Abstract
The Windows 8 operating system is noticeably different from prior Windows operating systems and contains features that are designed with a touch interface in mind. The current study investigates user preference for PC indirect input devices when using the Windows 8 operating system without an available direct touch interface. Subjects first completed a performance task (Winfitts) with each input device. Subjects were trained on how to use Windows 8 edge-swipe features with both input devices. After training, subjects were asked to complete a task list of Windows 8 specific gesture tasks using either a laptop touchpad or a mouse. After completing the tasks with both input devices, users completed Likert scale ratings about their interaction with each input device. Finally, subjects were asked which input device they would overall prefer when using windows 8. We hypothesize that there will be a preference for the touchpad over the mouse. Contrary to the hypothesis, results showed a significant user preference for a mouse when using the Windows 8 operating system, as well as when executing Windows 8 specific interactions.
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