Dell Inspiron Mini 12 – An Ideal Notebook

The Advent of Laptops has made the conventional desktop computers outdated. Laptop is a small computer specifically designed, in a way that, the user can use it while he/she is on the move.

Today, there are varieties of laptops available in the market. An Ideal laptop would be the one, which is light in weight, has great battery life, good hard disk storage capacity, great processing speed, good sound quality and is portable.

For people looking for a mini-notebook laptop with best features, the Dell Inspiron Mini 12 would be perfect choice. The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 has been a revelation in the mini-notebook category by being the first notebook featuring 12-inch display.

Some of its features:

Smart Slim Design: The Mini 12 has one of the best designs among all notebooks of its category. The most appealing aspect of its design is its thin stature. It measures 11.8 x 9.0 x 0.9 inches. This notebook, which has a curved hood, wears a black glossy coating outside. This stylish looking notebook weighs just 2.8 pounds and it will easily fit into any shoulder bag.

The mini 12 has a very innovative design, when the user is using it on a desk its extended battery juts out from the back of its body and gives a slight lift from the desk surface. It thus sets the keyboard at the right position and typing is made easy.

Ample Keyboard and Touchpad Space: It is the best feature of this innovative mini-notebook. Though it has a very small chassis, it has plenty of keyboard space. The touchpad is spacious and it has a textured surface. The mouse buttons just below the touchpad are very easy to click.

Excellent Battery life: The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 is power-packed with six-cell battery. This battery when fully charged last for more than 5 hours. It allows the user prolonged surfing.

Good screen resolution: A good screen quality is one important characteristics of a good laptop. The Mini 12 with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution gives the user excellent mini-notebook experience. The 12-inch screen allows the user to open two web pages besides one another and read without much strain on eyes. The screen also has the right blend of gloss and it offer good clarity when watched from different angles.

Wi-Fi Support: The Mini 12 mini-notebook is pre-loaded with 802 a/g Wi-Fi radio system. The user can easily connect to the Wi-Fi and get Internet speed of 19.2 Mbps. This speed is enough to open web pages at the wink of an eye.

Pre-loaded Software : Apart from the Dell Dock and Dell video chat, this smart mini-notebook comes with a lot of useful pre-loaded software like Google Desktop, Microsoft Suite, and McAfee Anti-Virus (90 days trial version).

One year Warranty: The mini 12 notebook offers a standard 12 months warranty for all its hardware components.

Weak Speakers: High sound is a very important feature of a good laptop. It is one of the few disappointing features of Dell Inspiron mini 12 notebook. The speakers placed just above the keyboard are very weak. Even when the volume is raised to its maximum, it still gives out a very low sound. Though the clarity is good, it is not loud enough.

It supports only limited Hardware: The processor of the Mini 12 notebook does not support RAM of more than 1GB. It also uses very outdated hard drive, PATA/ZIF, which does not have a great interface.

Slow Data Transfer Speed: Because of its low 1GB Ram, and a small 60 GB hard drive, data transfer consumes a lot of time.

Some the other Drawbacks of Mini 12:

1. The black glossy coat is prone to fingerprints

2. The key are constrained

3. The Six batteries add to the weight of the laptop

The bottom line:

The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 is a unique notebook. With its 12-inch screen and excellent screen clarity, it gives user a good surfing experience. Its lightweight and easy portability give it an edge over other laptops. It is good features outweigh its negativities. Overall, it is an ideal notebook for users requiring the basic applications.

UMPC- Future way of Computing

UMPC is an acronym that stands for “Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer”. It is a hand-held computing device smaller than a laptop, but slightly larger than a personal digital assistant (PDA). UMPC devices were developed for mobility, productivity and communication. These devices are small enough to be carried easily in a bag, briefcase or even a pocket. It was designed to include wireless communication, a full-fledged operating system and a host of applications, which would give the user ability to perform any task that can be performed on a laptop or desktop. UMPC is versatile and strong device capable of running most of the operating systems existing today.

