User input methods

An input method is anything that enables the user to send information, messages and commands to a device.

Laptops have all the essential input systems built into the device unlike a desktop computer, which relies on peripheral hardware being plugged in. This further enables the laptop to be compact and portable. You can choose to plug external input hardware into a laptop, such as a mouse or a keyboard, if preferred by the user.

Click through the slide panel below to explore input methods in more detail.

  • Keyboard & touchpad/tracker pad

    A keyboard can be used to enter in characters which can be used as command shortcuts. Laptops, tablets and smart phones have all the essential input systems like a keyboard, built into the device unlike a desktop machine which relies on peripheral hardware being plugged in. You can choose to plug in external input hardware such as mice or keyboards if preferred by the user for laptops and tablets.

  • Camera

    The camera on a device can be used for two main purposes:

    1. To take picture
    2. To give a visual in a video call

    Although a laptop often has a built-in web camera, the quality of a tablet/smart phone camera is far better and also due the nature of tablets and smart phones being handheld devices, this allows for greater flexibility and ease when using the camera function.

  • Voice activation

    Smart devices now make use of voice activation to input commands or query a database. Services such as Alexa on Amazon echo or Siri on iOS for iPhone are currently making technology more accessible to those who struggle with touchscreen or other input methods.

  • Gestures

    Gestures are for tactile user interfaces, such as touch screens, where a user can use either their fingers or a stylus to interact with an interface. Gestures include tapping, swiping, pinching, and stretching.

    Some smart TVs can also be controlled by waving or moving your hand over areas of the screen.