One thing that I have learned over the years as a computer user is that a good set of interface tools is a very important to ensure a pleasant, comfortable and even safe computer experience. This can be especially true if you, like me, are on the road a lot and trying to minimize the additional clutter you have to carry with you.

One example of a user interface device that can cause problems on road is the standard laptop trackpad. A lot of people who use laptops have never really become comfortable with using a trackpad on a full time basis. I actually prefer using the now very much out of fashion pointing stick that used to be standard on the old IBM ThinkPads. This is one reason why I like the Dell Latitude models such as the Latitude D630 which come with a choice of both a trackpad and a stick, but I digress.

As a result of this discomfort with a trackpad, a lot of people take to carrying around a mouse to use when on the road with their laptop. I used to be one of them, but got really fed up with carrying one around, and forced myself to use the onboard tools. However these days there are a lot of very neat small sized mice available on the market. Take the NB Optical Mouse from Targus, it has a neatly managed cable and is small enough to fit in most people’s bags, without being so small that it is uncomfortable to use.

I have one now, and as well as being a great tool for long periods of laptop use, it is of course far superior to a trackpad for the odd game of Civilization!