The design specifications of UMPC were decided in project named ‘Origami” The baseline specifications for UMPC devices as decided by Intel and Microsoft are as follows:

1. Screen resolution: minimum 800 x 480 resolution

2. Screen size: 5-7 inches

3. Display orientation: portrait or landscape

4. Basic input methods: Stylus or touch screen

5. Optional inputs: add on Bluetooth or USB based keyboard

6. Processor: Intel Pentium M, Intel Celeron M, VIA C7-M

7. Storage: 30 GB hard disk or more

8. Network connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 3G, EVDO

9. Operating System: Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Enterprise

10. Battery Life: 2.5 hours or more

11. Weight: Less than 2 pounds

The above given specifications were released by Intel and Microsoft. However, they may vary with the manufacturer.

There are different aspects of UMPC devices that need to be taken care of. Its limitation of size was no license for compromise on capabilities of UMPC devices. This meant the performance and power of the processor had to match the performance capabilities of the device. Secondly, the power usage should be quite low which would allow the UMPC to run longer on battery power. Intel Corporation designed some low-voltage processors specifically for UMPC devices that followed the design specification released for UMPC devices. Many early models of UMPC devices released on the market featured Intel processors.

The first batch of UMPC devices were seen running full fledged Windows XP operating system with support for Windows Vista added later. Some of the UMPC devices were released with cut down versions of full OS as it was hard to meet smaller dimensions that were announced for UMPC. Intel and other manufacturers also released some devices that were bundled with Linux OS. None of the devices released above had any built-in input keyboard devices though some manufacturers did provide foldable keyboards.

This compromise was considered necessary to overcome the constraints of small design concept. The input operations in UMPC are extensively done through touch screen operations .The Touch screen is one of striking features of UMPC devices that let them stand apart from regular desktops and laptops. However, UMPC devices do provide user with an option to connect external keyboards, mice and other I/O devices through USB 2.0 port.

The UMPC provided an alternative to regular keyboards through “DialKeys”. “DialKeys” is a technology where virtual keyboard is displayed in semi-circle form on bottom corners of the touch screen. The user can type using his thumbs while holding the device with both hands.

The most prominent feature provided by these devices were the different connectivity options offered such as WPAN, WWAN, WLAN, infrared, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. All these connectivity options were presented on some UMPC models. These devices also included built-in web cameras, cameras and microphones to widen the possibilities of communication options. UMPC devices provided the user with capabilities of instant messaging, video conferencing, and VoIP calls.

Though the UMPC provided a host of features and communication options to the user, the small screen size hampered the main objective, ease of use. The devices did provide options to connect external devices, but it didn’t go well with principles of using mobile device. The high price factor also emerged as a blockade for users who wanted to embrace this device.

Though not much can be done to prevent thefts of laptop, there are different ways to protect the data stored on it.

1) BIOS password:

Whenever the laptop is switched on, the user will be greeted with a screen “Please enter boot password:” Many laptops will prompt user three times to enter the correct password, and if he/she fails to do so, the machine will not boot further and will automatically switched off. On restarting the machine, the user will be again prompted three times for BIOS password.

Though BIOS password can be cleared by removing the CMOS battery, the process is time consuming and risky, and involves opening the laptop. Many thieves are not aware of these procedures and will not be able to access the information stored in your laptop.

2) Login Password:

Most of the operating systems such as Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista, Linux, and BSD support logins for users. Setting a user password is a great idea to prevent unauthorized access to the information stored on it. You must enter a login name and password to access the system. If the user enters incorrect information, he/she will be denied access to the system.

These basic security tools will prevent unauthorized access to the information stored on your laptop. Lets discuss your options for data security if your laptop is stolen by a sophisticated con-man or hi-tech gang. These people steal laptops not for its principal value, but for invaluable data stored on it. Their primary objective is to gain access to the confidential information stored on these machines.

In such a scenario, encrypting the contents (confidential data) is your biggest security measure if you wish to protect the valuable information stored on it. It is necessary for you to know how to utilize these encryption file systems before you use them.

Every hard drive needs to be formatted with some kind of file system before any data can be stored on it. Some of the common file systems in use are FAT/FAT16, FAT32, NTFS for Windows OS and ext2 for Linux OS. These basic file systems do not offer any methods to encrypt data. Hence, you require special encrypted file systems to serve your purpose.

