Portable Systems
Content
Portable Systems
Exam Objectives
Identifying the unique components of portable PC systems Installing and upgrading components Although the early laptop computers were smaller than the desktop devices of their time, they filled your lap completely and then some. The so-called portables that first came on the market were much too big for airline meal trays, not to mention too heavy to carry far — sure killers in the business market. Today, the notebook computer has finally established a package size that the market accepts as usable almost everywhere. You can play Solitaire anywhere, anytime, anyplace! The latest evolution in portable systems is the ultimately small palmtop. Technology has finally developed a full-fledged Windows computer that you can literally hold in your hand or fit in your briefcase — or even conveniently tuck into your little zippered day planner. Even smaller systems are becoming available that, while fitting more into the category of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and generally still considered personal electronics, are on the verge of redefining a portable computer. The exact role of the professional PC service technician with these devices has yet to be defined. Portable systems are evolving largely as disposable technology, which probably explains why the A+ Hardware Technology exam has only a few questions on portable systems and deals mainly with notebook PCs. Quick Assessment Identifying the unique components of portable PC systems 1. ______ is the most popular type of portable PC today. 2. A(n) ______ is the power system that allows a notebook computer to be portable. Because of its weight and long life, the ______ type of battery is probably the best choice for a portable PC. 3. 4. Portable PCs use a special kind of memory module called a(n) ______. Installing and upgrading components Before physically installing a larger internal hard drive in a notebook computer, you can add ______, ______, or ______ by using an existing port. 5. 6. The type of LCD that supports each pixel with its own transistor is called ______. 7. Type I PCMCIA cards are used to add _______ to a notebook computer. 8. A modem is an example of a(n) ______ PC card. 9. Type III PCMCIA cards can be up to ______ millimeters thick. 10. Changing a PC card while the system is running is called ______. Answers 1. Notebook. Flip to ―Checking Out Portable PC Types.‖ 2. Battery. Look at ―Portable PC power systems.‖ 3. Lithium Ion. See ―Portable PC battery types.‖ 4. SODIMM. Take a look at ―Adding memory.‖ 5. Zip, Jaz, or tape drive. Review ―Upgrading the hard drive.‖ 6. Active matrix. Scan ―Comparing active and passive liquid crystal displays.‖ 7. Flash memory. See ―Focusing on PC cards.‖ 8. Type II. Check into ―Focusing on PC cards.‖ 9. 10.5. Take a look at ―Focusing on PC cards.‖ 10. Hot-swapping. Look at ―Expanding capacity on the fly.‖
ACPI and APM
Power management is a major concern for all portable computing device owners. Nearly all notebook PC and portable device owners look for and take advantage of anything that will help save battery power. Nearly all notebook PCs are configured with either the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) or the Advanced Power Management (APM) technologies. ACPI is the newest of these technologies and APM is a legacy technology. ACPI is configured in the BIOS and APM is implemented through an application programming interface (API). ACPI is a collection of BIOS code routines, where APM is an operating system directed configuration and power management technology for portable PCs, as well as desktop and server computers. The benefit of ACPI is that it lets the PC control the power supply to peripheral devices, such as the CD-ROM, printer, and other external devices. In a turn about is fair play twist, the peripherals also have the ability to use ACPI to power on the PC. For example, if you insert a CD-ROM into a CD-ROM drive, the PC automatically boots up from a power off state.
