Use of Pointing Devices - Essay Example

It is a commonly used pointing device and is used as an input gadget in computers and laptops. It commands the movement of the cursor on the cursor on the screen and also issues commands to the computer. The mouse can either be attached to the computer using a cable or can be connected through a wireless connection technology (Tyler, 2008). It is not hard to use since it contains only two buttons and a scrolling wheel. It is very accurate since the pointer is moved to the exact point to be selected. The movement of the mouse is minimal as compared to the movement that the cursor makes on the screen. It is, therefore, effective and increases the speed of work. It is economical on space since it requires a slight space to control the cursor on the screen.

Trackball. It is an input device that is similar to a mouse and is used to move the cursor on the screen. Its visual aspect is similar to that of a mouse, but it operates in a stagnant position. The cursor is moved by rotating the ball using two fingers or the palm (Tyler, 2008). It also has buttons that send instructions to the computer. The trackball is easy to use since moving the cursor is done by simply rotating the ball. However, the rotation of the ball makes it hard to select fine details, and it may waste a lot of time in such a situation. Its accuracy is as good as that of a mouse. The space required for its operation is equal to the space it occupies even when not in use. The trackball does not require any movement to move the cursor and is hence economical in space.

The touchpad is a pressure-sensitive pointing device that is mainly found in laptops and modern external keyboards. It is a stationary pointing device just like the trackball. In a real sense, it does not occupy any space since it is mounted on either a laptop or a keyboard. It is very fast in selecting items on the screen and can be efficiently used even when dealing with fine details. Its ease of use depends on the sensitivity of the touchpad.

Light pen. It is an input device with the shape of a pen and is used to point at the screen. Just like the other pointing devices. It has two buttons used to issue commands. Its operation is governed by light sensitivity (French, 2003). It is easily held on the hand and can be used to select items accurately on the screen. However, it is tiresome to keep pointing at the screen, and this makes the device hard to use. It requires space since it has a cable and has to be placed somewhere when not in use.