Pointing Device: Definition and additional resources from ZDNet

An input device used to move the pointer (cursor) on screen. The major pointing device is the mouse for the desktop computer and the touchpad for the laptop, although many road warriors bring along a mouse. Pointing sticks are available on some laptops, and a small number of users prefer trackballs over the mouse. See mouse.

The Major Pointing Devices
Clockwise from the mouse at the upper left are the trackball, pointing stick (red tip) and touchpad.

Freedom of Choice
Some laptops provide a pointing stick and touchpad on the same machine, both of which are active at the same time. (Image courtesy of Winbook Computer Corporation, www.winbook.com)

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia.
Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc.
All rights reserved.

Additional Resources

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