Portable PC battery types
Portable PCs use the following types of batteries: Alkaline: These are the same batteries that are common for your calculator, TV remote control, and portable tape player. This type of battery is used in some palmtop computers. Nickel Cadmium (NiCad): This is the most popular and durable type of rechargeable battery. This battery is also the heaviest, yet least expensive, of the portable PC battery types. It is also quick to charge and has a reasonable life of around 700 charge-and-discharge cycles. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH): Unlike NiCad batteries, these batteries are environmentally friendly because they don’t contain heavy metals that can be toxic. They also store up to 30 percent more power than NiCad batteries of the same weight. Some of the disadvantages of NiMH batteries are that they have a shorter life (around 400 charge-anddischarge cycles) and cost about 30 percent more than NiCad batteries. Lithium Ion (Li-Ion or LiON): Very lightweight with a long battery life, this type of battery is made with one of the lightest available metals (lithium). LiON batteries hold about twice the power of a NiCad battery in about half the weight. Compared to a NiMH battery of equal weight, a LiON delivers twice the run time
from each charge. The LiON battery type has about the same life cycle as NiCad and NiMH batteries. LiONs are not generally available for all models; they’re usually more expensive than other battery types. A LiON battery is probably the best choice for a portable PC, but it can be more expensive than the other choices.
Focusing on PC cards
PCMCIA offers a standard for adding more memory and peripherals to portable computers using credit card–like cards — also called PC cards. All PC cards are 85.6 mm long and 54 mm wide, or approximately 3.4 inches by 2.1 inches, and use a 68-pin connector. PC cards are matched to designated slots on the portable PC, and each is defined to one of the three types and sizes of cards. Remember The three types of PC card slots are as follows: Type I: At 3.5 mm thick, these slots have one row of sockets and are used primarily to add flash memory, or SRAM (static RAM). This type of memory is common on PCMCIA cards because it requires less power. You can read more about flash memory in Chapter 4. Type II: At 5.5 mm thick, these slots have two rows of sockets and are used to add modems and NICs to a notebook computer. These cards usually have a pop-out connector for an RJ-11 or RJ-45 connector. Type III: At up to 10.5 mm thick, these slots have three rows of sockets and are used to install hard drives or support adapters for external CD-ROM, DVD, and tape drives.
PC card sockets and services
Remember Portable PCs contain the following layers of software to detect and support a PC card when you insert it into the computer: Socket services: A layer of BIOS-level software that detects when a card is inserted or removed Card services: Software that manages the assignment and allocation of system resources to the PC card, such as IRQ and I/O addresses, after the socket services software has detected the card. The higher the type number, the thicker the card. Hard drives (Type III) are thicker than modems (Type II), which are thicker than memory (Type I). Remember which card type supports which device type. Type I cards are typically memory cards; Type II cards are commonly communications-oriented, such as a modem or a NIC; and Type III cards are secondary storage, such as a hard disk drive, or an adapter interface for an external peripheral device
Looking into graphics standards
The graphics display resolution standards supported on portable PCs are the same as those available on desktop monitors and PCs. For the most part, four standards are the primary standards supported on active displays. The four standards supported on portable PCs are: Super video graphics array (SVGA): This is an extension of the video graphics array (VGA) standard, that supports 1024 x 768 and higher resolutions. Extended graphics array (XGA): The standard in use today is actually XGA-2, based on the original IBM XGA standard introduced in 1990. This standard supports non-interlaced resolution of 1024 x 768 and higher. Super extended graphics array (SXGA): An extension of the XGA standard that can support 1280 x 1024 with 1.3 million pixels in the display. Ultra extended graphics array (UXGA): A further extension of XGA that supports 1600 x 1200 resolution.
Prep Test
A Type I PC card is used to do which of the following? A. Add SRAM to the system B. Add network capabilities to the system C. Add a device, such as a modem, to the system D. Connect an external device, such as a CD-ROM drive, to the system 1. A PC card hard drive fits into a what slot type? A. Type I B. Type II C. Type III D. Type IV 2. Which of the following defines hot-swapping? A. Installing new devices without the need for a driver B. Removing and adding internal devices without rebooting C. Removing and inserting PCMCIA cards while the system is running D. All of the above 3. SODIMM stands for which of the following? A. Special Operations for Digital Image Multimedia B. Some Other Dual In-line Memory Module C. Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module D. None of the above 4. After inserting a PC card into a notebook computer, the system does not recognize the card. Which of the following could be the problem? A. No drivers were installed for the card. B. The card was inserted in the wrong slot type. C. The notebook computer does not support PCMCIA. D. Socket or card services have not recognized the card.
