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Scott Mueller has gone where no computer book author has gone before — right past all the warranty stickers, the hidden screws, and the fear factor to produce a real owner's manual that every laptop owner should have on his desk. Upgrading and Repairing Laptops, Second Edition shows the upgrades users can perform, the ones that are better left to the manufacturer, and how to use add-on peripherals to make the most of a laptop. This second edition has been updated to include:

The latest processors and motherboards Complete assembly and disassembly information Updated memory standards Upgrading your hard drive to increase performance Changes in networking and firewalls The included DVD contains one-of-a-kind video showing just what's inside a portable PC. If you have ever wondered what goes on inside your portable PC, how to upgrade/repair it, or how to live on the road with it, this is the one must-have book of the year!

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Introduction(p. 1)
• 1 Portable Systems Background(p. 7)
• Defining the Portable Computer(p. 8)
• Portable System Design Elements(p. 9)
• The Popularity of Portables(p. 10)
• Who's Selling Laptops?(p. 11)
• Evolution of the Portable Computer(p. 12)
• Pre-PC Portables(p. 12)
• Early PC Portables(p. 19)
• Personal Recollections of the Portable Revolution(p. 42)
• Advantages of Laptops(p. 43)
• Multiple Uses(p. 43)
• Ideal for People with Multiple Workplaces(p. 44)
• Flat-Panel Displays(p. 44)
• Low-Energy Consumption(p. 45)
• Built-in UPS(p. 45)
• Integrated Design(p. 45)
• More Space Efficient(p. 45)
• The Problems of Using Portables(p. 45)
• More Expensive(p. 46)
• Increased Risk of Loss(p. 46)
• Smaller Screens and Keyboards(p. 47)
• Slower System Speed(p. 47)
• Upgrades Are More Difficult(p. 47)
• General Solutions to Laptop Problems(p. 48)
• Possibly Cheaper Than Desktops(p. 48)
• Laptop Insurance(p. 48)
• Protection from System Loss(p. 48)
• Upgrades Are Indeed Possible(p. 49)
• 2 Portable PC Overview: Types and Features(p. 51)
• Types and Classes of Portable Computers(p. 52)
• Laptops Versus Notebooks(p. 52)
• Subnotebooks: The End of a Trend?(p. 53)
• The Many Types of Laptops/Notebooks(p. 53)
• Tablets(p. 58)
• Handhelds/Palmtops(p. 59)
• PDAs(p. 59)
• Major Features(p. 60)
• Processors(p. 60)
• Video Display Size and Resolution(p. 61)
• Video Accelerators(p. 64)
• Spindles (Storage)(p. 65)
• Expansion Options(p. 66)
• External Interfaces(p. 68)
• Pointing Devices(p. 68)
• Docking Options(p. 69)
• Networking(p. 70)
• 3 System Maintenance and Assembly(p. 73)
• Preventive Maintenance(p. 74)
• Passive Preventive Maintenance Procedures(p. 74)
• Active Preventive Maintenance Procedures(p. 80)
• Maintenance Tools(p. 90)
• Hand Tools(p. 91)
• A Word About Hardware(p. 97)
• Test Equipment(p. 98)
• Special Tools for the Enthusiast(p. 103)
• Upgrading and Repairing Laptops(p. 105)
• System Disassembly(p. 106)
• BIOS Setup(p. 124)
• Accessing BIOS Setup for Specific Makes and Models(p. 125)
• Running the BIOS Setup Program (CMOS Setup)(p. 127)
• Dealing with Passwords(p. 128)
• Password Types(p. 128)
• POP, HDP, and SVP Password Cracking?(p. 133)
• Windows Passwords(p. 134)
• 4 Processors(p. 135)
• Mobile Processor Features(p. 136)
• SL Technology(p. 136)
• Processor Performance Technology (SpeedStep/PowerNow!/LongRun)(p. 138)
• Mobile Processor Packaging(p. 140)
• Tape Carrier Packaging(p. 141)
• Mobile Module(p. 143)
• Minicartridge(p. 146)
• BGA and PGA(p. 147)
• Processor Features(p. 150)
• SMM (Power Management)(p. 150)
• Superscalar Execution(p. 150)
• MMX Technology(p. 151)
• SSE, SSE2, and SSE3(p. 152)
• 3DNow!, Enhanced 3DNow!, and 3DNow! Professional(p. 153)
• Dynamic Execution(p. 154)
• Dual Independent Bus Architecture(p. 154)
• Hyperthreading Technology(p. 155)
• Intel Mobile Processors(p. 156)
• SL-Enhanced 486 Processors(p. 156)
• Mobile Pentium(p. 157)
• Mobile Pentium II and III(p. 158)
• Mobile Pentium 4 and Pentium 4-M Processors(p. 168)
• Pentium M(p. 171)
• Mobile Celeron Processors(p. 174)
• AMD Mobile Processors(p. 177)
• AMD K6-Series Mobile Processors(p. 177)
• AMD's Mobile Athlon and Athlon XP(p. 178)
• AMD Mobile Duron(p. 179)
• AMD Mobile Athlon XP-M(p. 179)
