meljun cortes computer organization_lecture_chapter_19_portable_computing

Chapter 19Portable Computing

MELJUN CORTESMELJUN CORTES

© 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

OverviewIn this chapter, you will learn to

Describe the many types of portable computing devices available

Enhance and upgrade portable computers

Manage and maintain portable computers

Troubleshoot portable computers

CompTIA A+Essentials

Essentials

Getting the Right Sound Card

Portable Computing Devices


LCD ScreensMajor contributor to cost

Most range from 12 inch to 17 inchAspect ratio changing from 4:3 standardFor comparison, 16:9 is standard for

widescreen16:10 is the standard for 17-inch LCD screen

Mode Name ResolutionXGA eXtended Graphics Array 1024 x 768SXGA Super eXtended Graphics Array 1280 x 1024SXGA+ Super eXtended Graphics Array Plus 1400 x 1050WSXGA+ Widescreen SXGA Plus 1680 x 1050UXGA Ultra eXtended Graphics Array 1600 x 1200WUXGA Widescreen UXGA 1920 x 1200


LCD ScreensTwo types of finishesMatte

Traditional standardReduces glareWashes out a lot in bright lightHopeless in bright daylight

High GlossRelatively newOffers sharper contrast, richer colors and

wider viewing angles


Desktop ReplacementsTypical laptops can function as a fully

standalone PC Can be used as a

desktop replacement

Input devicesTrackballs on early laptops IBM’s TrackPoint—pencil eraser–sized

joystick in the middle of the keyboardTouchpads


Desktop ExtendersDesktop extenders are portable devices

Not intended to take the place of a desktop

Think of them as a smaller, lighter, less-powerful laptop for less intensive use


PDAsPersonal digital assistants (PDAs)

Tiny, handheld portable computing devices

Address book, personal notes, appointments, word processors, image viewers

Often use handwriting recognition with a pen-style stylus for pen-based computing

Use specialized OS such as Windows CE, PocketPC, PalmOS, and Linux

Made by Palm, Sony, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and other companies


PDA FeaturesHotSync

Can synchronize data between PDA and office PC

PalmOS calls it HotSync

BeamingPDAs typically have IR portsCan transfer data (beam) between PDAs

PDA MemoryInternal flash ROM of 1 MB or moreCompactFlash cards that are

removable and upgradeable for removable storage needs


Tablet PCsCombines handwriting benefits of PDAs

with power of traditional laptops

Use a stylus to write

Applications can use digital ink to capture pen strokes


Portable Computer Device Types

Screen Size Weight UsesDesktopreplacements

14–20 inches 8–12 lbs Mobile anything

Desktop extenders

10–14 inches 4 lbs Presentations, note taking

Ultralights 6–12 inches 2–3 lbs Long-term travelingTablet PCs 10–12 inches 4 lbs Niche marketUltra-mobile PCs

4–7 inches 1–2 lbs Niche market

PDAs 3–4 inches 1 lb OrganizationPDA phones 2 niches < 1 lb Eliminates cell phone


IT TechnicianCompTIA A+Technician

Enhance and Upgrade the Portable PC


PC Cards PC Cards are commonly known as the

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA)Hot-swappable devices Easy to use, inexpensive, and convenient


PC CardsParallel PC Cards

16-bit or CardBus (32-bit 3.3V cards)Three sizes: Type I (thinnest), II, and III

(thickest)Cards can have one or many functions

ExpressCardHigh-performance serial versionCan connect to USB 2.0 slot (480 Mbps) or

PCIe (2.5 Gbps)


Card TypesType Length Width Thickness Typical UseType I 85.6 mm 54 mm 3.3 mm Flash memory

Type II 85.6 mm 54 mm 5.0 mm I/O (modem, NIC, etc.)

Type III 85.6 mm 54 mm 10.5 mm Hard drives


PC Cards Two levels of software drivers

Socket servicesDevice drivers that enable the system to detect when a PC

Card is inserted or removedProvide necessary I/O to the deviceStandardized and handled by the system BIOS

Card servicesRecognize the function of a particular PC Card and provide

the specialized drivers required to make the card workHandled by WindowsAccessed via PCMCIA option in Control Panel


Limited-Function PortsAll portable PCs and many PDAs come with a

variety of portsVGA connection for hooking up an external

monitorPS/2 port for an external keyboard or mouseBuilt-in NICs and modems for network support

All of these work the same as in desktop PCsVideo ports

External monitor, projector,or a combination of both

Speaker portsExtra function key


General-Purpose Ports Legacy ports

PS/2, RS-232

USB and FireWireWork same as in PC

Port replicators Plug into a single port Offer common PC ports

such as serial, parallel, network, and PS/2


Docking StationsGives laptops access to PC resources

Large monitors, regular mice, network connections, and full-size keyboards

Provides an easy way to take your laptop in and out of the office

Basically a port replicator with extra features such as a DVD drive or PC Card slots