5.A modem generally fits in what PCMCIA slot type? A. Type I B. B. Type II C. Type III D. Type IV 7. Which of the following are types of passive matrix displays? (Choose two.) A. TFT B. DHCP C. HPA D. DSTN 8. Which of the following resolution standards are used for notebook computer displays? (Choose three.) A. UGA B. SVGA C. XGA D. SXGA 9. What type of power supports the video display on a portable PC? A. AC power only B. DC power only C. AC power when the PC is plugged in or DC power when it is not plugged in D. Either AC or DC at the user’s choice 10.
Answers\Answers
A. Type II cards are used to add network adapters and modems, and Type III cards are used to plug in external drive adapters. See “Focusing on PC cards.” 1. 2. C. Type III slots support hard drives. Review “Focusing on PC cards.” C. Hot-swapping is removing and inserting PC cards (PCMCIA) without shutting down the system. Take a look at “Expanding capacity on the fly.” 3. C. Because they must mount flush to the main board of the portable computer, specially designed modules (SODIMMs) are built for each make and model of notebook computer. Visit “Adding memory” one more time. 6. 5. B. Type I cards are used for memory, Type II cards are used for modems, Type III cards are used to add hard drives and NICs, and Type IV cards do not exist. This is the last question on the PC card types, I promise. Review “Focusing on PC cards.” 6. C. Socket services software detects when a PC card is inserted or removed. Check out “Focusing on PC cards.” 7. C & D. Passive displays produce a lower-quality display that does not adapt to rapid changes quickly, but they produce a good image and don’t use much power. Look at “Comparing active and passive liquid crystal displays.” 8. B, C, & D. Depending on the size of the display, different resolution standards are used to produce the best possible image for the dots per inch (dpi) resolution available on the notebook computer. Check out “Comparing active and passive liquid crystal displays. ” 9. B. All systems in a portable PC are powered with low-power DC current. AC is converted to DC by the AC/DC converter. See “Portable PC power systems
Exam Objectives
Identifying the unique components of portable PC systems Installing and upgrading components Although the early laptop computers were smaller than the desktop devices of their time, they filled your lap completely and then some. The so-called portables that first came on the market were much too big for airline meal trays, not to mention too heavy to carry far — sure killers in the business market. Today, the notebook computer has finally established a package size that the market accepts as usable almost everywhere. You can play Solitaire anywhere, anytime, anyplace! The latest evolution in portable systems is the ultimately small palmtop. Technology has finally developed a full-fledged Windows computer that you can literally hold in your hand or fit in your briefcase — or even conveniently tuck into your little zippered day planner. Even smaller systems are becoming available that, while fitting more into the category of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and generally still considered personal electronics, are on the verge of redefining a portable computer. The exact role of the professional PC service technician with these devices has yet to be defined. Portable systems are evolving largely as disposable technology, which probably explains why the A+ Hardware Technology exam has only a few questions on portable systems and deals mainly with notebook PCs. Quick Assessment Identifying the unique components of portable PC systems 1. ______ is the most popular type of portable PC today. 2. A(n) ______ is the power system that allows a notebook computer to be portable. Because of its weight and long life, the ______ type of battery is probably the best choice for a portable PC. 3. 4. Portable PCs use a special kind of memory module called a(n) ______. Installing and upgrading components Before physically installing a larger internal hard drive in a notebook computer, you can add ______, ______, or ______ by using an existing port. 5. 6. The type of LCD that supports each pixel with its own transistor is called ______. 7. Type I PCMCIA cards are used to add _______ to a notebook computer. 8. A modem is an example of a(n) ______ PC card. 9. Type III PCMCIA cards can be up to ______ millimeters thick. 10. Changing a PC card while the system is running is called ______. Answers 1. Notebook. Flip to ―Checking Out Portable PC Types.‖ 2. Battery. Look at ―Portable PC power systems.‖ 3. Lithium Ion. See ―Portable PC battery types.‖ 4. SODIMM. Take a look at ―Adding memory.‖ 5. Zip, Jaz, or tape drive. Review ―Upgrading the hard drive.‖ 6. Active matrix. Scan ―Comparing active and passive liquid crystal displays.‖ 7. Flash memory. See ―Focusing on PC cards.‖ 8. Type II. Check into ―Focusing on PC cards.‖ 9. 10.5. Take a look at ―Focusing on PC cards.‖ 10. Hot-swapping. Look at ―Expanding capacity on the fly.‖