• AMD Mobile Athlon 64 and Mobile Sempron(p. 181)
• AMD Turion 64(p. 182)
• 5 Motherboards(p. 185)
• Form Factors(p. 186)
• System Bus Types, Functions, and Features(p. 186)
• The Processor Bus (Front-Side Bus)(p. 192)
• The Memory Bus(p. 193)
• Types of I/O Buses(p. 194)
• The PCI Bus(p. 194)
• Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)(p. 195)
• PCI Express(p. 197)
• Motherboard Components(p. 199)
• Processor Sockets/Slots(p. 199)
• Chipsets(p. 200)
• Chipset Profiles(p. 208)
• System Resources(p. 219)
• Interrupts(p. 219)
• DMA Channels(p. 225)
• I/O Port Addresses(p. 226)
• Plug and Play(p. 229)
• The Hardware Component(p. 230)
• The BIOS Component(p. 230)
• The Operating System Component(p. 230)
• 6 Memory(p. 231)
• Memory Standards(p. 232)
• How Much Memory?(p. 233)
• Memory Speed(p. 234)
• Memory Types(p. 237)
• Fast Page Mode DRAM(p. 237)
• Extended Data Out RAM(p. 238)
• SDRAM(p. 238)
• DDR SDRAM(p. 239)
• DDR2 SDRAM(p. 240)
• RDRAM(p. 241)
• Memory Modules(p. 241)
• SODIMMs(p. 241)
• MicroDIMMs(p. 253)
• Memory Upgrades(p. 259)
• 7 Power(p. 263)
• AC/DC Power Supplies(p. 264)
• Batteries(p. 267)
• CMOS/Clock Battery(p. 268)
• Main Battery(p. 270)
• Battery Types(p. 270)
• Battery Maintenance(p. 273)
• Using Multiple Batteries(p. 274)
• Fuel Cells(p. 276)
• Power Management(p. 279)
• Advanced Power Management(p. 280)
• Advanced Configuration and Power Interface(p. 281)
• APM BIOS Power Management Menu(p. 285)
• 8 Expansion Card Buses(p. 287)
• PC Cards (PCMCIA)(p. 289)
• PC Card Bus Types(p. 290)
• PC Card Physical Types(p. 291)
• PC Card Software Support(p. 293)
• ExpressCards(p. 296)
• High-Speed External Connections(p. 300)
• Serial Versus Parallel(p. 300)
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)(p. 301)
• IEEE 1394 (FireWire or i.LINK)(p. 311)
• Comparing IEEE 1394a and USB 1.1/2.0(p. 314)
• Low-Speed External Connections(p. 315)
• Serial Ports(p. 316)
• Parallel Ports(p. 323)
• 9 Hard Disk Storage(p. 333)
• Hard Drive History and Advancements(p. 334)
• Areal Density(p. 335)
• Form Factors(p. 338)
• Other Form Factor Issues(p. 341)
• Hard Disk Drive Operation(p. 343)
• Tracks and Sectors(p. 345)
• Disk Formatting(p. 346)
• Basic Hard Disk Drive Components(p. 351)
• Hard Disk Platters (Disks)(p. 352)
• Recording Media(p. 352)
• Read/Write Heads(p. 354)
• Air Filters(p. 357)
• Hard Disk Temperature Acclimation(p. 358)
• Spindle Motors(p. 359)
• Fluid Dynamic Bearings(p. 360)
• Logic Boards(p. 360)
• Cables and Connectors(p. 360)
• Configuration Items(p. 361)
• Hard Disk Features(p. 361)
• Capacity(p. 361)
• Performance(p. 363)
• Cost(p. 369)
• The ATA (IDE) Interface(p. 370)
• ATA Standards(p. 370)
• ATA-1(p. 372)
• ATA-2(p. 372)
• ATA-3(p. 373)
• ATA/ATAPI-4(p. 373)
• ATA/ATAPI-5(p. 374)
• ATA/ATAPI-6(p. 374)
• ATA/ATAPI-7(p. 375)
• ATA Features(p. 376)
• ATA I/O Connector(p. 376)
• ATA I/O Cable(p. 379)
• Dual-Drive Configurations(p. 380)
• ATA Commands(p. 383)
• Drive Capacity Limitations(p. 384)
• ATA Transfer Modes(p. 397)
• ATAPI (ATA Packet Interface)(p. 399)
• Serial ATA(p. 399)
• 10 Removable Storage(p. 405)
• Removable Media(p. 406)
• Interfaces for Removable-Media Drives(p. 407)
• Removable Magnetic Disk and Optical Disc Storage(p. 408)
• Backing Up Your Data(p. 409)
• Optical Disc and Drive Technology(p. 410)
• CD-Based Optical Technology(p. 410)
• CDs: A Brief History(p. 411)
• CD-ROM Construction and Technology(p. 411)
• DVD Technology(p. 424)
• DVD History(p. 425)
• DVD Construction and Technology(p. 426)
• Optical Disc Formats(p. 436)
• Compact Disc and Drive Formats(p. 436)
• Multisession Recording(p. 438)
• CD-ROM File Systems(p. 440)
• DVD Formats and Standards(p. 445)
• DVD Drive Compatibility(p. 447)
• Playing DVD Movies on a Laptop(p. 447)
• DVD Copy Protection(p. 447)
• Caring for Optical Media(p. 450)
• CD/DVD Read-Only Drives and Specifications(p. 452)
• Performance Specifications(p. 452)
• Interfaces(p. 460)
• Writable CDs(p. 462)
• Recordable DVD Standards(p. 475)
• Multiformat DVD Rewritable Drives(p. 482)
• CD/DVD Software and Drivers(p. 482)
• Bootable CDs and DVDs-El Torito(p. 484)
• Removable Drive Letter Assignments(p. 485)
• Troubleshooting Optical Drives(p. 488)
• Updating the Firmware in a CD-RW or Rewritable DVD Drive(p. 491)
