Major Components of Typical Portable Computers What makes portable computers different than desktop computers? They perform the same types of tasks , but Table 12.1 shows you how their hardware differs . Table 12.1. Portable and Desktop Computers Comparison by Features | Feature | Desktop Computer | Portable Computer | | Display | Separate CRT or LCD display connected to VGA port | Integrated LCD plus external VGA port | | Keyboard | Standard 101 or 104 key with separate numerical keypad; full- size keys | Compact integrated keyboard with embedded numerical keypad; nonstandard layout of directional keys | | Mouse or pointing device | Separate unit; wide choice of types | Integrated into keyboard; can be replaced with external units | | Battery use | Battery used for CMOS maintenance only | Battery used to power computer and many peripherals attached to computer; separate battery used for CMOS maintenance | | Expansion bus | PCI and ISA slots enable interchange of many different components | Connector for docking station and/or port replicator is proprietary | | Hard disk form factor | 3.5 inch or 5.25 inch | 2.5 inch, with integrated power and data connector | | PC Card | Optional card reader | Standard on most systems | | Floppy drive location | Internal; a few now use external USB interface | May be internal or external, using hot-swappable proprietary or USB interface | | Optical drive location | Internal or external | May be internal or external | | Memory expansion | Uses standard DIMM, SIMM, or Rambus modules | Uses proprietary modules or Small Outline (SO) SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, or Rambus modules | | CPU upgrades | Common on virtually any model | Not available due to special CPU types used in portable computers | | Video | AGP or PCI slot, or integrated into chipset | Integrated into motherboard chipset or separate chip soldered to motherboard | A typical portable computer has the following components:  | The CD included with this book contains important Study Lab material for this chapter, as well as Chapters 2 “22 in this book. The Study Lab for each chapter contains terms to study, exercises, and practice tests ”all in printable PDF format (Adobe Acrobat Reader is included on the CD, too). These Study Lab materials will help you gear up for the A+ Exam. Also, the CD includes an industry-leading test engine from PrepLogic, which simulates the actual A+ test so that you can be sure that you're ready when test day arrives. Don't let the A+ test intimidate you. If you've read the chapters, worked through the Study Lab, and passed the practice tests from PrepLogic, you should be well prepared to ace the test! Also, you'll notice that some words throughout each chapter are in bold format. These are study terms that are defined in the Study Lab. Be sure to consult the Study Lab when you are finished with this chapter to test what you've learned. |
Recent systems might also include -
Integrated wired (10/100 Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) network adapters -
Integrated analog (dial-up) modem -
Advanced I/O ports such as IEEE-1394a and USB 2.0 Tablet PCs are similar to traditional portable computers, but feature a modified version of Windows XP (called Windows XP Tablet Edition), support handwriting recognition, and sometimes have detachable keyboards. Although portable and desktop computers have many differences, systems that use the same version of Microsoft Windows and have similar CPU types, CPU speeds, and memory sizes are capable of performing work in similar ways. This is definitely not the case with the smallest and newest portable unit, the Portable Digital Assistant ( PDA ) . PDAs differ not only in their size (hand-held), but in their user interface (stylus-based with handwriting recognition or an optional keyboard on some models), their processors, their operating systems, and their storage (fixed or removable flash memory). PalmOS PDAs are generally smaller, lighter, and less expensive than Pocket PCs. Pocket PCs use Windows CE, a version of Windows designed for PDA processors, which runs different applications than desktop Windows. With add-on software such as Documents to Go, both PalmOS- and Windows CE “based PDAs can create documents and exchange data files as well as synchronize contact information and email with desktop computers. However, PDAs should be looked at as a supplement, rather than as a partial replacement, for larger computers. In the following sections, you'll learn about the distinctive challenges of portable hardware. Standard I/O Interfaces Used on Portable Computers Most portable computers feature a wide range of standard I/O connectors that can be used in the same way as those on desktop computers: -
Serial (RS-232) ports (see Chapter 8, "Input/Output Devices and Cables") -
Parallel port (see Chapter 8) -
External VGA (see Chapter 9, "Video") -
PS/2 jack for keyboard/mouse (see Chapter 8) -
USB ports (see Chapter 8) For details on using these options, see the chapters referenced for each port type. |
