Ballpoint Mouse A Boon For Laptop, Notebook Pc Users

The Sun Herald

Sunday March 24, 1991

DAVID FRITH

ELECTRONIC mice have been prowling the desktops of personal computer users since Apple launched the Lisa, a precursor of the Macintosh, in the early 1980s.

Their movements manoeuvre on-screen pointers, allowing users to click on programs or files they want to open, to select text or to draw graphic illustrations.

But it can be hard to use a mouse with a laptop or notebook computer. Enter the Ballpoint Mouse, pictured, latest invention of Microsoft Corporation -industry leader in the mouse market with more than 6 million electronic rodents sold worldwide.

The Ballpoint Mouse attaches to the keyboards of IBM PC-compatible laptops. Users move the pointer by rolling a ball with their thumb, and clicking on buttons with their fingers. It will initially be bundled free with Toshiba and Compaq laptops. From May 1, it will also be sold separately for a recommended$275.

WHAT Bird Is That, the classic Australian bird identification book, may soon have to play second fiddle to a computer program. Flinders University lecturer John Hunwick and computer consultant Dr Charles Hart are preparing a bird catalogue on CD-ROM disk, which will not only allow computer users to flash up colour pictures and text of birds, but also hear the bird's call. The electronic catalogue will initially be devoted to the birds of South Australia, but is planned to eventually include every known Australian bird.