Types of Pointing Device
Here is the list of some types of pointing devices:-
- Mouse: A mouse is a pointing device used in laptops and computers that is connected to the keyboard. In the mouse, there are left- or right-click buttons, and a wheel button is also present that is responsible for up and down. The mouse can easily control the screen and perform many tasks.
- Joystick: The joystick is responsible for handling the object on the screen. Using a joystick is used to control many applications, such as games, virtual reality, etc. It is an input device that transforms mechanical movement into electrical output and then controls machines or games. We easily move the joystick from one direction to another.
- Trackball: Trackball is controlled by the cursor, that’s why we say cursor control device. In trackball, we roll the ball with our thumbs and fingers without moving our arms. In trackball, buttons are present that are responsible for selecting an item or object, dropping, and dragging.
- TouchPad: TouchPad is a portable device that is present in laptops and portable devices. The shape of the touchpad is a rectangular surface. Its touch looks sensitive while touching the surface. It is easy to use, first click on the touchpad surface to select, then drop and drag the specific part on the screen.
- OCR: OCR stands for optical character recognition, which is the conversion of an image of text into a text format that is read by a machine or computer. The real-life application of OCR in the banking industry. In the bank, when the customer deposits the cheque from the bank, the OCR technology checks the information of customer details present in the cheque and matches the customer signature of the bank database.
- Digital Pen: Digital pen is the conversion of analog data to digital data. If we write the content in a digital pen, it captures it and converts it into digital format. We write content on paper with a digital pen and it is visible on our computer screen.
- Stylus: The stylus is a pen-type instrument. It is used with tablets, smartphones, and graphic tablets. It is used for writing and drawing on the screen.
What is a Pointing Device?
A pointing device is used to point or click a specific portion or parts on the screen. When we scroll using the mouse, it points the cursor at a specific portion. In this article, we will provide a brief explanation of pointing devices, their types and functions, and also cover the advantages and disadvantages of using them.