Input Devices : Touch Pad

A touch pad is another alternative to a mouse. It is a pointing device which is used in laptop computers. A touch pad is a rectangular pad about 4cm x 4cm in size. You can move your finger around on top of the touch pad. As your finger moves, the pointer follows its movement on the screen.

Buttons are usually placed next to the touch pad. Pressing a button will select an option on the screen just like a mouse button. With some touch pads, if you tap the pad sharply with a finger this will have the same effect as pressing one of the buttons.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004