ACPI and APM
Power management is a major concern for all portable computing device owners. Nearly all notebook PC and portable device owners look for and take advantage of anything that will help save battery power. Nearly all notebook PCs are configured with either the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) or the Advanced Power Management (APM) technologies. ACPI is the newest of these technologies and APM is a legacy technology. ACPI is configured in the BIOS and APM is implemented through an application programming interface (API). ACPI is a collection of BIOS code routines, where APM is an operating system directed configuration and power management technology for portable PCs, as well as desktop and server computers. The benefit of ACPI is that it lets the PC control the power supply to peripheral devices, such as the CD-ROM, printer, and other external devices. In a turn about is fair play twist, the peripherals also have the ability to use ACPI to power on the PC. For example, if you insert a CD-ROM into a CD-ROM drive, the PC automatically boots up from a power off state.
Portable PC battery types
Portable PCs use the following types of batteries: Alkaline: These are the same batteries that are common for your calculator, TV remote control, and portable tape player. This type of battery is used in some palmtop computers. Nickel Cadmium (NiCad): This is the most popular and durable type of rechargeable battery. This battery is also the heaviest, yet least expensive, of the portable PC battery types. It is also quick to charge and has a reasonable life of around 700 charge-and-discharge cycles. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH): Unlike NiCad batteries, these batteries are environmentally friendly because they don’t contain heavy metals that can be toxic. They also store up to 30 percent more power than NiCad batteries of the same weight. Some of the disadvantages of NiMH batteries are that they have a shorter life (around 400 charge-anddischarge cycles) and cost about 30 percent more than NiCad batteries. Lithium Ion (Li-Ion or LiON): Very lightweight with a long battery life, this type of battery is made with one of the lightest available metals (lithium). LiON batteries hold about twice the power of a NiCad battery in about half the weight. Compared to a NiMH battery of equal weight, a LiON delivers twice the run time
from each charge. The LiON battery type has about the same life cycle as NiCad and NiMH batteries. LiONs are not generally available for all models; they’re usually more expensive than other battery types. A LiON battery is probably the best choice for a portable PC, but it can be more expensive than the other choices.
Focusing on PC cards
PCMCIA offers a standard for adding more memory and peripherals to portable computers using credit card–like cards — also called PC cards. All PC cards are 85.6 mm long and 54 mm wide, or approximately 3.4 inches by 2.1 inches, and use a 68-pin connector. PC cards are matched to designated slots on the portable PC, and each is defined to one of the three types and sizes of cards. Remember The three types of PC card slots are as follows: Type I: At 3.5 mm thick, these slots have one row of sockets and are used primarily to add flash memory, or SRAM (static RAM). This type of memory is common on PCMCIA cards because it requires less power. You can read more about flash memory in Chapter 4. Type II: At 5.5 mm thick, these slots have two rows of sockets and are used to add modems and NICs to a notebook computer. These cards usually have a pop-out connector for an RJ-11 or RJ-45 connector. Type III: At up to 10.5 mm thick, these slots have three rows of sockets and are used to install hard drives or support adapters for external CD-ROM, DVD, and tape drives.
