Computer Hardware
Touchpad
Definition
A touchpad or trackpad is a pointing device featuring a tactile sensor, a specialized surface that can translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relative position on the operating system's screen.
Why It Matters
The touchpad is the standard built-in mouse replacement for laptop computers, allowing for portable pointing and gesture control without the need for an external mouse.
Contextual Example
A user navigates their laptop's interface by sliding their finger across the touchpad. They can also use multi-finger gestures, like a two-finger swipe to scroll or a pinch to zoom.
Common Misunderstandings
- Early touchpads were often frustrating to use, but modern "precision" touchpads are highly accurate and responsive.
- Touchpads work by sensing the electrical capacitance of the user's finger.