| The computer mouse has been the king of | | | | seem imprecise and problematic. People tell me I |
| computer pointing devices for decades. But new | | | | just need to get used to them, but I’m |
| touchpad keyboards are making the touchpad a | | | | not sure I ever will. I think my fat finger is just |
| genuine contender. Here’s my answer to | | | | too blunt to be as accurate as a fine tuned light |
| your question: should I get a computer mouse or | | | | sensor on a computer mouse. Just try playing |
| a touchpad keyboard? | | | | Mine Sweeper on a touchpad keyboard. |
| The world of computers has changed since the | | | | And that’s not the worst part. Every time |
| computer mouse came onto the scene. The | | | | I use a laptop I will be navigating a Webpage and |
| computer mouse has changed too. It is more | | | | all the sudden I’ll unintentionally click on |
| accurate and responsive than ever. The new light | | | | some link or I’ll close the window |
| sensor computer mouse doesn’t have a | | | | I’m trying to use. This is one of the most |
| ball to get dirty. And if your computer mouse is | | | | frustrating things about using a laptop for me. I |
| cordless you never have to fight a too short cord | | | | can’t be the only one who suffers from |
| or play jump rope with the stuff on your desktop. | | | | false-positive clicking. |
| Still, there are other options for pointing besides | | | | Oh yah, and the touchpad is susceptible to |
| the computer mouse. Almost every laptop | | | | scratching. You never have to worry about that |
| computer you buy comes with a touchpad in the | | | | with a computer mouse. |
| keyboard. The touchpad keyboard is a logical | | | | So for now, I’d rather have my computer |
| alternative to a computer mouse where you are | | | | mouse than a touchpad keyboard. I may change |
| going to be using your laptop on the go. With all | | | | my mind someday – technology is always |
| the improvements to the computer mouse, it still | | | | changing. Maybe the new touchpad keyboards can |
| can’t escape the desktop – at least | | | | accommodate even my fat finger. |
| not conveniently. You might try it on your leg or | | | | If you really want to know what I think, we |
| a book, but it’s a hassle. | | | | should all be using trackballs. They’ve been |
| Now touchpad keyboards and peripheral | | | | around for a long time, but they’ve never |
| touchpads (also called a touchpad computer | | | | really caught on. A trackball is like an up-side-down |
| mouse) are coming out for desktop computers | | | | computer mouse. You just use your fingers to |
| too. So the question is, are the conventional | | | | turn the ball instead of moving your whole arm. A |
| computer mouse’s days numbered? Will | | | | trackball has all the benefits of an ergonomic |
| everyone get a touchpad keyboard now? | | | | mouse and a touchpad keyboard without many |
| Touchpads have advantages besides not needing | | | | of the problems. It is as accurate as a computer |
| acres of desk space. Constantly moving your | | | | mouse but a lot easier on your wrist like a |
| hand around with a computer mouse can be | | | | touchpad. It doesn’t take up a lot of desk |
| murder on your wrist. And peripherals are just | | | | space either. In fact, I don’t see why you |
| high maintenance. They come unplugged; | | | | couldn’t put a trackball in a laptop or a |
| they’re something else to keep track of in | | | | keyboard to cut the need for another peripheral. |
| a move; they take up USB ports; and if you have | | | | In short, my answer to your question, |
| a cordless computer mouse you’ve | | | | “should I get a computer mouse or a |
| probably noticed how fast it can dry up batteries. | | | | touchpad keyboard?” is, “I |
| But I’m not ready to give up my | | | | don’t know.” I don’t like |
| computer mouse for a touchpad keyboard just | | | | touchpads, but that doesn’t mean you |
| yet. First of all, a new ergonomic mouse can save | | | | can’t. And with new touchpad keyboard |
| you a lot of pain in your wrist. And let’s | | | | technology I might even change my mind. But I |
| look at all the weaknesses of the touchpad. | | | | seriously think you should try a trackball. It might |
| I’ve never been able to get used to | | | | take a while to get used to, but I think |
| touchpads on laptops I’ve used. They just | | | | you’ll love it. |