• Removable Magnetic Storage Devices(p. 493)
• Iomega Zip(p. 494)
• SuperDisk LS-120 and LS-240(p. 495)
• Hard Disk-Based Removable-Media Drives(p. 495)
• Floppy Drives(p. 496)
• Drive Components(p. 497)
• Floppy Drive Interfaces(p. 497)
• Disk Physical Specifications and Operation(p. 497)
• Types of Floppy Disk Drives(p. 501)
• Analyzing 3 1/2" Floppy Disk Construction(p. 502)
• Floppy Disk Types and Specifications(p. 503)
• Handling/Caring for Floppy Disks and Drives(p. 504)
• Airport X-Ray Machines and Metal Detectors(p. 505)
• Flash Cards and Digital "Film" Memory Devices(p. 506)
• How Flash Memory Works(p. 506)
• Types of Flash Memory Devices(p. 506)
• Moving Data in Flash Memory Devices to Your Computer(p. 511)
• 11 Graphics and Sound(p. 515)
• Video Display System(p. 516)
• Major Laptop Display Features to Consider(p. 516)
• Early Portable Displays: CRT and Plasma(p. 517)
• Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)(p. 517)
• How LCDs Work(p. 518)
• Testing a Display(p. 530)
• Maintaining Your LCD(p. 531)
• Video Display Interfaces(p. 532)
• Video Graphics Array (VGA)(p. 532)
• Industry Standard SVGA(p. 534)
• XGA and Beyond(p. 534)
• Digital Video Connections(p. 539)
• Video Adapter Components(p. 543)
• Laptop External Video Activation(p. 553)
• Multiple Monitor Support(p. 554)
• 3D Graphics and Laptops(p. 556)
• TV/Video Output and Capture(p. 563)
• Troubleshooting Laptop Video Problems(p. 567)
• Laptop Audio Hardware(p. 571)
• Audio Connectors(p. 572)
• Volume Control(p. 573)
• Laptop Audio Quality Factors(p. 574)
• Sound Drivers(p. 577)
• DVD Movies on the Road(p. 577)
• Playing and Creating Digitized Sound Files(p. 578)
• Audio Adapter Concepts and Terms(p. 579)
• Who's Who in Laptop Audio(p. 580)
• Speakers(p. 584)
• Microphones(p. 589)
• Troubleshooting Laptop Audio Problems(p. 589)
• 12 Communications(p. 593)
• Modems(p. 594)
• V.92 Modems(p. 594)
• PC Card Modems(p. 595)
• Winmodems(p. 596)
• Wireless Modems(p. 597)
• Types of Cellular Systems(p. 599)
• Network Connections(p. 600)
• Wired LANs(p. 600)
• Wireless LANs(p. 601)
• Connecting on the Road(p. 604)
• Hotel High-Speed Connections(p. 604)
• Using Wireless Hotspots(p. 606)
• Cellular Modems(p. 608)
• Wired Modem Connections(p. 609)
• Moving Data Between Two Systems(p. 618)
• Direct Connection Software(p. 618)
• Hardware-Based Data Transfers(p. 619)
• Managing Data Sharing/Synching with Desktop PCs(p. 619)
• Communications Security(p. 619)
• Antitheft Measures(p. 620)
• Hardware-Level Passwords(p. 620)
• Operating System Passwords(p. 620)
• Antivirus Software(p. 621)
• Firewalls(p. 621)
• Virtual Private Networking(p. 621)
• Encryption(p. 621)
• 13 Keyboards and Pointing Devices(p. 623)
• Laptop Keyboards(p. 624)
• Windows Keys(p. 626)
• Running Windows Without a Mouse(p. 628)
• Keyboard Technology(p. 630)
• Keyswitch Design(p. 630)
• The Keyboard Interface(p. 634)
• Typematic Functions(p. 635)
• Keyboard Key Numbers and Scan Codes(p. 636)
• External Keyboard/Mouse Interface Connectors(p. 637)
• Keyboard Troubleshooting and Repair(p. 639)
• Defective Cables or Bad Connections(p. 639)
• Stuck Keys(p. 640)
• Cleaning a Keyboard(p. 641)
• External Keyboard Recommendations(p. 641)
• Pointing Devices(p. 643)
• TrackPoint II/III/IV(p. 643)
• Touch Pads(p. 647)
• External Pointing Devices(p. 648)
• Mice(p. 648)
• Trackballs(p. 650)
• External Pointing Device Interfaces(p. 651)
• Wireless Input Devices(p. 653)
• Radio Versus Infrared(p. 653)
• Major Vendors and Products(p. 654)
• Wireless Pointing Device Issues(p. 654)
• 14 Portable System Accessories(p. 657)
• Carrying Cases(p. 658)
• Nylon Cases(p. 659)
• Leather Cases(p. 659)
• Backpack Cases(p. 659)
• Wheeled Cases(p. 660)
• Ruggedized Cases(p. 660)
• Docking Stations(p. 661)
• Proprietary Docking Stations(p. 663)
• Third-party Docking Solutions(p. 663)
• The Decline of the Dock(p. 663)
• Port Replicators(p. 663)
• Proprietary Port Replicators(p. 664)
• Third-party Port Replicators(p. 665)
• Slabs or Slices(p. 665)
• Internal Device Bays(p. 666)
• All-in-One Systems(p. 667)
• Proprietary Bays(p. 667)
• Accessory Power Sources(p. 670)
• Batteries(p. 671)
• Fuel Cells(p. 672)
• Adapters(p. 673)
• Communications(p. 674)
• Digital Phone System Adapters(p. 674)
