Base is a component that's needed to the other components, such as the GPU, or a driver for the screen, and similar. A sleep function isn't a base component, since it's rather a feature.
That definition is obviously subjective, and depends on the user.
Some users (like myself) don't need a GPU for anything, and thus a GPU is not "base." It's a frivolous addition for playing games. You can run a whole desktop environment on CPU rendering with no problem.
But going to sleep is necessary for unplugging a laptop and taking it on a trip, which is a basic feature for many users, like myself, and a basic component of having a "laptop."
Sleep is also a necessary for the "battery component" to hold a charge while it's unplugged and unused.