3) Encryption File systems:

Encrypted File systems work over these file systems. The user has an option of encrypting any part of hard drive where he/she can store confidential data or user can encrypt individual files or entire directories. Once the user has encrypted the data using these file systems, only a person knowing the password can gain access to the encrypted data and read it. These file systems follow complex algorithms, which can’t be broken easily. In most of the cases, your encrypted data will be safe as it cannot be retrieved, read, or copied by an unauthorized person.

However, it is necessary you know that encrypting files is processor intensive task and a laptop with slow processor will work slowly while encrypting and decrypting the data. Also, the password intended to prevent the access should be complex, which can’t be guessed easily. If the password security is broken, encryption does not serve any purpose. Also, it is necessary for the user to remember the password, as he will not be able access data, if he forgets password.

4) Biometric:

Biometric authentication mechanisms are used as replacement for login passwords in most operating systems on laptops. Biometric is considered the highest security measure that can be offered to laptop users. Unique features of a user such as fingerprints, retinal pattern can be accurately identified and used to authorize persons. These types of devices are incorporated at hardware level and failure in authentication will let the machine boot up. Biometric scanners for fingerprints and retinal scan are incorporated in laptops.

5) Tracing and Tracking programs:

There are many tracking programs available for laptops. The laptop is programmed to send their location signals to the tracking companies when connected to the Internet. Once you report your laptop stolen or lost, the tracking companies look for these location signals. The location signals consist of information such as originating phone number, IP address and service provider.

You can consider any of these mentioned features when buying a laptop or you can consider different file encryption programs to secure your data on laptop. They will not only prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive data, but also give you peace of mind in an event your laptop is stolen.

Now, let’s have a look at some of the popular laptops presented by Dell.

Dell Inspiron Mini 9: The Dell Mini is similar to the ASUS Eee PC 901 and the HP Mini 9. This system was designed on the theme made popular by Asus Eee PC line, low power, small inexpensive systems. The Dell Mini 9 is a Netbook style laptop, which comes with 16 GB Solid State Drive, 1 GB of RAM and Windows XP as operating system. You can also get a trimmed down version of Mini 9 having 512 MB of RAM, low-resolution web camera 4GB/8GB of SSD with Ubuntu Linux Operating system. This version comes at a lower price than the regular Dell Mini 9 version.

Dell also allows you to include Bluetooth capabilities in Mini 9 version, which results in increase in base price of the model. The Dell Mini 9 has a glossy black finish. It is also available in white colour. The Dell Mini 9 is thinner than Asus’ 9-inch Eee PC and Dell has done a commendable job while incorporating a keyboard with fairly large keys.

The Dell Mini 9 boasts of 8.9-inch 1,024X600-pixel screen with a webcam and two speakers above the screen area. The display offered is enough for viewing word documents and displaying the web pages.

The Dell Mini has higher number of interfaces in comparison to HP Mini or Asus Eee PC. The Dell Mini has three USB ports with separate Mic and headphone jacks.

Dell XPS Gen 5: Dell is one of the few manufacturers, which offers top-of the line multimedia and gaming machine in a portable format. The XPS Gen 5 is the first machine to feature dual core Pentium Extreme Edition 840 processor. The default high clock speed (3.2 GHz) of the processor makes it a suitable for running multi-threaded digital applications and heavy multi-tasking environment. The XPS Gen 5 allows you to record TV as well as write and burn DVDs.

The Gen 5 XPS can be configured with anyone of the Microsoft Windows XP/Media/Professional Editions operating system. The Gen 5 also features Dual TV-Tuner with a remote control setup. The Gen 5 XPS comes with 500 GB of storage with a support for additional 3 drives in RAID configuration, which extends the capacity of system to 1.5TB.

Dell believes in providing personal customer service and tries to reach customer personally when not possible through other mediums of communication. Dell firmly believes in concept of “Power User” and hence provides the user the ability to configure his own product. The success of Dell is due to its innovative sales strategy, as they eliminate intermediaries and provides products that are high on features and build quality.

