page_title: Pointing device
hierarchical_section_title: Pointing device
context_page_description: A pointing device is an input interface that allows a user to input spatial data to a computer. CAD systems and graphical user interfaces allow the user to control and provide data to the computer using physical gestures by moving a hand-held mouse or similar device across the surface of the physical desktop and activating switches on the mouse. Movements of the pointing device are echoed on the screen by movements of the pointer and other visual changes. Common gestures are point and click and drag and drop.
  While the most common pointing device by far is the mouse, many more devices have been developed. However, the term "mouse" is commonly used as a metaphor for devices that move the cursor.
  For most pointing devices, Fitts's law can be used to predict the speed with which users can point at a higher speed.
context_section_description: A pointing device is an input interface (specifically a human interface device) that allows a user to input spatial (i.e., continuous and multi-dimensional) data to a computer. CAD systems and graphical user interfaces (GUI) allow the user to control and provide data to the computer using physical gestures by moving a hand-held mouse or similar device across the surface of the physical desktop and activating switches on the mouse. Movements of the pointing device are echoed on the screen by movements of the pointer (or cursor) and other visual changes.  Common gestures are point and click and drag and drop.
  While the most common pointing device by far is the mouse, many more devices have been developed. However, the term "mouse" is commonly used as a metaphor for devices that move the cursor.
  For most pointing devices, Fitts's law can be used to predict the speed with which users can point at a higher speed.
caption: Touchpad and a pointing stick on an IBM notebook
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