External ports

Notebook power sources

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Notebook displays: Notebooks have flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCD). An LCD uses a technically sophisticated method of passing light through a thin layer of liquid crystal cells to produce an image. The resulting flat panel screen is lightweight and compact. LCDs use active matrix screen technology, also referred to as TFT (thin film transistor). An active matrix screen updates rapidly and provides image quality similar to that of a monitor.  Notebook computer ads usually specify screen resolution as SVGA (800 x 600) or XGA (1024 x 768) The specified resolution might be the only resolution available, so be sure to ask a salesperson and check the specifications for the notebook computer carefully.

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Port replicator: A port replicator is an inexpensive device that connects to a notebook computer by a bus connector plug. It contains a duplicate of the notebook computer’s ports and makes it more convenient to connect and disconnect your notebook computer from devices, such as an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Port replicators do not include expansion slots and typically cannot be used to add a sound card or CD-ROM drive to your notebook computer.

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External ports: Most notebook computers feature built-in ports to compensate for the limited user-installable expansion options. A notebook computer typically includes:

• One keyboard port for connecting an external keyboard

• One mouse port for connecting an external pointing device

• One graphics port for connecting an external monitor

• One parallel port for a printer or other parallel devices such as a scanner or external hard drive

• One USB port

• One serial port

• One infrared port for printers and PDAs that support wireless data transfer

• One audio-out port for external speakers or headphones

• One audio-in port for an external microphone

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  Expansion slot: A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slot is a special type of expansion slot developed for notebook computers because they do not have enough space in the case to hold full-size expansion slots and cards. A PCMCIA slot is a small, external slot into which you can insert a PCMCIA card.

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 PCMCIA cards: PCMCIA cards, also called PC cards, are credit-card-sized circuit boards that incorporate an expansion card and device. Some PCMCIA cards contain a modem, others contain memory expansion, and still others contain a hard disk drive. You can plug in and remove PCMCIA devices without turning the computer off, unlike desktop computer expansion cards. In this way, you can switch from one PCMCIA device to another without disrupting your work. PCMCIA slots are categorized by size:

• Type I slots accept only the thinnest PCMCIA cards, such as memory expansion cards.

• Type II slots accept most of the popular PCMCIA cards—those that contain modems, sound cards, and network cards.

• Type III slots accept the thickest PCMCIA cards, which contain devices such as hard disk drives.

Many notebooks provide a multipurpose PCMCIA slot that will accept two Type I cards, two Type II cards, or one Type III card.

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  Docking station: A docking station is an additional expansion bus into which you plug your notebook computer. Notebook computer expansion devices tend to be more expensive than those for desktop computers, but it is possible to use desktop peripherals with notebook computers if you have a docking station or a port replicator. The notebook provides the processor and RAM. The docking station provides expansion slots for cards that will not fit into the notebook case. It allows you to purchase inexpensive expansion cards and peripherals designed for desktops, instead of the more expensive devices designed specifically for notebooks. When you use a docking station, you sacrifice portability, but gain the use of low-cost, powerful desktop peripherals.

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Pointing device: Although a mouse is the standard pointing device used with desktop computers, it can be inconvenient to carry and use while traveling. Most notebook computers include an alternative pointing device. The three most popular options are a built-in trackball, a track point, and a touch pad.

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Notebook power sources: Most notebook computers operate on power from either rechargeable batteries or a wall outlet. Because notebooks are designed for portability, the computing time provided by batteries is important and dependent on many factors. Fast processors, active matrix LCDs, and additional peripheral devices all demand significant power from notebook computer batteries. Notebook manufacturers have attempted to reduce the power consumption by building power-saving features into their computers. If you do not interact with the computer for a short time, these features automatically turn off the hard disk drive, LCD display, or even the processor. These devices are reactivated when you press a key or move the mouse.

Most notebook computers use lithium ion (Li-Ion), which is the best,  or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Notebooks typically provide two to five hours of battery-powered operating time before the batteries need to be recharged.  In addition, most notebook computers require an external AC adapter to plug into a wall outlet or to recharge the batteries. Some notebooks have eliminated the external adapter and require only a power cable to plug into a wall outlet. It is a good idea to use AC power whenever possible. The easiest way to extend the operating time of your notebook computer is to purchase extra batteries. Some notebooks allow you to swap batteries while the computer remains on; this process is called a hot swap.

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Weight: Notebook computers can vary considerably in weight. Lighter notebooks are generally more expensive. Consider how often you will carry your computer to determine whether weight will be a factor in your purchasing decision.

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Case to carry: Consider how you will carry your notebook computer and purchase a case that is well designed. The case should be well padded to protect the computer as well as provide the necessary compartments to store extra devices, power cords and cables, and any papers or notes you may carry.

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