1. Laptop Bag: It is one the most vital laptop accessories. To ensure your laptop is always in top working condition, care must be taken to protect it from sun, rain and dust. A good laptop bag would cater this purpose. Also, it is essential to have a laptop bag, because it makes carrying the laptop a lot easy. People would find laptop bags of innumerable designs and sizes, but a laptop bag should be chosen wisely. The bag should be neither too big nor too small. Your laptop should slide into it perfectly. It should be light in weight and more importantly, it should be shock resistant and waterproof. Specific laptop bags are available for both men and women. For students, backpack would be a good choice. If you are willing to shell out extra money, you can get a customized designer laptop bag.

2. Security Cable: Laptop is an expensive product and it is therefore essential to take its care and protect it from theft. Security cable is the easiest and the cheapest means to secure your laptop from theft. Almost all the laptops have a slot known as Universal Security Slot. All that you have to do is just attach the security cable to the said slot.

3. Laptop Cooling Pad: It is a very important accessory for your laptop. Since laptop is only a small electronic device, which has all the hardware components crammed into it, it is vulnerable to heat. If the laptop is used continuously, the battery gets heated up considerably. In such situation, it is better to halt the work for sometime. However, a laptop cooling pad would help avoid this situation. The laptop cooling pad keeps the laptop cool.

4. Optical Mouse (wireless): Though all the laptops have touchpad, they can sometimes very inconvenient to use. To avoid the frustration of the touchpad malfunction, carrying a wireless optical would be a wise idea. Laptop Accessory kit should always have an optical mouse.

5. Laptop Headset: Working on the laptop is enjoyable while listening to music. If you cannot work with out music, a laptop headset is a must have accessory. The headset would allow you to continue to work while enjoying the music.

6. TV Tuner: If you who want to enjoy their favourite TV program while they are using the laptop, you can do so, by using this very useful laptop accessory. Most laptops have an in-built TV tuner card, but if it isn’t there, you can use an external one, which is readily available in all computer accessory stores.

7. Mobile Printer: Searching for a printer can be sometimes very frustrating, especially when you are travelling and want a print out very urgently. In such a situation, a mobile printer can be a boon. With a mobile printer in the laptop, you can print anything anytime. .

8. Power Adapter: It is most important accessory for any laptop. It is like a fuel to it. For the laptop to function properly, its battery needs charging. You can use the power adapter to charge your laptop anywhere in the world. However, while choosing a power adaptor, you should see to it that it suits your laptop.

9.Wireless LAN Card: LAN card is a hardware component by which people can have access to the Internet anytime and anywhere. A wireless LAN Card would give user the freedom from the tangled wires.

10.  Mobile Phone USB Adapters: This accessory is vital if you cannot survive without your mobile phone. If you do not get time to charge your mobile phone, you can use this vital tool to charge your mobile phone while you are using the laptop.

11. Four-Port Slim Pocket Size USB: If you aren’t satisfied with the data storage capacity of your laptop, this accessory can be very handy. This device though is of small size has the capacity to carry huge amount of data. You can download your favourite music, videos, and movies from the Internet and save it in this slim pocket size USB.

These laptops accessories would not only make your computing task easy, but it would also allow you to enjoy the computing experience.

Battery: This component is very important for the person who works on a laptop while travelling by road or air. You need to verify how long the battery lasts. Most of the manufacturers indicate battery usage time in lowest power mode. You need to check how long the battery lasts in high power mode.

Display: Every laptop comes with its own display. When looking at laptop display, you should ensure it is large enough to suit your needs while working. A laptop with at least 12” or 14” is recommended.

Hard Drive: Hard drive is an important component that needs to be considered before buying a laptop. All your files and data will be stored on the hard drive. You should always consider buying a laptop with a maximum hard drive size. In such a scenario, you are less likely to run out of space in the near future.

Memory: Memory is also an important consideration when purchasing a laptop. The more memory a laptop has, the more efficient will be its working. You need to also verify if the memory can be upgraded in the future.

Processor: Processor is also one of the important components in a laptop. Different processors belong to different processor families. You should look at the different specifications type and speed of the processor.