• International Phone Adapters(p. 675)
• Data Storage(p. 675)
• Security Devices(p. 676)
• Theft Deterrents(p. 676)
• Laptop Recovery Systems(p. 677)
• User Authentication Devices(p. 677)
• Input Devices(p. 679)
• Portable Pointing Devices(p. 679)
• Portable Keyboards(p. 679)
• Output Devices(p. 680)
• Portable Printers(p. 680)
• Portable Scanners(p. 680)
• Presentation Equipment(p. 681)
• Analog TV Projectors(p. 681)
• Overhead LCD Display Panels(p. 681)
• Digital Projectors(p. 682)
• Flat-Panel Plasma Displays(p. 683)
• TV Connections(p. 683)
• Special Interfaces(p. 685)
• USB(p. 685)
• FireWire Cards(p. 686)
• Serial Ports(p. 686)
• Parallel Ports(p. 686)
• SCSI Adapters(p. 686)
• Signal and Control I/O(p. 686)
• Miscellaneous Devices(p. 686)
• Navigation(p. 687)
• GPS Receivers(p. 687)
• Handheld GPS Receivers(p. 687)
• Laptop Screen Accessories(p. 688)
• Screen Shades(p. 688)
• Privacy Shields(p. 689)
• Notebook Stands(p. 689)
• Desktop(p. 689)
• Automobile(p. 690)
• Where to Buy(p. 690)
• 15 Software and Operating Systems(p. 691)
• The Boot Process(p. 692)
• The Boot Process: Operating System Independent(p. 693)
• The Windows 9x/Me Boot Process(p. 698)
• Windows NT/2000/XP Startup(p. 700)
• Installing the Operating System(p. 701)
• Installing Windows 98/Me(p. 702)
• Installing Windows XP(p. 706)
• Linux on the Laptop(p. 707)
• Laptop Data Recovery(p. 708)
• The Windows Recycle Bin and File "Deletion"(p. 708)
• Recovering Files That Are Not in the Recycle Bin(p. 708)
• Retrieving Data from Partitioned and Formatted Drives(p. 709)
• Using the Norton Disk Editor(p. 712)
• Data Recovery from Flash Memory Devices(p. 721)
• Retrieving Data from a Damaged Laptop(p. 723)
• 16 Problem Solving and Troubleshooting(p. 725)
• Basic Troubleshooting Guidelines(p. 726)
• Modern Laptop Computers-More Complicated and More Reliable(p. 726)
• Desktop and Laptop Components Compared(p. 727)
• Troubleshooting by Replacing Parts(p. 731)
• Troubleshooting by the Bootstrap Approach(p. 732)
• Problems During the POST(p. 734)
• Hardware Problems After Booting(p. 735)
• Problems Running Software(p. 735)
• Problems with Adapter Cards(p. 736)
• Diagnostics(p. 736)
• Top Troubleshooting Problems(p. 752)
• Power and Startup Problems(p. 752)
• Windows Problems(p. 754)
• Hardware Problems(p. 756)
• 17 Portable Resource Guide(p. 765)
• Documentation(p. 766)
• FCC ID Database(p. 769)
• User Forums and Support(p. 770)
• Repair Parts(p. 770)
• Manufacturer Tech Support(p. 771)
• Lenovo (Formerly IBM)(p. 771)
• Toshiba(p. 772)
• Dell(p. 772)
• HP(p. 773)
• Compaq(p. 773)
• Gateway(p. 773)
• Other Systems(p. 774)
• A List of Acronyms and Abbreviations(p. 777)
• A (p. 778)
• B (p. 778)
• C (p. 778)
• D (p. 779)
• E (p. 780)
• F (p. 780)
• G (p. 780)
• H (p. 780)
• I (p. 781)
• J-K (p. 781)
• L (p. 781)
• M (p. 781)
• N (p. 782)
• O (p. 782)
• P (p. 783)
• Q (p. 783)
• R (p. 783)
• S (p. 784)
• T (p. 784)
• U (p. 784)
• V (p. 785)
• W-X (p. 785)
• Y-Z (p. 785)
• B Glossary(p. 787)
• C Key Vendor Contact Information(p. 857)
• Index(p. 863)

Extracto provisto por Syndetics

Introduction Welcome to Upgrading and Repairing Laptops , the only book of its kind on the market! Laptop computers are the largest growing part of the computer industry, with sales that continue to outpace desktop systems. For those in the industry, there has never been a better reason to get into upgrading and repairing laptops, because not only are they selling better than ever, but their higher prices allow you to charge more for services rendered. But aren't laptops proprietary, which means they cannot easily be upgraded or repaired? Many people are familiar with the fact that desktop PCs normally use industry-standard components, which allow cost-effective upgrades and repairs to be performed. In fact, this philosophy is the basis for my best-selling book Upgrading and Repairing PCs , currently available in a 16th edition, with the 17thedition currently in the works. However, what many people don't know is that laptop and notebook computers have evolved from being mostly proprietary to using larger and larger numbers of industry-standard components. This means, in plain English, that laptop and notebook computers are more upgradeable and