Laptop Touchpad: What is it?

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A laptop touchpad is a built-in device that functions like an external mouse, allowing users to work in small spaces. It detects finger movements and displays cursor movements on the screen. Touchpad size and functions vary by model, and some users prefer external mice. Some touchpads can be disabled with a button.

A laptop touchpad is a device built into laptop and notebook computers. The pad has similar or identical functions to an external mouse. It allows laptop users to work comfortably from any small space. With the use of a touchpad users still have the control afforded by using an external mouse for computer movements on the screen.

The gestures offered by a laptop touchpad can also be completed through the use of multiple keys; however, keystrokes can be time consuming and difficult to remember. Due to the difficulty of keystrokes, the touchpad was created for laptop and notebook users. The first touchpads were created in the 1990s and laptop touchpad technology has advanced since then.

As a pointing device, a laptop touchpad is a relative motion device. Like all relative motion devices, a notebook touchpad translates the user’s movements. It is specifically made to detect the movement of a finger and will not detect the movements of other objects. Touchpad gestures are displayed on the computer screen by cursor movement. In fact, the cursor will move at the same speed as the user’s finger on the laptop touchpad.

A touchpad can vary in size. It depends on the make and model of your computer. Size isn’t the only factor that can vary on a pad. There are also extra accessories and functions. Some laptop pads have left and right click buttons, while others don’t. In addition to the buttons, the characteristics of a touchpad can differ from model to model. A laptop pad may have a section for scrolling on the screen and other specialized gestures.

The laptop touchpad was first created as a replacement for an external mouse and mousepad. However, today both touchpads and external mouse devices are used by notebook computers. Some users prefer an external mouse and some users prefer the laptop touchpad. For laptop users who want an external mouse there are wireless infrared mice that don’t require the use of a mouse pad.
Some touchpads can be overly sensitive and may interfere with your typing. For these pads there are ways to temporarily disable them. One of the easiest ways to temporarily disable a laptop touchpad is to press a small button. It is usually located above the touchpad itself.




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