Input devices (key in data)
(i) Touchpad
These are pointing devices used on laptops, where one moves a finger to control the pointer on the
screen. Their uses are similar to those of mouse. They aid portability since they are attached to the
whole computer system. Can also be used where there are no flat surfaces available. However, they are
difficult to use, e.g. when doing drag and drop.
(ii) Scanner: an input device used to convert images from paper (hard copy) into electrical signals for
input into the computer.
The images can then be edited, printed or saved.
Mostly used to scan pictures,
photographs, etc. they can use OCR, convert to
Word or pdf format directly.
Flatbed scanners have the paper placed on top
of them, in a similar way to a photocopier. These
are more expensive than hand-held scanners but
they are usually able
Scannersto produce higher resolution images. They are very accurate in scanning. Images are stored for
later editing. Quality of scanned image can depend
on the resolution of scanner.
(iii) Digital Camera: A device use to capture photographs, films, videos or a combination of both for
entry into the computer where they can be edited.
- no film is needed (saves costs for purchasing films and developing the film)
- Unwanted images can be deleted straight away
- Images are already digital and therefore can be transferred to a computer for editing
immediately,
- Easier and faster to upload photos to the computer
- Produce better quality images than the traditional camera However:
- Images need to be compressed
- Needs those who are computer literate to use it efficiently
(iv) Touch Screen: A screen display on which you could enter data by pointing/tapping with a finger on
intended option. Used on (ATMs)-Automated Teller Machines, cell phones, computers, etc.
A touch screen is both an input and output device. A
touch sensitive visual display unit (VDU) or screen has a grid
of light beams or fine wires crisscrossing the screen that are
used to detect touch. Many mobile phones use touch
screens and do away with the keypad entirely. They're often
used on cash machines and in shopping centres too. Touch
screens are robust, easy to choose options. Faster to make
selections. User friendly (less training needed).
Touch screen Tamper proof. However, they have limited number
of options, leads to RSI, screen can get dirty by constant
touching.
(v) Magnetic Stripe Readers
Are devices to read information on the magnetic strip found on credit cards. The stripe contains
information like account number, sort code, expiry date and start date.
Uses: used to read debit and credit card data on ATMs and EFTPOS terminals. Also used to read security
cards for entry into buildings, hotel rooms, etc.
Advantages: very fast data entry. Error free data entry since no typing is involved. Information on
magnetic stripe is secure since no human can read it. Can prevent access to restricted areas. Magnetic
stripes are not affected by oil, water, etc. there are no moving parts and therefore are robust.
Disadvantages: if the magnetic stripe is damaged, all
data is lost. They do not work from a distance, need
contact with the reader.
(vi) Joystick: A device specifically used for playing
games. Can be used to control pointer on screen
by gripping the stick when making selections.
Used also in flight simulators.
It can be an alternative to a mouse. It consists of
a base and a stick
perpendicular to the base. The stick can be moved in any direction, enabling the user to move an object
around the computer screen. A joystick can perform a similar function to a mouse or trackball, but is
only commonly used for playing games, controlling aircraft, controlling motorised
wheelchair.
Two types of joystick In construction, joysticks are used to control machinery such as cranes.
Advantage: Easier to navigate round screen, control is in
3-dimension.
(vii) Tracker ball: It is an input device with a small ball that can be moved by passing the palm of your
hand over it. This will move an arrow on the screen and therefore can replace a mouse.
It is used to draw designs and to select options
from menu. Used as an alternative to a mouse.
To operate it the user rotates the ball which
moves the pointer on screen. They are
particularly easy to use for those with
Tracer ball limited movement in their hands and are often used in Computer Aided Design (CAD) for their
increased precision over a mouse.
Advantages of trackball
- It is stationery and therefore do not need a flat surface to move on
- Less likely to get damaged than mouse
- Less tiring as less movement is needed
- Can be useful in laptops
Disadvantages
- Rolling the ball is less effective than using mouse
- Can be difficult to control
- Not supplied as standard device, so extra cost is incurred
- Muscles can be strained due to repeated movement
(viii) Remote Control
Device used to control the operation of other devices remotely by using infra-red signals. Has button to
select options, e.g. TV stations, volume, etc.
Uses
- Used in home entertainment devices like TVs, DVD players, HIFIs, etc
- Remote controls for multimedia systems
- Stop/ start machinery in industrial applications
