Pointing devices of computer
An input device used to control a pointer on the screen is called a pointing device. A pointer is a
small symbol that appears on the screen in a graphical user interface. Different shapes of a
pointer are available.
Types of Pointing Devices
Different types of pointing devices are as following:
Mouse
Trackball
Touchpad/ Trackpad
Pointing Stick
Graphics Tablet
Touchscreen
Light Pen
Joystick
Stylus
Mouse
A mouse is a small, lightweight input device. The mouse is moved on a flat surface to control
the movement of the cursor on a screen. A mouse usually has two or three buttons. These
buttons are used to do various tasks.
Trackball
A trackball can also be used as an alternative to a mouse. This device also has buttons similar
to those on a mouse.
It holds a large moving ball on the top. The body of the trackball is not moved. The ball is rolled
with fingers. The position of the cursor on the screen is controlled by rotating the ball.The main
benefit of the trackball over a mouse is that it takes less space to move. The trackball is often
included in laptop computers. The standard desktop computer also uses a trackball operated
as a separate input device.
Touchpad/ Trackpad
A touchpad is a small, plain surface over which the user moves his finger. The user controls the
movement of the cursor on the screen by moving his fingers on the touchpad. It is also known
as a trackpad.
Pointing Stick
A pointing stick is a pressure-sensitive device. It is similar to a pencil eraser and exits between
keys on the keyboard. When the user pushes the pointing stick, the pointer on the screen also
moves. It demands no extra space or cleaning like a mouse. A pointing stick is normally used
with notebook computers.
Graphics Tablet
A graphics tablet consists of a flat pad on which the user draws with a special pen called a
stylus. The image is created on the screen as the user draws on the pad. A designer can
produce very accurate drawings using a graphics tablet. It is also called a digitizer.
Touchscreen
The touchscreen is a video display screen that receives input from the touch of a finger. The
screen is covered with a plastic layer. There are undetectable beams of infrared light at the back
of the screen. In order to enter data, the user touches icons or menus on the screen. Most
touchscreen computers use sensors to detect the touch of a finger.
Light Pen
A light pen is a hand-held pen-like device. It is a light-sensitive stylus. The light pen is
connected by a wire to the computer. It has a device at the tip that emits light. The pen sends
information to the computer when a user touches the pen on certain areas of a specially
designed screen. A light pen I usually used by engineers, graphics designers, and illustrators.
Joystick
A joystick consists of a base and a stick. The stick can be moved in several directions to shift an
object anywhere on the computer screen. A joystick can perform a similar function to a mouse
or trackball. It is often considered less comfortable and efficient. The most common use of a
joystick is for playing computer games.
Stylus
The stylus is similar to a ballpoint pen. It uses pressure to write text and draw lines. It was also
called a pen. A stylus is used in graphical applications. Architects, artists, and designers use it
to create drawings and sketches.
