A Comparison of Four Input Devices for the Macintosh Interface

Abstract

Numerous computer input devices have been designed and evaluated in the last decade. In most evaluations, simple pointing and tracking tasks were used that do not adequately represent todays' computer tasks. The following research evaluated four input devices with respect to usability and preference issues. The UnMouse©, the Turbo© mouse, and the Felix© mouse were compared with the Apple Macintosh® Mouse on four different types of task: tracking (point-and-click), desktop manipulation (e.g., point, click, and drag), word processing, and graphics generation. Users expressed preferences for the devices in terms of lower-arm fatigue, precision of control, and comfort of movement. Results indicate that the Macintosh Mouse and the Felix device were quicker and preferred over the other devices.