repairable than ever before. Being a long-time user of portable computers myself, I thought the time was finally right to explore this subject in more depth, resulting in this book. In this book, you will learn about all the components that make up a modern laptop or notebook computer, which components are based on industry standards and which are proprietary, and which components can easily be upgraded or replaced. As most of you know, laptops are more expensive than desktops, so whereas desktop computers are becoming more and more of a commodity, laptops are still somewhat exclusive. They are more difficult to work on, and the components are smaller and more expensive. All of this contributes to upgrades and repairs that are more expensive overall. You can look at this book two ways: From the perspective of a laptop user, knowing how to upgrade and repair your own system can save you a bundle of money! Using the information in this book, you can effectively troubleshoot a problem; isolate the defective component; obtain a replacement; and finally perform the physical interchange of parts, the actual upgrade, or repair. This capability is useful not only for older systems, where the cost of service might exceed the value of the system, but also with newer laptops, which can be easily upgraded with newer technology such as wireless networking, faster USB or FireWire ports, more memory, larger hard disks, and even faster processors. From the perspective of a computer technician or support person working in the industry, knowing how to upgrade and repair laptop computers gives you a significant edge over others in the industry who are afraid to open laptop systems. They can be daunting. Many of the laptops on the market today are held together by upwards of 100 screws, often consisting of several different types! They also often include many intricately assembled plastic parts that can easily break or be damaged if you don't take them apart properly. The benefit is that as a repair technician, you can charge more for laptop service and repair, which gives you another edge over other technicians who can work only on commodity-level desktop systems. Laptops or Notebooks? I initially struggled with the terms laptop and notebook before even beginning work on this book, not only with how to use them in the content but especially with the title. Although it was not necessarily true in the beginning, in the current context of the industry, these terms are used interchangeably to describe systems. The truth is, there is no consistent industry-wide definition of what is a laptop computer and what is a notebook computer. Originally, there was some unofficial size differentiation between what was considered a laptop versus what was considered a notebook (the term notebook was used to describe an arbitrarily smaller version of a laptop). However, more recently that distinction has completely disappeared. Standardization on screen technology, screen sizes, as well as keyboard/pointing device layout and size have all served to muddy and eventually dissolve any differences between what was once considered a laptop and what was considered a notebook. The fact that virtually all modern portables include 13-inch (diagonal) or larger screens (which is why innovations such as the ThinkPad 701 "butterfly" collapsible keyboard aren't used anymore) as well as industry-standard keyboard layouts, integrating a pointing device and palm rest, has served to greatly equalize the sizes of such systems. There are still differences in weight and thickness between various makes and models, but in general, modern laptop/notebook systems, from the least to the most powerful and expensive, come in very similar sizes. So what do we call these systems now? Are they laptops or notebooks? Virtually all manufacturers now use the term notebook to describe all their portable systems, from huge desktop replacements down to ultra-slim or ultra-light models. Unfortunately, outside the advertising and marketing world, few people seem to use the term notebook . Perhaps that is because if you just say "notebook," it seems too generic and could refer to something other than a computer, and thus be easily misunderstood. You almost have to say "notebook