Eraser Pointer

What Does Eraser Pointer Mean?

An eraser pointer is an isometric pointing device that looks like a joystick or pencil eraser head. This cursor control device sits between the G, H and B keys. When the eraser pointer is pushed in one direction, the cursor moves in the same direction. Cursor speed may be increased with increased pressure.

Techopedia Explains Eraser Pointer

In 1992, the eraser pointer was released by IBM as the TrackPoint, which is built into most ThinkPad (Lenovo) laptop computers. Eraser pointer technology allows users to control mouse movements while using a keyboard. Some eraser pointers have a red, replaceable tip, or nipple.

Because of its keyboard location, the pointer works equally well for left or right-handed users.

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Margaret Rouse

Technology expert

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.

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