Video Card: Video cards are recently gaining importance when buying laptops. Video cards are important if you intend to play games on your laptop. Most games available today need additional video memory. A video card consists of additional memory as well as a GPU, which processes special video modes, and fast frames rates present in games.

Network Card: A network card is important in every laptop nowadays. You need to verify if your laptop has internal network card or a PCMCIA network card. If you have a slot available, you can install a network card in the future.

Modem: A modem is necessary for getting connected to the Internet. You need to ascertain whether the laptop has an internal modem or a PC-Card modem with slots that can be useful in the future.

Drives: Most of the laptops available have on drive bay, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/DVD-RW drive. Floppy drives have become obsolete nowadays. You will also find laptops with no additional bay or drive. These laptops are lightweight in nature.

Now that we have looked at hardware component, let’s look at other different things to look for:

Software: You should look at the software bundle usually provided with the laptop. Does the software have a Microsoft office suite or Corel Office? Most of the office suites provided are limited versions or trial versions (60 days)

After Sales Service: You need to verify if the company has service centres in your vicinity or at least in your city. You need to look at the warranty period offered with the conditions associated with it.

The tips given above will ensure you buy a laptop that perfectly suits your needs and you pay for the features that will be extensively used by you. It will also ensure that the laptop you purchase is worth your money.

The bags not only make carrying the laptops easy, but it also protects the laptops from physical damage. They also provide additional functionality. There are wide varieties of laptop bags available on the market. There are just as many laptop bag models available as laptop models.

When buying a laptop bag people should opt for a bag, which best suits their needs and style. Some of the other factors to consider when shopping for a laptop bag are the size, colour, material used, usage and current trend. There are bags available for both casual and professional purposes. There are different types of bags available for men and women. An ideal bag would be the one, which is neither too small nor too big. It should be such that the individual laptop easily fits into it. It should also have enough space to accommodate other laptop accessories such as battery, adaptors, web camera, earphones etc. It should also have space to store other electronic gadgets like Mobile phones, i-pods, or mp3 players.

The laptop bag should be well padded to protect the laptop from any external damage. Also, when buying a laptop bag people should consider its weight. People should choose a bag, which is lightweight so that it does not burden their shoulder with extra weight. The kind of laptop bag that people use to carry their laptops would reflect their personality.

There are several types of laptop bags – such as top loading laptop bags, brief bag laptop bags, backpacks, rolling laptop bags,messenger style bags, etc. Brief laptop bags are very similar to a suitcase. Laptop bags that look similar to a suitcase are best suited for office goers and professionals. Backpack laptop bags, which have straps and can be worn over the shoulders, are an ideal choice for students. Backpacks make it easy for students to carry their laptops while they are on their campuses or even while they are travelling. Some executives who travel a lot can also use backpacks for the convenience it offers.

For people who use their laptops roughly, a denim backpack would be an ideal choice for them. Whereas for professionals, leather laptop bags would be a good choice. Leather bags which have a professional appeal can be used to carry laptops to the office, meeting or any other formal events. For people who travel very often, rolling laptop bags would be the perfect kind of bag for them. People need not carry their laptop bags on their shoulders, they can just roll it. Besides, these rolling laptop bags are very checkpoint friendly, they are x-ray transparent which means the user does not have to unzip the bag at checkpoints, thereby saving a lot of time.

For people who do not wish to spend additional money buying a good quality and expensive laptop bag, they opt to use cheap laptop bags. It is, however, advisable and the use of cheap laptop bags should be avoided. The materials used for making these bags are of inferior quality and they do not provide proper security to laptops. Besides, these cheap laptop bags have a very uneven surface that would scratch the laptop surface and make it look shabby and cheap. Though cheap laptops bags have certain advantages such as they are very lightweight and easy to carry, it would advisable to use good quality bags.

For people who do not mind spending the extra money to buy a top-notch laptop bag, they can opt for designer bags. These designer bags are of superior quality and design. The best feature of a designer laptop bag is that they would never be a disappointment concerning quality. They offer great durability. People can even customize their designer bags as per their needs. Some very sophisticated designer laptop bags are shockproof and can protect laptops from heavy rainfall.