Replacing RAMNo standard method

You usually have to unscrew or pop open a panel on the underside of the portable


Shared MemoryReduces cost of video cards

Reduces amount of memory on the video card

Shared memory technologiesTurboCache (NVIDIA)HyperMemory (ATI)

System RAM will report less RAM availableNot shared as much as taken from OSOnce taken, OS no longer has access to the

RAM


The Modular Laptop Common components that can be replaced

or upgraded in a portable PC

Hard drives2.5-inch ATA drives most commonCable select often requiredOtherwise the same as regular

3.5-inch drives

Modular CPUs Just replace with a newer module from Intel or AMD

Video cardsLeast standardized


The Modular Laptop Common components that can be replaced

or upgraded in a portable PC

Modular DrivesCD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/W, hard drives

Mobile NICs and Mini PCIMost laptops have dial-up modems and EthernetMany also come with integrated wireless networking

supportMany devices can be toggled on and off with key

combinations such as FN-F2

Managing and Maintaining Portable Computers


MaintenanceEverything you normally do to maintain a

PC applies to portable PCs

Windows patches and Service PacksUpgrading driversCHKDSKScanDiskDefragmentDisk Cleanup


Batteries Three types of commonly used batteries

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)


Nickel-Cadmium BatteriesNickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries

First batteries commonly used in mobile PCsBattery memory is the tendency of a Ni-Cd battery to

lose a significant amount of its recharge ability Conditioning charge could

sometimes resolve battery memory problem

At best, can only be recharged about 1000 times

Toxic—dispose of at recycling centers


Nickel Metal Hydride Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries

Next generation of mobile PC batteries

Less susceptible to memory problems and last longer between recharges

Still susceptible to heat

Popular replacement for Ni-Cd systems


Lithium Ion Lithium Ion batteries

Most common type of battery used todayPowerfulCompletely immune to memory problemsBuilt-in circuitry to prevent accidental

overcharging


Other Portable Power SourcesSmart batteries

Tell the computer when they need to be charged, conditioned, or replaced

Fuel cellsPromising new technology that could power a

laptop for up to 40 hours before refillingHasn’t yet reached the consumer market


Battery Maintenance Batteries should be stored in a cool place

Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries should be conditioned by using a special charger

Battery contacts should be kept clean using a little alcohol or dry cloth

Used or old batteries should be recycled

Power Management


Power Management Power management goals

Shut down unused devices selectivelyDefine a maximum period of inactivityShut down the entire system during longer periods

of inactivityReady to restart if triggered by a wake-up eventSensitive to potential hazards like shutting down the

hard drive in the middle of a write operationKeep the system cost about the same


System Management ModeSystem Management Mode (SMM)

Set of features that enables the CPU to slow down or stop its clock without deleting information

Stops the CPU and all of the peripherals

Requires a specialized BIOS and OS

To further power management capabilities, Intel introduced Advanced Power Management (APM) in 1992 Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) in 1996


Requirements for APM/ACPI APM and ACPI require the following in order to

function properly

An SMM-capable CPU

APM-compliant BIOS

Devices that will accept being shut off (“Energy Star”)

A system OS that knows how to request the shutdown of a particular device


APM/ACPI Levels Full On

No power management—everything running

APM Enabled CPU and RAM running at full power Unused devices may or may not be shut down

APM Standby CPU is stopped (can easily be restarted) RAM still stores all the programs All peripherals are shut down

APM Suspend Everything is shut down or at its lowest power-consumption Hibernation (stores everything in RAM on the hard drive before

powering down)


APM/ACPI ConfigurationCMOS settings Windows

Overrides CMOS settings

Display applet in Control Panel Settings Advanced

Monitor tab

Power Management applet in Control Panel


Configuration of APM/ACPI— Windows


Cleaning & HeatCleaning

Use a screen cleaner to clean the LCD screen (not a glass cleaner)

Use compressed air to clean out the keyboard and PC Card sockets

HeatUse power managementKeep air space between the bottom of the laptop and the

surface it sits onDon’t use a keyboard protectorListen for fan running a lot or stopping


Protect the MachineProtect your investment with best practices

Tripping Watch the power cord

Storage Protect from damage and dirt

Travel Remember foreign power is 230 V

Shipping Protect from damage and theft

Security Protect from theft


TroubleshootingLaptop won’t power on

Verify the outlet is goodVerify the adapter is goodRemove all peripherals

Screen doesn’t come on properlyMake sure the display is onPress FN key combination to activate the screen

Wireless networking doesn’t workCheck for physical or software switch to turn it onEnsure you’re in range


TroubleshootingHandwriting is not recognized

May need to retrain the digitizer

Keypad doesn’t workProbably unseated keypad connectorCheck manufacturer’s disassembly procedures

Touchpad doesn’t workClean with compressed airMay need to reconfigure touchpad driver


Beyond A+Intel’s Centrino Technology

Extremely low powerFast CPUsIntegrated wireless networking

Origami—Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPC)Small form factor tablet PCRuns full-fledged OS such as

Windows XP or Vista