VIDEO:  laptop case screws

Most laptops systems and chassis are "proprietary", meaning that they don't necessarily contain industry standard parts that can be swapped between different brands or models of machine.  If a part needs to be added or replaced in a laptop, you will need to contact the manufacturer to find the appropriate replacement parts, and possibly have it serviced.  Luckily, the most commonly upgraded/repaired system components (HDs, RAM, and expansion adaptors) have achieved a good degree of industry compatibility, and those parts are readily available.

External hardware connections and docking stations:  Notebooks typically contain at least one USB, serial, and parallel (printer) port for adding external peripherals.  Most notebooks also contain a connector for an external "docking bay", which allows it to quickly connect to external keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, and other stationary devices.  Peripherals connect to the docking station, and the notebook PC slides into the dock for quick attachment to those devices.  Docking stations are often used by mobile computer users when working for extended periods of time at a desktop based notebook system.

VIDEO:  laptop back panel connections

PCMCIA expansion slots:  As described in earlier lessons, hardware is added to desktop computers via expansion slots on the motherboard (PCI, ISA, and AGP).  Laptop and notebook PCs are generally packed so tightly within the case, that there is no room for internal expansion cards.  PCMCIA card slots take the place of expansion slots within a notebook.  Credit card sized PCMCIA expansion cards fit into the slot and are attached to the added device.  PCMCIA versions of virtually every type of computer hardware are available to expand the capabilities of your notebook computer (CD-ROM drives and storage devices, video and sound devices, network devices, specialty products, etc).

VIDEO:  Laptop PCMCIA card install

Laptop RAM:  Laptop memory chips are typically smaller than desktop RAM chips, and are installed into the system much like SIMMs on a desktop machine.  There is typically a panel on the back of the notebook, or under the laptop keyboard, which needs to be unscrewed and opened to access the memory slots.  Memory is usually slipped in at an angle, and locked flat into place.

PHOTO:  Laptop Dimm

VIDEO:  laptop memory install (non-standard chip)

You will need to check with the manufacturer of your notebook, or with your local vendor, to find out if your system accepts industry standard laptop SDRAM, or proprietary chips made for that specific model.

Laptop Hard Drives:  Laptop hard drives are typically 2.5" wide and contain an IDE compatible ribbon cable interface.  Using an adaptor, a 2.5" IDE notebook HD can be used in a standard desktop computer, and visa versa.  This is useful when recovering data from a malfunctioning laptop, and when copying/installing large amounts of data to a laptop drive.

PHOTO:  2.5 inch Laptop HD

VIDEOS:  Removing Laptop HD from casing, laptop HD IDE adaptor

Removable Drives:  Modern notebooks and laptops often have batteries, CD-ROM drives, floppy drives, and other storage devices which can be quickly unlatched, removed, and swapped with other components.  Most notebook PC users don't need their floppy drive plugged in all the time, for example, so removing it from the computer and replacing it with a more useful extra HD or battery can save weight and space.  Swapping of removable drives should only be performed when the machine is powered off.  Removal of such drives is usually necessary when opening up the laptop case.

VIDEO:  laptop removable bay, laptop floppy (one of the most common components to be removed from a laptop)

Laptop Chassis:  Most of the internal laptop components, including the MB, screen, video, sound, KB, and mouse, are built into a molded casing and fitted chassis.  Replacing/fixing these parts is typically left to the manufacturer.  Depending on the model, specific parts such as KBs, mouse, CPU, and other components may be purchased and replaced individually.  Often, if a laptop component such as the power connector is broken, the entire chassis will need to be replaced.