parnass@ihuxf.UUCP (06/29/83)
In response to:
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It seems to me that a light pen will do everything a mouse will and is
a much more direct pointing instrument. Admittedly, a light pen isn't going
to handle 3 buttons (2 is probably the maximum) but that is a matter of much
debate anyhow and doesn't directly relate to a mouse/light-pen choice. Many
of the video display chips support light pen hardware. I really don't know
why it isn't used more.
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I've used both light pens and mice. My arm tires
quickly while using the light pen because I must hold
it up to the screen. Perhaps if we located CRT's
horizontally, recessed into the desk surface, light
pens would be easier to use.
I use a mouse on my Blit terminal. The only negative
consequence is having to maintain a clear portion of
desk surface for a mouse playground.
Robert S. Parnass
Bell Laboratories
Naperville, Illinois 60566
ihnp4!ihuxf!parnass