Trackpad

Last Updated: October 9, 2015

Definition - What does Trackpad mean?

A trackpad is an input pointing device that has a specialized flat surface capable of detecting finger contact. The surface is capable of translating the position and motion of the user’s finger to a relative position on the screen of the device. Featured in laptops, portable media players and other personal digital assistants, the trackpad is an excellent alternative to other pointing devices, such as the mouse, when desk space is limited.

A trackpad is also known as a touch pad or glide pad.

Techopedia explains Trackpad

A trackpad functions in different ways and makes use of conductive sensing and capacitive sensing. Advanced features like scrolling a page are possible by configuring the settings for the trackpad. The use of two fingers triggers scrolling of a page in most trackpads. Although the trackpad is capable of sensing the absolute position, the resolution is limited by the size of the trackpad.

The advantages of a trackpad include:

Most trackpads are highly resistant to dirt, moisture and surface scratches.
Easier for a user to use compared to most input devices, as no pressure is involved and slight motion is only required for activating the same.
The most efficient pointing device if space or portability is concerned.

The disadvantages of a trackpad include:

The area for motion offered by a trackpad is often small.
The types of devices that can make use of a trackpad are limited.
Calloused or moist fingers can interfere with and cause disruption in the signals picked up by the sensors.
The sensitivity of a trackpad can be a problem at times to certain users. The trackpad may be difficult to use in the case of things that need precision control.
Heavy movement is not possible through the trackpad.