Editing Pointing device (section)

==== Mouse ====
{{Main|Computer mouse}}
A mouse is a small handheld device pushed over a horizontal surface.

A mouse moves the graphical pointer by being slid across a smooth surface. The conventional roller-ball mouse uses a ball to create this action: the ball is in contact with two small shafts that are set at right angles to each other. As the ball moves these shafts rotate, and the rotation is measured by sensors within the mouse. The distance and direction information from the sensors is then transmitted to the computer, and the computer moves the graphical pointer on the screen by following the movements of the mouse. Another common mouse is the optical mouse. This device is very similar to the conventional mouse but uses visible or infrared light instead of a roller-ball to detect the changes in position.<ref>{{FOLDOC|mouse|new=yes}}</ref>
Additionally there is the [[mini-mouse]], which is a small egg-sized mouse for use with [[laptop computer]]s; usually small enough for use on a free area of the laptop body itself, it is typically [[Mouse (computing)#Optical and laser mice|optical]], includes a [[retractable cord]] and uses a [[USB]] port to save battery life.