Overview
This lecture covers common laptop components, their maintenance, upgrade options, and security features relevant for troubleshooting and repairing laptops as a technician.
Laptop Repair Challenges
- Laptops are built to specific form factors, making internal repairs tricky.
- Repair difficulty varies by manufacturer; familiarity with one brand improves proficiency.
- Manufacturer service guides provide instructions for replacing components like keyboards and displays.
Power and Batteries
- Laptops use batteries for mobility; some are modular and easily replaced, others are internal.
- Most modern laptops use lithium-ion or lithium-ion polymer batteries.
- Battery capacity decreases slightly after each charge cycle and may need replacement after a few years.
- Batteries are model-specific; always purchase the correct type for the laptop.
Keyboards
- Laptop keyboards are commonly connected via a ribbon cable and are usually replaceable.
- External USB keyboards can be used if the built-in keyboard fails.
- Smaller laptops may have compact keyboard layouts and multifunction keys.
- Keycap and mechanism maintenance requires care due to fragile parts.
Memory (RAM)
- Laptops typically use SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM) for memory upgrades.
- Some laptops have memory soldered to the motherboard, making upgrades impossible without replacing the whole board.
Storage Devices
- Older laptops use 2.5-inch spinning hard drives; newer ones use SSDs (Solid State Drives).
- SSD upgrades improve performance and can use SATA or M.2 interfaces.
- Storage drives may be easily accessed or require full disassembly depending on the laptop model.
- Two migration options: reinstall OS and transfer data, or clone the drive for a direct copy.
Wireless Connectivity
- New laptops often have built-in wireless (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth); older models use mini PCI/PCIe cards.
- Modular wireless cards can be swapped via dedicated slots, often accessible from the laptop's bottom cover.
- Laptops may support multiple wireless types: LAN (802.11), PAN (Bluetooth), or WAN (cellular).
Authentication and Security
- Modern laptops support biometric authentication (face/fingerprint) via OS and hardware integration.
- Windows Hello supports face and fingerprint login.
- Multi-factor authentication can combine passwords with biometrics.
- NFC (Near Field Communication) enables contactless authentication using phones or watches.
Key Terms & Definitions
- SODIMM — Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module, a compact RAM type for laptops.
- SSD — Solid State Drive, storage with no moving parts, faster than hard drives.
- M.2 interface — Compact connection for SSDs in laptops.
- Mini PCI/PCIe — Expansion slots for wireless cards in laptops.
- NFC — Near Field Communication, a wireless technology for close-range data transfer or authentication.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review manufacturer service manuals for common laptop models used in your organization.
- Practice replacing modular components such as batteries, keyboards, RAM, and drives.
- Explore software options for cloning and migrating laptop drives.
- Check installed authentication options on your laptop and test biometric/NFC features if available.