Keyboards and Input devices
Keyboards
The input of information into your computer is generally done through your keyboard and your mouse or mouse substitute. The keyboard has the distinction of being the standard input device.
The variety of keyboards is almost staggering.
No one has to stick with the standard keyboard that comes with the computer.
Ergonomically designed keyboards often have unusual sculpted or contoured shapes and a space age look.
These keyboards are designed to help avoid repetitive stress injury to the wrists.
Some of these keyboards come with foot pedals to spread the work to other limbs.
Other keyboards come with extra large keys to help users with sight or hand coordination problems.
Wireless keyboards can offer the freedom from being tethered to the computer. In keyboards, if you shop around, you will find that there really is something for everyone.
Other Input Devices
Mice come in three basic types: mechanical, optomechanical, and optical. The basic design is the mechanical mouse with a rubber or metal ball on its underside that rolls in all directions.
The cursor on the screen is moved as the mechanical sensors within the mouse detect the rolling ball’s direction.
The optomechanical mouse uses optical sensors to detect motion of the ball.
The fully optical mouse uses lasers to detect the mouse's movement.
Optical mice have no mechanical moving parts, and no mouse pads are required.
Optical models are the fastest and most precise mice. Most have a wonderful red glow on the bottom giving the mouse a subtle high tech look.
Another design breakthrough in mice is the cordless mouse, which no longer has to be physically connected to the computer. Infrared or radio waves allow this little rodent to communicate with the computer.
Both optical and cordless mice are more expensive than other mice, but you may find them a worthy investment.
Trackballs
Are a mouse variation, essentially a mouse lying on its back. Because the device is stationary, it does not require as much space on your desktop.
The ball moves as you rotate it with your thumb, your fingers, or the palm of your hand; this saves wrist fatigue and reduces hand and arm movement.
Trackballs are especially popular with those experiencing problems with arthritic hands. Trackballs come in various sizes and shapes.
Light Pens let you move the pointer and select items on the display screen by directly pointing to the objects on the screen with the pen.
Touch Screens allow you to use your finger to touch the screen and choose objects. A special computer monitor or a monitor fitted with special hardware is necessary to provide touch screen capabilities.
Graphic Tablet or Drawing Tablet. These digitizers or graphic tablets are pressure-sensitive data input devices that respond to a user’s movement of a pen, mouse, or other device to select a graphic image. These are most often used for complex drawing and computer-aided design programs.
Microphone can also serve as an input device. Using the microphone along with speech recognition software can offer a completely new approach to inputting information into your computer.
Devices for the Handicapped.
Many special devices have been created to assist the handicapped, including Braille keyboards and long pointing sticks.
These unique devices further customize the method of inputting information into the computer, adapting to the needs of those with physical restrictions.
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