What is a Trackpad?
A trackpad, also seen spelled track pad, is a user interface which interprets pressure and translates it into movement of a cursor. Laptops are commonly equipped with trackpads, and many drawing tablets and personal digital assistants (PDAs) use the same technology. While it can take some time to become accustomed to the trackpad interface, some computer users prefer using a trackpad to mousing. Many trackpads also offer additional programmable functions which can make them even more versatile. The method through which a trackpad works is relatively simple. A trackpad has a network of transmitters and receivers which are capable of reading very subtle changes in electrical capacitance. A grounding object such as a finger dragged across the soft upper pad of the device alters the electrical current. The change is converted into a signal which the computer can read, resulting in a corresponding movement of the cursor on the screen. Typically, a trackpad also includes mouse buttons which
