The Advantages of a Touchpad

Touchpads are laptops' version of a mouse. Businesses using laptops, netbooks or ultrabooks can benefit from the built-in touchpad, as it allows employees to navigate just as they would with a desktop computer. Some desktop keyboards now offer a built-in touchpad since touchpads do have some advantages over mice.

Portability

1. Touchpads require no additional hardware. As soon as you boot your device, the touchpad is ready to use. For portable devices, an employee would need to carry a mouse in his device's case, attach it to the device and ensure a level surface is available before using the mouse. A touchpad provides an extra level of portability by allowing you an instant mouse no matter where you use your device.

Ergonomic

1. The awkward angle of a standard mouse can lead to wrist problems. Touchpads allow the wrist to rest in a more natural position since only one or two fingers are needed to operate it. Plus, touchpads can be used with either hand, creating a more balanced working situation if employees need to switch hands to prevent wrist strain. To create a more ergonomic environment, laptop wrist rests are designed to be compatible with touchpads.

Same Features as a Mouse

1. Touchpads give you many of the same features as a mouse without any wireless receivers or wires. Touchpads offer scrolling and left and right clicking buttons. You can use a combination of the touchpad itself and the buttons to highlight text.

   Touchpads are also customizable. From sensitivity to additional button features, you can change settings to optimize how your touchpad performs.

No Installation

1. If the touchpad is built-in to your device, no installation is required. With a mouse, you typically have to install a driver or software. Built-in touchpads are already installed, including any necessary software to control settings. Since you can't simply disconnect a touchpad, you never have to worry about needing to reinstall the device or its drivers.

Ease of Use

1. A touchpad requires no more room to function than the actual size of the touchpad. All movements are perform on the touchpad with the tip of a finger. A mouse requires additional room in order to move the pointer around the screen. With less space required, employees can work more comfortably from anywhere.