Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/26/83; site ihuxf.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!wivax!decvax!harpo!floyd!vax135!ariel!hou5f!orion!houca!hogpc!houxm!ihnp4!ihuxf!parnass 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