Thus, while shopping for a laptop bag people should bear in mind their need, their budget and buy a bag that best suits them.

Upgrade RAM in Laptop

Bigger RAM helps the laptop perform better. Normally, the default RAM provided by the manufacturer is enough for most of the tasks performed on a laptop. But, if you looking forward to increasing the performance of the laptop, the first component that needs to be upgraded is RAM.

Before, you start upgrading memory in a laptop, it is necessary for you to know which type of RAM modules your laptop supports. You can get this information by reading the manual or you need to open your laptop to view the type of memory modules fit in.

You need the following things to upgrade RAM in your laptop

1) Compatible memory modules

2) Anti static wrist wrap

3) A screw driver to remove laptops cover

You need to disconnect the power supply, remove the battery and ensure your laptop is off before you open the laptop for upgrade. You will find it relatively easy to upgrade RAM in your laptop by following the simple steps given.

1) Locate memory modules: The panel to access the memory modules in generally located at the bottom of your laptop. If you are finding any difficulty in locating the panel, please refer to your laptop manual. You will require the appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws gently. The removed screws should be secured in one place.

You will generally find two memory slots in your laptop. You may have both memory modules occupied that depends upon the configuration of the laptop. Memory modules usually have two important parts, ejector clips and slot key. Ejector clip is used to hold the memory modules firmly in place while the slot key is used to align the memory module correctly.

2) Remove RAM modules: You will need to remove both modules of the RAM. Put ant-static wrist wrap on your hand before handling or touching the memory module. Release the ejector clips by pulling them out of the side of modules. Pull both ejector clips at the same time, which will release the memory module. The module should be pulled out gently by holding the edges. The memory module should be kept in an anti-static bag.

3) Install Laptop Memory (RAM): Take out the new RAM module and slide it in the slot key. After it is appropriately lined up, you need to place it in the same way as it was placed in the earlier module (the one that was removed). Once all the pins are appropriately placed in the slot.

4) Replace the memory access panel onto the computer. Secure the panel with the screws onto the laptop.

5) Replace the power cord, battery and switch on the laptop.

Once you have completed installing the memory, the physical process is complete. It is necessary for you to check whether the new RAM is detected properly.

Once the memory has been installed into the computer, the physical process is complete. When the computer is powered back up, it may be necessary to go into the computer BIOS to let the system properly detect the new RAM that has been installed in the computer. Please refer to the user manual of the computer system for any additional information. In most cases, it is not advisable to upgrade the RAM yourself, especially if your laptop is within the warranty period as it will nullify the warranty provided by the manufacturer.

Laptops have become an important part of our lives. The keyboard is one of the important components in any laptop. Keyboards can malfunction due to many reasons such as water, coffee or beverage spills that can hamper the proper functioning of the keyboard.

Laptop keyboard replacement is one of the most common repair jobs performed on laptops. However, laptops available on the market are not standardized. So the different parts of laptops differ from each other. Finding a laptop’s compatible part is a difficult task, though not impossible. If you ever feel the need to change the keyboard in your laptop, the first thing you should look for is a compatible keyboard.

The instructions given below will guide you to remove and replace keyboards on various types of laptops. The given steps are applicable for almost all laptops from different manufacturers.

Follow the safety instructions before you attempt to replace the keyboard by yourself.

1) Don’t try any remedial measures if your laptop is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

2) Unplug the AC adapter before you open the outer case

3) Remove the battery before attempting any repair work

4) The components of laptops are fragile and need to be handled carefully

5) Damage to the keyboard connector on the motherboard will incur you significant costs as it will require you to replace the entire motherboard

Things needed to carry out the repair:

• A replacement keyboard suitable for your laptop

• A small Philips head screwdriver

• A T-8 star shaped screwdriver

• A static wrist strap

• Some non-conductive and small pointy items such as toothpicks or plastic picks

Steps to Remove the Damaged Keyboard:

1. Unplug the power supply from the laptop and remove the battery

2. Turn over the laptop to find the screws that attach the keyboard to the case.

3. Remove the screws gently with T-8 or Philips Screwdriver

4. Gently lift the keyboard from the laptop case

5. The keyboard connector is very important and needs to be taken with special care. Carefully detach the keyboard connector from the motherboard with light hands (without applying any force). The keyboard connector can be located on the frontal edge of the keyboard. The keyboard connector can only be viewed after removing the keyboard bezel attached to the laptop case.