computer" for it to become clear what you mean. On the other hand, if you say "laptop," most people immediately know that you mean "laptop computer," because the term is much more widely recognized. I conducted some informal polls of my own. In the most telling of these, I showed people a picture of a modern portable computer system and asked them, "What do you call this type of computer?" Virtually everybody replied, "A laptop!" In other cases, I asked people what the word notebook means, and I received a variety of answers, not all having to do with computers. Then I asked them what the word laptop means, and almost everybody understood it as a type of portable computer. Maybe I've just been around too long, but I think you'll find as I did that laptop is simply a much more recognizable and familiar term than notebook , whether you actually ever use one on your lap or not. So, in spite of the industry marketing preferences for the word notebook , and even though laptop computers and notebook computers are the same thing, I decided not to call this book Upgrading and Repairing Notebooks (it even sounds weird), but instead decided to use the more understandable and recognizable Upgrading and Repairing Laptops title instead. Throughout this book, you'll find that just as is done in the industry, I use the terms interchangeably (that is, I say "laptop" or "notebook," or both), and in almost all cases they mean exactly the same thing. Book Objectives I wrote this book for people who want to upgrade, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot laptop computers, as well as for those enthusiasts who want to know more about laptops or portable PC hardware in general. This book covers the full gamut of laptop and portable PCs, from the oldest to the latest in high-end multi-gigahertz mobile workstations. If you need to know about everything from the original Compaq Portable PC to the latest in PC technology on the market today, this book and the accompanying information-packed DVD-ROM are definitely for you. This book covers state-of-the-art mobile hardware and accessories that make modern mobile computers easier, faster, and more productive to use. Inside these pages you will find in-depth coverage of every mobile processor, from the original 386SL to the latest Mobile Pentium 4, Pentium M, and Mobile Athlon XP-M. Upgrading and Repairing Laptops also doesn't ignore the less glamorous PC components. Every part of your mobile system plays a critical role in its stability and performance. Over the course of these pages, you'll find out exactly why your motherboard's chipset might just be the most important part of your laptop as well as what can go wrong when your processor runs too hot. You'll also find in-depth coverage of technologies such as DDR SDRAM, graphics, audio, AGP, Mini PCI, LCD displays, recordable CD and DVD drives, USB 2.0, FireWire, and high-capacity external or removable storage--it's all in here! Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown This book is organized into chapters that cover the components of a portable or mobile PC, emphasizing modern laptop/notebook systems. A few chapters serve to introduce or expand in an area not specifically component related, but most parts in a laptop have a dedicated chapter or section, which will aid you in finding the information you want. The first two chapters of this book serve primarily as an introduction. Chapter 1, "Portable Systems Background," begins with an introduction to the development of portable computers. This chapter incorporates some of the historical events that led to the development of modern portable PCs. Chapter 2, "Portable PC Overview: Types and Features," provides information about the various types of mobile or portable systems you will encounter and what separates one type of system from another. Chapter 3, "System Maintenance and Assembly," is where I show you how to maintain and care for laptop systems. I provide a step-by-step process showing how to completely disassemble and reassemble a typical laptop. The drawings included in this chapter, as well as the video included on the DVD-ROM, will greatly aid you in understanding these procedures. Chapter 4, "Processors," includes detailed