CompTIA exam study guide presentations by instructor Brian Ferrill, PACE-IT (Progressive, Accelerated Certifications for Employment in Information Technology) "Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53" Learn more about the PACE-IT Online program: www.edcc.edu/pace-it

1. Laptop
construction and
deconstruction.

2. Page 2
Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certification
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

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– Common laptop construction.
– Laptop field repair.
PACE-IT.

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Laptop construction and deconstruction.

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– Common laptop materials.
» Plastic is used extensively in the construction of laptops.
• Inexpensive.
• Lightweight.
• Easy to work with.
• Durable (to a point).
» Aluminum is used in higher end construction of laptops.
• More expensive.
• Lightweight.
• Durable and rugged.
» Other metal alloys (e.g., magnesium) are used in high
end construction of laptops.
• Most expensive.
• Very lightweight.
• Tend to not be as durable as aluminum, but are more
durable than plastic.
Laptop construction and deconstruction.

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Laptops tend to have fewer
components that are easily
replaceable in the field.
For those components that can be easily replaced in
the field, manufacturers commonly place access to
them on the bottom side of the laptop. It is not
uncommon to find access doors for RAM, batteries,
and optical drives on the underside of laptops.
Laptop construction and deconstruction.

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Laptop construction and deconstruction.

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There is no standard method
of breaking a laptop down
to its individual components.
Researching the manufacturers’ documentation and
other sources is the key to successfully breaking
down and reassembling a laptop. The Internet will
be a vital resource when having to dismantle a
laptop to perform any type of field repair.
Laptop construction and deconstruction.

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– General tips for disassembly.
» Research the manufacturer’s documentation on the
process.
• Research other sources (the Internet).
» Develop a step-by-step plan.
» Unplug the power cord and turn the system off.
» Document all screw and cable locations (take pictures).
• Systematically organize parts.
» Use the appropriate tools.
• Use plastic wedges when there is a need to pry open
something—with plastic there is less danger of marring
surfaces.
» When reassembling, reverse the order.
Laptop construction and deconstruction.

10. Page 10
Laptop construction and deconstruction.
Plastic is used extensively in the construction of laptops because it is
inexpensive, easy to form, and fairly durable. Other materials may be used
as well. For those items that are easily field replaceable, it is common for
there to be access covers on the bottom of the unit.
Topic
Common laptop construction.
Summary
There is no standard established for the disassembly of a laptop in order for
field repair to take place. General steps include: researching the
manufacturers’ documentation and other sources, unplugging the power
cord, turning the system off, documenting screw and cable locations, and
organizing parts in a systematic way—all while using the appropriate tools
for the job. When reassembling, reverse the order.
Laptop field repair.

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THANK YOU!

12. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For
any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.
Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion;
national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran
status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.