Basic hardware
Batteries
Laptops are powered by batteries, often modular. Many of them are Li-ion or Li-ion polymer (LiPo), designed to be fully charged and recharged without full discharge without a “memory effect” (which limits the capacity of a battery if charged prior to full discharge).
However, each charging cycle the battery capacity is degraded.
Keyboard
Keyboards are attached witha ribbon cable to connect it to the laptop. Of course, laptops can be connected with a USB external keyboard.
A challenge is that as laptops become smaller we get smaller keyboards with different layouts, and often multi function buttons.
Repairs of the keyboards might require special tools, since it is a delicate procedure. It is easy to break the key cap or components underneath.
Memory
The memory in laptops and other mobile devices. is known as SO-DIMM, or Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module. These are fairly easy to install and replace.
However, sometimes the memory is not in a SO-DIMM module, and is instead soldered to the system motherboard. This implies that upgrades are not available and requires full system board replacements.
Storage
Storage can be used in magnetic disks (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) with 2.5 in form factors. The SSD is all memory, has no moving parts, is silent, has fast access times, and lower latency.
The last type of interface for storage is the M.2 interface. Its advantage is that it is an even smaller form factor, and does not require SATA data or power cables.
Migrating from HDD to SSD
Moving from spinning disks to solid state vastly improves the performance of the machine, often making it feel like a new laptop. There are a few methods:
- Install an OS on the SSD, and move all documents between drives as well as installing all require applications. This is rather time consuming.
- A more elegant way to do is by creating a “clone” or an “image” of the hard drive and then move everything from one to the other.
- This requires specialized software, many of them commercial and open source.
- You can create a single image drive and manage it one-drive at a time
- you can also image directly from one drive to the other sector by sector
- This requires specialized software, many of them commercial and open source.
802.11 wireless and Bluetooth
Wireless and Bluetooth are often integrated into laptops via Mini PCI or Mini PCI express (PCIe) connectors.
802.11 networks will allow access to LAN and Internet, usually at high speeds.
Bluetooth is used to create “Personal Area Networks” (PAN). They have shorter range and is often used to connect peripherals and other nearby devices.
These two will be often labelled WLAN and WPAN, respectively. There might be a third option, WWAN, which is Wireless Wide Area Network and is used for cellular connectivity.
When connecting the cards, they are slotted into the PCI port and then connected to antenna cables.
Biometrics
Biometrics are the use of facial scanning or fingerprinting. This requires both software that can process the authentication, and hardware that can provide the data.
These two are relatively secure, since it is difficult to replicate faces and fingerprints.
Near-field communication (NFC)
This allows data or authentication within 4 cm or less. In laptops, it can be used for authentication without using a password - for example in places like hospital workstations, warehouses, or other such locations.
Webcams
Webcams are often integrated at the top of the display case. They are useful for video calls, but not ideal for non-casual use.
Additionally, they will also have microphone ports.
Digitizer
Computers with touch-screens and stylus support are commonly seen on laptops and tablets, as well as some hybrid devices. they work via the use of a digitizer that can convert the touch inputs into digital information.