pointing device

§          A pointing device provides a comfortable interface with the system unit, by accepting pointing gestures and converting them into machine-readable input.

§          Five types include:

a)    Mouse

§          A mouse controls the pointer displayed on the monitor

§          The mouse pointer usually appears in the shape of an arrow

§          Mechanical mouse: traditional mouse with a ball in the bottom and cord connecting it to the computer

§          Optical mouse: has no moving parts – it emits and senses light to detect mouse movement.

§          Cordless or wireless mouse: a battery operated device that typically uses radio waves or infrared light waves to communicate with the system.

§          Other similar pointing devices include:

§          Trackball (aka Roller Ball)

§          Touch surfaces (aka Touch Pads)

§          Pointing stick (aka Trak Point)

b)    Joystick

§          Most popular input device for computer games

c)     Touch Screen

§          Monitor with a touch sensitive plastic screen

§          Typically used for restaurants, ATM’s and information kiosks

d)    Light Pen

§          A light sensitive pen-like device

§          Typically used for editing digital images.

§          They can include both wired and wireless technologies

e)     Stylus

§          A pen-like device commonly used with Tablet PCs or PDAs

§          Require a touch sensitive input device such as a writing pad

§          Typically used for entering menu choices or text via handwriting.