Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!genrad!decvax!harpo!floyd!vax135!ariel!hou5f!orion!houca!hogpc!houxm!mel From: mel@houxm.UUCP Newsgroups: net.micro Subject: Re: Light Pens vs. Mouse Message-ID: <456@houxm.UUCP> Date: Wed, 29-Jun-83 09:38:39 EDT Article-I.D.: houxm.456 Posted: Wed Jun 29 09:38:39 1983 Date-Received: Thu, 30-Jun-83 17:14:48 EDT Lines: 39 Andy, The mouse and lightpen can both be used to point, track, and sweep exactly the same small cursor. The pen diameter doesn't matter, you just tilt it such that it doesn't obscure (the same as you do with your pen or pencil while writing). It is the mark on the phosphor you are looking at, not the pen or mouse. Only the most clodish lightpen programming would require direct, blind pointing of the pen (no cursor). The real troubles with the pen are that you have to pick it up and hold it. And, as you noted, only one button naturally fits. Another factor against the lightpen is that it is almost impossible to keep the things working - in a production environment where there are response delays, the lightpen is what is banged against the table, its cord is what gets twisted and knoted. Of course, keyboards and mice get abused, too. But lightpens seem to be more at hand. Touch screens are a real lose, unless your application is very simple and low resolution. It is very hard to couple your finger to a small spot on the screen. Also, who wants dirty fingerprints all over the screen? The touch screen is great for menu selections from a TV-like presentation - cute, but not as good as real buttons for the "executive" work station - probably useless for production terminal uses. The bit pad has all the disadvantages of the lightpen and the mouse, with no redeeming advantages; except that some can also digitize drawings. (I would discount the character recognition capability, unless you really had an appropriate application for just that.) Joy sticks, thumb wheels, and small trackballs seem to be just too hard to use. Something about their dynamic range. Perhaps someone from human factors could enlighten us further? Arrow keys are awful, I think everybody will agree. I have no experience at all with large track balls -- anyone care to contribute? In my opinion, the mouse is the big win for normal workstation use. The lightpen 2nd rate, and the others below that. This from 18 years of using, observing, designing, and programming graphics and conventional terminal systems. Mel Haas , houxm!mel