6. Once you remove the screws and lift the keyboard bezel, you can spot a flat ribbon cable connecting motherboard and keyboard.

7. You need to unlock the connector before you can remove the flat connecting cable

8. After the keyboard connector is removed, the keyboard is set free. Separate it from the laptop and put it aside.

9. Take out the new keyboard and place it on the laptop. Attach the keyboard connector to the motherboard and secure it in place by locking the connector.

10. Fasten the screws and close the laptop case.

11. Insert battery, plug in the power supply, and boot the laptop.

12. Once you are logged in, check if the new keyboard works properly by pressing each key on the board.

If everything is working fine, it means you have been successful in replacing the keyboard all by yourself. You should always handle the components of a laptop carefully as they are delicate in nature. Do not apply any force on the components while you fit them in place.

Tips to Replace Laptop Screen

Screens are a very vital part of a laptop. Without a properly functioning screen, working on a laptop becomes a difficult task.

If you have accidentally dropped your laptop or dropped something on the screen, your laptop screen can get fractured or damaged. In such a scenario, the only solution is to replace the screen. Let’s discuss how you can replace the laptop screen all by yourself and save some valuable money in the process.

Before buying an LCD screen for your laptop, you need to figure out which type of LCD screen will be compatible with your laptop. You can only get this information after removing and studying the damaged screen. Before you begin the process of removing the damaged screen, you need to follow some basic safety instructions.

• Switch off the laptop, unplug the power supply.

• Remove the battery.

• Use anti static wrist belt before handling any sensitive components.

Things you’ll need:

1) A Philips screw driver

2) A flat screw driver

3) A knife

Steps to remove the damaged screen:

1. Locate the screws covers. Screw covers are generally made of rubber and found on the front bezel (surrounding frame) of the display screen. In some notebooks, screws can be found on the bezel surrounding the screen from side ways.

2. Use a knife or small flat head screw driver to carefully remove the rubber covers and expose the screws lying underneath. Remove all the rubber covers and keep them aside in a safe location. You will generally find 4-6 screws on the bezel.

3. After removing all the screws, gently pull the bezel in the outward direction. You need to separate the entire bezel from the rear plastic screen cover.

4. Once the bezel is removed, you will be able to locate the LCD secured in a metal frame. You will also notice the inverter board below the LCD screen.

5. Look for any additional screws that might be holding the LCD screen and metal frame together. Remove screws, if any. You can tilt the LCD in an outward direction to separate it from its metal frame.

6. You will find a label on the back side of LCD screen, which will provide information about manufacturer’s part number. This part number usually contains one or more letters followed by a series of numbers. This number will help your get the right replacement LCD screen for your laptop.

7. You can order this screen directly from the manufacturer or you can search online. You can put the LCD screen back to its place until you get the replacement screen. Once you have the replacement screen, you need to perform all the steps 1-7 again and thereafter continue with steps given below.

8. You need to disconnect all the cables connecting the LCD screen. The video cable screen looks like a long ribbon cable, which is attached to the backside of the LCD. Carefully remove the tape and unplug the connector from the backside of the LCD.

9. Also, disconnect the power cable between inverter and LCD screen.

10. Remove the screws holding the LCD screen and gently pull out the LCD from the frame.

11. Slip in the new LCD screen attach the connectors and secure it with screws. Connect the power cable between LCD screen and inverter.

12. You need to check if the LCD is working before you snap the bezel in its original place. Insert the battery, plug in the power chord, and start the laptop.

13. If the LCD doesn’t light up, check the power connectors and inverter connections.

14. If everything is working fine, switch off the laptop, remove the battery and power chord.

Cover the frame and LCD with bezel and secure the bezel to the external plastic case with screws. Cover the screws with their rubber plugs.