch screenHas a touch screen
Cost about the same as Cost about the same as notebooksnotebooks
A Tablet PCA Tablet PC
Three Tablet Form Three Tablet Form FactorsFactors Convertible tablet PCConvertible tablet PC
Slate model tablet PCSlate model tablet PC
Tablet PC with a docking stationTablet PC with a docking station
Convertible Tablet PCConvertible Tablet PC
Features of a Tablet Features of a Tablet PCPC
Functioning Windows XP computer with Functioning Windows XP computer with the power of a full-sized notebookthe power of a full-sized notebook
Input can be by handwriting, voice, Input can be by handwriting, voice, hardware keyboard, or on-screen keyboardhardware keyboard, or on-screen keyboard
Built-in support for wireless, wired, and Built-in support for wireless, wired, and dial-up networkingdial-up networking
AC power adapter and rechargeable AC power adapter and rechargeable batterybattery
Windows XP Tablet PC EditionWindows XP Tablet PC Edition PC Card, USB ports, and VGA port for PC Card, USB ports, and VGA port for
peripheral devicesperipheral devices
Writing on a Tablet PCWriting on a Tablet PC
PDAs (Personal Digital PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance)Assistance) Provide more portability than a notebook or Provide more portability than a notebook or
tablet PCtablet PC Include a stylusInclude a stylus Powered using an AC adapter or batteryPowered using an AC adapter or battery Use either a grayscale or color active matrix Use either a grayscale or color active matrix
or dual-scan passive matrix displayor dual-scan passive matrix display Can interface with a desktop or notebook Can interface with a desktop or notebook
computer to transfer files and applicationscomputer to transfer files and applications Synchronize with PCs through a USB, serial, or Synchronize with PCs through a USB, serial, or
wireless portwireless port
A PDAA PDA
Optional PDA Optional PDA AccessoriesAccessories
Considerations When Considerations When Purchasing a PDAPurchasing a PDA
Applications that are included or can be Applications that are included or can be added lateradded later
Ease of use; thoroughness of Ease of use; thoroughness of documentationdocumentation
Ease of synchronizationEase of synchronization
Availability of manufacturer supportAvailability of manufacturer support
Type of batteries and anticipated battery Type of batteries and anticipated battery lifelife
Considerations When Considerations When Purchasing a PDA Purchasing a PDA ((continuedcontinued)) Ability to use e-mail and the Web Ability to use e-mail and the Web
without needing extra hardware or without needing extra hardware or softwaresoftware
Availability of additional devicesAvailability of additional devices
Ease of use of OSEase of use of OS
Warranty and priceWarranty and price
Battery Life on a PDABattery Life on a PDA
Varies by modelVaries by model
Short battery life is the largest Short battery life is the largest complaint;complaint;
– Risk of losing data and applications if Risk of losing data and applications if battery runs all the way downbattery runs all the way down
Use cradle and adapterUse cradle and adapter
Variety of Ways Variety of Ways Applications Are Applications Are Provided on a PDAProvided on a PDA
All application software preinstalledAll application software preinstalled Require user to download applications at Require user to download applications at
additional costadditional cost Support only preinstalled applications and Support only preinstalled applications and
cannot download otherscannot download others Allow downloading email or Web site Allow downloading email or Web site
contentcontent Access Internet directly by way of a Access Internet directly by way of a
modem or wireless connectionmodem or wireless connection
Connecting a PDA to a Connecting a PDA to a PCPC
SynchronizationSynchronization
– Process by which PDA and PC “talk” to Process by which PDA and PC “talk” to each other through universal cradle, each other through universal cradle, cable, and USB or serial connection – and cable, and USB or serial connection – and occasionally, wireless technologyoccasionally, wireless technology
– CapabilitiesCapabilities
Backup information from PDA to PCBackup information from PDA to PC
Work with PDA files on PC and download Work with PDA files on PC and download applications from Webapplications from Web
PDA Manufacturers PDA Manufacturers and Operating and Operating SystemsSystems Windows Mobile by MicrosoftWindows Mobile by Microsoft
– More versatileMore versatile
– Better for downloading and running Better for downloading and running applications similar to Windowsapplications similar to Windows
PDA Manufacturers PDA Manufacturers and Operating and Operating Systems (Systems (continuedcontinued)) Palm OS by PalmSourcePalm OS by PalmSource
– Less complexLess complex
– Easier to useEasier to use
– Better choice when PDA is used for simple Better choice when PDA is used for simple taskstasks
Principal difference between the two Principal difference between the two OSs is in the applications they supportOSs is in the applications they support
Troubleshooting Portable Computers Laptop Won’t Power On
– Verify AC power by plugging another electronic device into the wall outlet. If the other device receives power, the outlet is good
– If the outlet is good, connect the laptop to the wall outlet and try to power on. If no LEDs light up, you may have a bad AC adapter. Swap it out with a known-good power adapter
– A faulty peripheral device might keep the laptop from powering up. Remove any peripherals such as USB or Firewire devices
Screen Doesn’t Come On Properly– If the laptop is booting (you hear the beeps and the drives), first
make sure the display is on. Press the FN key and the key to activate the screen a number of times until the laptop display comes on
– If the laptop display is very dim, you may have lost an inverter. The clue here is that inverters never go quietly. They can make a nasty hum as they are about to die and an equally nasty popping noise when they actually fail. Failure often occurs when you plug in the laptop’s AC adapter, as the inverters take power directly from the AC adapter
Troubleshooting Portable Computers Wireless Networking Doesn’t Work
– Check for a physical switch along the front, rear, or side edges of the laptop that toggles the internal wireless adapter on and off
– Try the special key combination for your laptop to toggle the wireless adapter.You usually press the FN key in combination with another key
– You might simply be out of range. Physically walk the laptop over to the wireless router or access point to ensure there are no “out of range” issues
Handwriting Is Not Recognized– If your PDA or tablet PC no longer recognizes your handwriting or
stylus, you may need to retrain the digitizer. Look for an option in your PDA OS settings to “align the screen.” On Windows tablet PCs, you will find a similar option under Start | Settings | Control Panel
Troubleshooting Portable Computers Keypad Doesn’t Work
– If none of the keys work on your laptop, there’s a good chance you’ve unseated the keypad connector. These connectors are quite fragile and are prone to unseating from any physical stress on the laptop. Check the manufacturer’s disassembly procedures to locate and reseat the keypad
– If you’re getting numbers when you’re expecting to get letters, the number lock (NUMLOCK) function key is turned on. Turn it off
Touchpad Doesn’t Work– A shot of compressed air does wonders for cleaning pet hair out
of the touchpad sensors. You’ll get a cleaner shot if you remove the keyboard before using the compressed air. Remember to be gentle when lifting off the keyboard and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
– The touchpad driver might need to be reconfigured. Try the various options in the Control Panel | Mouse applet
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