Laptop Hardware
Monday, February 3, 2020
11:16 AM
Laptop Hardware
Created Sunday 02 February 2020
Keyboard differences
laptop keyboards are smaller in comparison to desktop computers.
Some smaller laptops do not have a numerical pad and dont have certain key functions such as:
page up
page down
home
end
delete
Laptops use 2.5 inch drives instead of desktop grade 3.5 inch drives
Solid state drives - SSDs
no moving parts
silent
faster access times, low latency
comes in 2.5 inch or 1.8 inch form factors
Solid state Hybrid Drives (SSHD)
uses flash memory and hard drive storage (magnetic discs)
SSD caches the hard drive memory to make access times faster.
Magnetic Disks
Laptop memory
uses either SO-DIMM or Micro-DIMM, these are found almost exclusively in laptops or very small
motherboards.
SO-DIMM - Smaller outline Dual in-line Memory Module
Micro-DIMM - Micro Dual in-line Memory Module
Smart Card Reader - Used to authenticate users and grant permission to use laptop. smart card readers
can be build into the laptop or used externally via a usb port.
PCI express card types in laptops
Video Cards in Laptops
Laptops use LCD displays
Laptops use External power supplies as ther is not enough room for an internal power supply
Batteries
Laptops generally use Lithium Ion battery they have no "memory effect" and their capacity usually
diminishes with every charge.
laptops use either a trackpad or a pointing stick to navigate using the mouse as laptops need to be
usable without a mouse.
Laptop frame or chassis is made out of plastic to keep the laptop lighter, more difficult to break and to
make the laptop cheaper to make.
metal frames are more durable but harder to repair.
laptop speakers
Laptop motherboards
Uses a proprietary design. they are difficult to replace as many components of the laptop need to be
removed to remove the faulty motherboard. a new motherboard is put in and then all the components
are then reconnected.
Laptop CPU
laptop cpus are design with mobility in mind which means they use less power than their desktop
counterparts.
they have integrated features such as a video controller
some laptop cpu are replaceable but not upgradeable.
they are often slower than desktop cpus due to their size and heating contraints.