PC card sockets and services
Remember Portable PCs contain the following layers of software to detect and support a PC card when you insert it into the computer: Socket services: A layer of BIOS-level software that detects when a card is inserted or removed Card services: Software that manages the assignment and allocation of system resources to the PC card, such as IRQ and I/O addresses, after the socket services software has detected the card. The higher the type number, the thicker the card. Hard drives (Type III) are thicker than modems (Type II), which are thicker than memory (Type I). Remember which card type supports which device type. Type I cards are typically memory cards; Type II cards are commonly communications-oriented, such as a modem or a NIC; and Type III cards are secondary storage, such as a hard disk drive, or an adapter interface for an external peripheral device
Looking into graphics standards
The graphics display resolution standards supported on portable PCs are the same as those available on desktop monitors and PCs. For the most part, four standards are the primary standards supported on active displays. The four standards supported on portable PCs are: Super video graphics array (SVGA): This is an extension of the video graphics array (VGA) standard, that supports 1024 x 768 and higher resolutions. Extended graphics array (XGA): The standard in use today is actually XGA-2, based on the original IBM XGA standard introduced in 1990. This standard supports non-interlaced resolution of 1024 x 768 and higher. Super extended graphics array (SXGA): An extension of the XGA standard that can support 1280 x 1024 with 1.3 million pixels in the display. Ultra extended graphics array (UXGA): A further extension of XGA that supports 1600 x 1200 resolution.
Prep Test
A Type I PC card is used to do which of the following? A. Add SRAM to the system B. Add network capabilities to the system C. Add a device, such as a modem, to the system D. Connect an external device, such as a CD-ROM drive, to the system 1. A PC card hard drive fits into a what slot type? A. Type I B. Type II C. Type III D. Type IV 2. Which of the following defines hot-swapping? A. Installing new devices without the need for a driver B. Removing and adding internal devices without rebooting C. Removing and inserting PCMCIA cards while the system is running D. All of the above 3. SODIMM stands for which of the following? A. Special Operations for Digital Image Multimedia B. Some Other Dual In-line Memory Module C. Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module D. None of the above 4. After inserting a PC card into a notebook computer, the system does not recognize the card. Which of the following could be the problem? A. No drivers were installed for the card. B. The card was inserted in the wrong slot type. C. The notebook computer does not support PCMCIA. D. Socket or card services have not recognized the card.
5.A modem generally fits in what PCMCIA slot type? A. Type I B. B. Type II C. Type III D. Type IV 7. Which of the following are types of passive matrix displays? (Choose two.) A. TFT B. DHCP C. HPA D. DSTN 8. Which of the following resolution standards are used for notebook computer displays? (Choose three.) A. UGA B. SVGA C. XGA D. SXGA 9. What type of power supports the video display on a portable PC? A. AC power only B. DC power only C. AC power when the PC is plugged in or DC power when it is not plugged in D. Either AC or DC at the user’s choice 10.
Answers\Answers
A. Type II cards are used to add network adapters and modems, and Type III cards are used to plug in external drive adapters. See “Focusing on PC cards.” 1. 2. C. Type III slots support hard drives. Review “Focusing on PC cards.” C. Hot-swapping is removing and inserting PC cards (PCMCIA) without shutting down the system. Take a look at “Expanding capacity on the fly.” 3. C. Because they must mount flush to the main board of the portable computer, specially designed modules (SODIMMs) are built for each make and model of notebook computer. Visit “Adding memory” one more time. 6. 5. B. Type I cards are used for memory, Type II cards are used for modems, Type III cards are used to add hard drives and NICs, and Type IV cards do not exist. This is the last question on the PC card types, I promise. Review “Focusing on PC cards.” 6. C. Socket services software detects when a PC card is inserted or removed. Check out “Focusing on PC cards.” 7. C & D. Passive displays produce a lower-quality display that does not adapt to rapid changes quickly, but they produce a good image and don’t use much power. Look at “Comparing active and passive liquid crystal displays.” 8. B, C, & D. Depending on the size of the display, different resolution standards are used to produce the best possible image for the dots per inch (dpi) resolution available on the notebook computer. Check out “Comparing active and passive liquid crystal displays. ” 9. B. All systems in a portable PC are powered with low-power DC current. AC is converted to DC by the AC/DC converter. See “Portable PC power systems
