Computer Studies Made Simple: Pointing Devices:

Pointing Stick:

This is a pressure sensitive device.

It exists between the keys on a keyboard.

The pointer on the screen moves when the user pushes the pointing stick.

It requires no additional space or cleaning likemouse.

Pointing stick is normally used with notebook computers.

Graphics Tablet:

This consists of a flat pad (the tablet) connected by a wire to a stylus or a puck.

A stylus is a pen like device used to create sketches and images.

A puck is a copying device used to copy an image.

A puck looks like a mouse.

When a puck moves,the tablet converts these movements into digital signals that are input to the computer.

A designer can produce  very accurate drawings using graphics tablets.

Graphic tablets are often used to make maps and engineering drawings.

The puck is specially used to trace a drawing and store it in the computer in digital form.

Light Pen:

This is a hand held like device.

It has light sensitive stylus.

It is connected by a ire to the computer.

It has a device at its tipo that emits light.

The pen sends information to the computer when user touches tip of the pen on certain areas of a specifically designed screen.

Light pen is usually used by engineers,graphic designers and illustrators.