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From: parnass@ihuxf.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: light pens vs. mice
Message-ID: <552@ihuxf.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 29-Jun-83 11:34:33 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihuxf.552
Posted: Wed Jun 29 11:34:33 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 1-Jul-83 01:00:41 EDT
Organization: BTL Naperville, Il.
Lines: 30



	    In response	to:

       ---------------------------------
	   It seems to me that a light pen will	do everything a	mouse will and is
       a much more direct pointing instrument.	Admittedly, a light pen	isn't going
       to handle 3 buttons (2 is probably the maximum) but that	is a matter of much
       debate anyhow and doesn't directly relate to a mouse/light-pen choice.  Many
       of the video display chips support light	pen hardware.  I really	don't know
       why it isn't used more.

       ---------------------------------
	    I've used both light  pens	and  mice.   My	 arm  tires
	    quickly  while  using the light pen	because	I must hold
	    it up to the  screen.   Perhaps  if	 we  located  CRT's
	    horizontally,  recessed  into  the	desk surface, light
	    pens would be easier to use.

	    I use a mouse on my	Blit terminal.	The  only  negative
	    consequence	 is  having  to	maintain a clear portion of
	    desk surface for a mouse playground.


		    Robert S. Parnass
		    Bell Laboratories
		    Naperville,	Illinois 60566

		    ihnp4!ihuxf!parnass