coverage of Intel's mobile Pentium M (part of Centrino mobile technology), mobile Pentium 4 and Pentium 4-M, mobile Pentium III, mobile Pentium II, mobile Celeron, and earlier central processing unit (CPU) chips. There's also detailed coverage of AMD's line of high-performance mobile Athlon XP-M and Sempron processors as well as older mobile Athlon and mobile Duron processors. Because the processor is one of the most important parts of a laptop PC, this book features extensive mobile processor coverage, more than you'll find in any other book. All the unique form factors used in mobile processors are discussed, with diagrams, drawings, and examples. This information is invaluable in understanding how processors are implemented in portable systems and what upgrade options you may have at your disposal. Chapter 5, "Motherboards," covers the motherboard, mobile chipsets, motherboard components, and primary system buses in detail. A chipset can either make a good processor better or choke the life out of an otherwise high-speed CPU. I cover the latest chipsets for current mobile processor families, including mobile chipsets from Intel, AMD, VIA, and more. This chapter also covers special bus architectures and devices, such as high-speed Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), including Mini PCI and PCI Express. Plug and Play (including Universal PnP) configuration of resources and ways to handle resource conflicts are also discussed. Chapter 6, "Memory," provides a detailed discussion of laptop memory, including the latest memory specifications. After the processor and chipset, the system memory is one of the most important parts of a laptop or mobile computer. It's also one of the most difficult things to understand--it is somewhat intangible, and how it works is not always obvious. If you're confused about the difference between system memory and cache memory; SODIMMs and Micro-DIMMs; SDRAM versus DDR SDRAM; EDO versus PC133 versus PC3200, this is the chapter that can answer your questions. Chapter 7, "Power," is a detailed investigation of laptop battery technology, as well as AC adapters and power-management schemes. Chapter 8, "Expansion Card Buses," covers the ExpressCard, PC Card, and CardBus interfaces, otherwise sometimes called PCMCIA slots . Also covered are newer technologies such as USB 2.0 and FireWire (IEEE 1394/i.LINK), as well as older legacy serial and parallel ports. Due to the limited space in laptop computers, external USB 2.0 and FireWire devices offer a wide range of expansion capability. Chapter 9, "Hard Disk Storage," covers the smaller 2.5-inch form factor drives used in laptop computers, and it even breaks down how data is stored to your drives and how it is retrieved when you double-click a file in Windows. Also covered is the ATA/IDE interface, including types and specifications, plus the Serial ATA interface. Chapter 10, "Removable Storage," covers optical storage using CD and DVD technology, including CD recorders, rewritable CDs, and other optical technologies. There's even extensive coverage of DVD, with everything you need to know to understand the difference between the recordable DVD drives now available in laptops. Also covered are all the digital memory-storage devices, such as CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, SecureDigital, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, and USB "keychain" drives. Finally, this chapter covers magnetic removable storage, such as standard floppy and magnetic tape drives. Chapter 11, "Graphics and Sound," covers everything there is to know about video chipsets and display technology, as well as the various interface standards for external displays. This chapter also covers sound and sound-related devices, including internal and external sound "boards" and speaker systems. Chapter 12, "Communications," covers all aspects of connectivity, including everything from dial-up using modems, to both wired and wireless networking. An emphasis on wireless standards is designed to feature one of the best new technologies coming to mobile systems: 802.11a/b/g networking (otherwise known as Wi-Fi). Chapter 13, "Keyboards and Pointing Devices," covers keyboards, pointing devices, and other input devices