Trackpad vs Mouse: A Personal Perspective for Desktop Use

Choosing between a trackpad and a mouse for your desktop can depend greatly on your preferences and needs. If you value clarity and explicitness in your user interface, a mouse might be the better choice. However, for a more seamless and convenient experience, a trackpad can be quite effective, especially when on the go.

Preferences for Explicit Instructions

As a frequent user of both a trackpad and a mouse, I have distinct preferences based on the task at hand. For precise and unambiguous instructions, a mouse is preferred. The ability to perform precise clicks and movements is paramount when working with intricate applications such as graphics and drawing tools. This is why I use a mouse on my desktop computer for most of my work.

Mouse for Precision and Versatility

When working with applications that require precise control points, such as DroneDeploy and Litchi, a mouse proves to be much more effective. These applications are often cluttered with small, closely placed control points that might be difficult to select with a touchpad or touchscreen. Therefore, the mouse's precision and versatility make it an ideal choice for such situations.

Trackpad for Convenience and Portability

When I need to use my notebook, I often find that a trackpad is more convenient for tasks like browsing the web, reading the news, using email, or engaging in activities like answering on Quora. The portability of a notebook computer and the comfort of using it on one's lap make a trackpad a more appealing option. Additionally, when I need to demonstrate applications with finer controls such as Visio, GIMP, or MS Project, I prefer to sit at a desk and use a mouse to avoid clunking and klutzing during the demo.

Challenges with Trackpads and Gestures

However, trackpads are not without their challenges. For instance, a trackpad that lacks separate click buttons and relies on finger gestures can become a hindrance, especially for those who might have dexterity issues or age-related conditions such as arthritis. For me, a 64-year-old with arthritis, trying to use a trackpad that requires specific finger movements is frustrating and time-consuming. The lack of clear and unambiguous instructions can make tasks take much longer than necessary.

While some might argue that the "minimalist" interface of a trackpad is easier, this doesn't take into account the individual needs of users. Not all people are 20 years old. The user interface must accommodate a diverse range of users, including those who are 40, 60, or even 80 years old, and those who might have different physical limitations.

The Mouse on Airplanes

To those who insist that mice are unequivocally better, I challenge them to try using a mouse on an airplane, especially in economy class. The space limitations and lack of stability can make using a mouse challenging. The trackpad, on the other hand, is more forgiving and convenient for these situations.

Carrying Around and Classroom Demonstrations

When carrying a notebook computer to class, the choice between a trackpad and a mouse often comes down to the specific context. I typically carry a mouse with me for class demonstrations, especially when I need a more precise control. However, for tasks like browsing the web or reading emails, I often opt for the trackpad, especially when using the notebook on my lap or on a desk where stability is less of an issue.

Not all students are equipped with a mouse, and sometimes I have to work around this limitation. Most of the students in my classes don't like using the touchpad, which can be a significant challenge when all classes move online due to the Wuhan virus.

Touchscreens: A Divisive Feature

Touchscreens can be problematic for users, especially in shared environments. I've never been a fan of touchscreens on notebook computers, even when I had two with nice touch screens. I found that they made my work more cumbersome, and I saved the few hundred bucks that touchscreens would have cost. Moreover, when I attempt to demonstrate something on a student's screen, it can lead to unintentional interference and potential damage to their work.

While touchscreens are becoming more common in notebooks, they are not a universal solution. Many notebooks still rely on the comfort and reliability of a mouse or trackpad for their primary input method. The necessity of a mouse or trackpad for precision and convenience cannot be overstated.