Input Devices

Notebook computer users can choose from a wide variety of input devices. Thanks to the USB port, almost any keyboard or mouse designed for desktop use can also be employed with notebooks . There are, however, some special input devices designed with notebook users in mind.

Portable Pointing Devices

Several miniature mice are on the market from companies such as Targus, Microsoft, and Logitech. Versions of these "mini" mice are available using both optical and traditional ball-style technologies. In addition, some of these mice are wireless. All connect to the notebook via the USB port.

The Microsoft Notebook optical mouse, shown in Figure 14.18, is good example of a mouse designed for mobile use. Because it does not use a ball, it does not require a mouse pad and can be used on any surface, including your knee.

Figure 14.18. The Microsoft Notebook optical mouse.

Portable Keyboards

One of the main problems of a laptop's keyboard is its lack of a true numeric keypad. Laptop designers usually try to emulate a numeric keypad by having some of the alphabetic keys do double duty as numeric keys. But the resulting keypad is offset at an angle and difficult to use.

For those who need a numeric keypad, two interesting accessories are available. As mentioned previously, users of IBM ThinkPads can take advantage of an UltraBay module that enables a numeric keypad to pop out of the side of the notebook. For all other users, Targus sells a miniature numeric keypad that connects through the notebook's USB connector.