A pointing device is an input device that can be used to point, select, and activate items on a display screen. Pointing devices can be classified according to how they interact with their environment. The most common type of pointing device is the mouse. A mouse consists of one or more small buttons that control movement on the display screen without requiring an external surface. More advanced types of mice use tilt detectors to enable finer control over many different types of movements and selections.
Pointing Devices have been used for a long time to control a cursor on a screen. They can be wired or wireless, and the user taps a button on the device to move the cursor. There are many different types of pointing devices such are explained below:
6 Most Common Pointing Devices
- Trackball
- Touchscreen
- Joystick
- Stylus
- Touchpad
- Light Pen
Trackball
A trackball is a pointing device that typically sits below the keyboard, or on the right side of the mouse. Mouse’s are not the most common pointing devices. Trackballs are more popular. These devices rotate by rolling on a circular surface, and clicking or moving pressure points with fingers can manipulate the cursor on-screen. The trackball is usually located in the center of the body of their keyboard, so it can be easily reached with one hand. If you want to type for any length of time without moving your arm, the trackball may be an appropriate choice.
Touchscreen
Touchscreens typically use resistive technology and can be found on many different platforms. They typically come in the form of an LCD and cover which is placed over a glass display. The touchscreen is activated by pressing it with a finger, which sends a signal to the backlight. This causes it to light up, sending light from behind the screen toward the user’s finger. The user then moves their finger across the screen as if they were touching it “live.
Joystick
The most common pointing device is the joystick, which is a hand-held lever that facilitates control of a cursor on a graphical interface. It has two main functions: it moves the cursor and controls the selection of items on the screen. The joystick typically features an analog or digital “stick” that moves in response to movements of the user’s fingers around the stick’s pivot point (which can be moved by thumb, finger, or wrist).
Stylus
The stylus is typically found in mobile computing devices like smartphones or tablets. It can be used to tap on the touchscreen or press down on the screen with different levels of pressure. A stylus is not needed when using a touchscreen, but it can help prevent smudging and scratching on the screen if it accidentally falls off an edge.
Touchpad
The most common pointing device for computers is the touchpad. The touchpad manages to be more durable than a mouse and is capable of detecting the difference between a left-handed or right-handed person, as well as to detecting scrolling gestures. The touchpad also operates differently depending on what type of interface is being used.
Light Pen
A light pen is a pointer device with an infrared LED that allows the user to point at graphical objects being displayed on a computer screen. A light pen is similar in function to a mouse or stylus but works differently in that it emits infrared radiation rather than reflecting it. The light pen requires an appropriate screen for use, most commonly known as a CRT display, though newer technology has allowed for light pens to work with LCD displays.
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