used to communicate with a laptop, including external wireless mice and keyboards. Chapter 14, "Portable System Accessories," covers all the various accessories, gadgets, and gizmos that make using mobile computers easier and more productive. Chapter 15, "Software and Operating Systems," covers the Windows versions used on laptops, including detail on the boot sequence, configuration options, as well as installation and configuration procedures. Chapter 16, "Problem Solving and Troubleshooting," covers diagnostic and testing tools and procedures. This chapter includes information on general troubleshooting and problem determination. Here, I show you what prepared laptop technicians have in their toolkits, including a few tools you might have never seen or used before. Finally, Chapter 17, "Portable Resource Guide," covers manufacturer, vendor, and alternative resources that are useful for upgrading, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting laptops. This information can be especially useful if you have a problem while on the road. The Upgrading and Repairing Laptops DVD I've included a DVD-ROM with the book that contains all-new, studio-quality, full-screen video, showing laptop construction, components, and disassembly! Also, on the disc you'll find a detailed vendor database. This custom database contains hundreds of entries of contact information for the industry's leading manufacturers and vendors. It's like having my Rolodex on your computer. This database is fully searchable and printable. Scott's Website Don't miss my book website at http://www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com! Here, you'll find lots of helpful material to go along with the book you're holding. I've loaded this site with tons of material, from video clips to monthly book updates. I use this spot to keep you updated throughout the year on major changes in the PC hardware industry. Each month, I write new articles covering new technologies released after this book was printed. These articles are archived so you can refer to them anytime. At the website, you can also sign up for the Upgrading and Repairing PCs Newsletter , which will bring you new articles, FAQs, special offers, and other goodies every month. I also use this site to tell you about some of the other fantastic Upgrading and Repairing products, including these: Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 16th Edition Upgrading and Repairing Networks, Fourth Edition Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows Upgrading and Repairing Servers Don't miss out on this valuable resource! A Personal Note I believe this book is absolutely the best book of its kind on the market, and that is due in large part to the extensive feedback I have received from both my seminar attendees and book readers. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me with all my books. I have had personal contact with many thousands of you via emails you have sent me, as well as through the seminars I have been teaching since 1982, and I enjoy your comments and even your criticisms. Using this book in a teaching environment has been a major factor in its development. Your comments, suggestions, and support have helped me to write the best PC hardware books on the market. I look forward to hearing your comments after you see this book. --Scott (c) Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved. Excerpted from Upgrading and Repairing Laptops by Scott Mueller All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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Scott Mueller is the most trusted, authoritative hardware voice in the industry. In addition to teaching hardware repair to more than 10,000 computer professionals and enthusiasts, he has sold more than 2 million copies of Upgrading and Repairing PCs , making him a world-renowned hardware author and his book a classic. Scott has taught hardware repair to a host of agencies in the U.S. and foreign governments, and corporations in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Scott also is a feature writer for Maximum PC, the industry leading PC hardware magazine. The most recent edition of Upgrading and Repairing PCs (16th) published in Sept. 2004.