New Pointers

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Photograph: NEW POINTERS In the never-ending search for a more usable pointing device, vendors continue to present alternative designs. Here is a sample of new pointers that have appeared since our last report on portables: J-Mouse Provided on the Zenith Z-Star systems, this pointer is built directly into the J key on the keyboard. The J key acts normally until you hold it down. This activates sensors that let you move the screen cursor in any direction by applying pressure to different areas of the key. Other keys perform the functions of regular mouse buttons. The J-Mouse performs like standard mice, but your fingers never leave the keyboard. The J-Mouse is easy to use once you master the key commands. Pop-Out Trackball The Olivetti Philos 44 line offers an innovative pop-out pointing device that's located on the bottom right of th e keyboard. The pointer is flexible and includes two command buttons. The trackball offers similar functionality to QuickPort and cabled mice (geared for right-handed users) without being separate from the notebook. EZ Point The Gateway 2000 HandBooks feature this small eraser-like device located on the keyboard. The design is similar to IBM's TrackPoint II, but EZ Point falls well short of it in functionality. It's mounted to the right of the keyboard (not in the middle), and the two mouse buttons are awkwardly placed below the keyboard. EZ Point requires extra pressure to point, and it can be used only with your right hand, which must lay across several keys. Front-Mounted Trackballs The AST PowerExec 4/33SL-ColorPlus and Digital Equipment DECpc 425SL provide trackballs that attach below the keyboard via mouse ports. You can use the trackballs with either hand, but they are separate from the unit. These notebooks also let you use the function and arrow keys to move the cursor.