CompuServe Thread

#Tablet ?

12 messages in this thread
#140772From: albert waltnerDec 9, 1994 12:35 AM
I got a catalog from PowerUp! today and found a mouse replacement computer tablet in it made by ALPS called GlidePoint with 400 dpi resolution. The description says I can use my FINGER (no stylus) and that sounds interesting for 3DS because some input is by keyboard and some is by pointer. If I don't have to pick up a stylus or even grab a mouse (just point) that seems very convenient. Anyone seen this? Anyone thought it a good/bad idea? Anyone heard that it does/doesn't work. The description does not say which of the technologies it uses. They want <$80 for it.
#140832From: Yost GroupDec 9, 1994 10:29 AM
Won't your finger get sore after awhile? – Jack
#140870From: albert waltnerDec 9, 1994 1:16 PM
Re: ALPS GlidePoint Tablet (use finder, no stylus) >> Won't your finger get sore after awhile? Well it should not have a sandpaper surface and your finger does not get sore from pressing the mouse button, does it? Actually I was wondering about the technology used and if it would be as responsive to movement as a mouse. The description says 30 inch/sec tracking speed but one cannot always believe what one sees in print <g>. Anyway, I was hoping that someone had seen/tried it. The more I think about it, the better I like it.
#141182From: Paul KakertDec 11, 1994 12:45 PM
Hey, I am also very interested in anything you found out. I tried a Wacom tablet but like you said picking up and putting down the stylus is a pain. Please let me know if anyone tells you a review of the product. Paul
#141184From: albert waltnerDec 11, 1994 1:17 PM
>> …picking up and putting down the stylus is a pain. Nobody has responded with actual experience. Perhaps another forum would get some response but I am not sure which one to try. Perhaps it is still too new. Any ideas?
#141231From: Paul KakertDec 11, 1994 8:20 PM
Try entering the pen computing forum (not sure if that's what it is called) Try typing GO WACOM, that's how I found it. It has a lot of pen and tablet vendors on it and I believe some open forums not specific to a vendor. Thanks for getting back with me, let me know what you ever find out. I think that would be the ideal setup, assuming that you can get accurate enough. Lets face it, pointing the tip of a stylus sure covers less surface area on a tablet than the tip of your finger. But if they can make it work, more power to them. It seems to me it may be a good mouse alternative but can't possibly be used for pixel editing in Photoshop, etc. Thoughts? Paul
#141288From: albert waltnerDec 12, 1994 2:35 AM
>> Try entering the pen computing forum … I did GO WACOM and got there. I left a message asking about experience with the ALPS GlidePoint. Most of the tablet discussion was in the Wacom area but I left a message in the hardware section.
#141372From: Paul KakertDec 12, 1994 1:38 PM
Great. Hope someone responds. Let me know. Paul
#141906From: albert waltnerDec 14, 1994 10:22 PM
>> Great. Hope someone responds. Let me know. I got one response in the Pen forum: —————————————————– Not much to say, except that when I briefly tried the glidepoint technology on the Powerbooks, I did not like it (and I thought that I would). It just didn't seem natural. . Major chains like CompUSA are now carrying the ALPS Glidepoint — you might be able to test it out in store. ————————————————————- Not as complete a reaction as I would have liked. I am going to see if our local CompUSA store has it.
#141965From: Paul KakertDec 15, 1994 7:54 AM
I did just see a mail order ad that had it. I called and asked about a money back satisfaction guarantee since it is such new technology, but of course they don't have one. I doubt and store in my area will have one to try out. The response you got is interesting. They said it didn't feel natural. Well I remember learning to use the mouse. That was unnatural, but after so long of doing it it feels like a natural extension of my hand. After a while I think one would get used to the new tech. and like it. What can be more natural than pointing with your finger. Paul
#142029From: albert waltnerDec 15, 1994 1:54 PM
I checked with the local computer store about the ALPS GlidePoint and they do carry it. The bad news is that it is/was so popular that they sold out. But they will have more next week. I would guess that is some sort of indication that people try it and buy it.
#142081From: Paul KakertDec 15, 1994 7:47 PM
After you try it out, let me know what you think Paul