Compare and Contrast Laptop Features
Laptops also use special function (Fn) keys to control various features, might support port replica-tors or docking stations, and are designed to use cable locks for physical security.
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Special Function (Fn) Keys
Typical Fn+key features include the following:
Adjust screen brightness/contrast Connect to external display
Enable/disable Bluetooth Enable/disable Wi-Fi
Enable/disable backlit keyboard
Turn on/turn off embedded keypad
Figure 3-17 shows a typical portable keyboard with the Fn key and some Fn functions highlighted.
Press and hold the Fn key…
…and press any of these keys to perform special tasks, such as adjusting screen brightness or audio volume.
Figure 3-17 A typical laptop keyboard’s Fn keys.
Note
There is no standard for Fn key assignments, and available Fn keys on a given laptop depend upon the exact hardware installed.
In addition to Fn keys, some laptops include front-mounted controls for adjusting system vol-ume or enabling/disabling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Others include touch-sensitive controls above the keyboard for enabling/disabling Wi-Fi, adjusting audio volume, or muting audio.
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To connect to an external display, you can also use the Display properties or Personalization prop-erties sheet or, in Windows 7, the Windows Mobility Center. Options include the following:
Clone (mirror) Extend desktop
Docking Station Versus Port Replicator
A docking station expands the capability of a portable computer by adding features such as the fol-lowing:
One or more expansion slots
Additional I/O ports, such as serial, parallel, ExpressCard or PC Card, display output (VGA, DVI, HDMI, component video), SPDIF digital audio, or USB ports
Additional drive bays
Power connection for the laptop
Connectors for a standard keyboard and mouse
Figure 3-18 illustrates the HP QuickDock, which provides additional USB ports, audio ports, and component video ports as well as one-touch power and charging capabilities to supported HP and Compaq laptop computers. It connects to the proprietary connector shown in Figure 3-1.
| 1. | Power switch | 8. | VGA port |
| 2. | Audio minijacks | 9. | 10/100 Ethernet port |
| 3. | USB ports (6) | 10. | Connector to laptop |
| 4. | Component video ports for HDTV | 11. Connector adapter | |
| 5. | S-video port | 12. | Power connector |
| 6. | Composite video port | 13. | Security lock port |
| 7. | SPDIF coaxial digital audio port |
Figure 3-18The HP QuickDock docking station supports several series of HP and Compaq lap-top computers.
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