Pointing Devices

The basic means of communicating with a computer is through its keyboard and pointing device. Most likely you’ll use a mouse, but if you’re still in the market for a pointing device, choose an input device that generates smooth cursor movement. Some of the lesser-quality input devices cause erratic movement. Because AutoCAD relies on precise input, you may want to upgrade to an optical mouse, which is less likely to wear out or accumulate dirt in its mechanism.

If you need to trace large drawings, you may want to consider a digitizing tablet. It’s usually a rectangular object with a penlike stylus or a device called a puck, which resembles a mouse. It has a smooth surface on which to draw. The most common size is 4˝ by 5˝, but digitizing tablets are available in sizes up to 60˝ by 70˝. The tablet gives a natural feel to drawing with the computer because the movement of the stylus or puck is directly translated into cursor movement.