Summary

12 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion GuideFigure 13-4Laptop BatteriesNoteAlways follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when charging a new battery. The laptopcan be used during an initial charge, but do not unplug the AC adapter. Ni-Cad and NiMHrechargeable batteries should occasionally be discharged completely to remove the charge memory.When the battery is completely discharged, it should then be charged to maximum capacity.CautionAlways be careful when handling batteries. Batteries can explode if improperly charged, shorted, ormishandled. Be sure that the battery charger is designed for the chemistry, size, and voltage of yourbattery. Batteries are considered toxic waste and must be disposed of according to local laws.Worksheet 13.3.1: Laptop BatteriesIn this activity, you use the Internet, a newspaper, or a local store to gather information andthen enter the specifications for a laptop battery onto this worksheet. Refer to the worksheetin IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, Third Edition. Youmay complete this worksheet now or wait to do so until the end of the chapter.Select a Docking Station or Port ReplicatorDocking stations and port replicators increase the number of ports available to a laptop. Aport replicator may contain a SCSI port, a networking port, PS/2 ports, USB ports, and agame port. A docking station has the same ports as a port replicator, but it adds the capabilityto connect to PCI cards, additional hard drives, optical drives, and floppy drives.