Designing a Better Way to Use a Mouse with a Laptop -- Goodbye Touchpad?

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There's probably no one that will claim they'd prefer using a touchpad over a mouse for navigating a cursor on a screen. No matter how good a touchpad is, you just can't get the fine control or ease of use a good ol' mouse will give you. And forget about gaming using a touchpad. Since notebooks were introduced the touchpad has dominated, and so that's what we're stuck with. An inventor with an idea for a better way to use a mouse with a laptop while on the go has his eye on changing this though.

Paul Janson is an inventor that's used a notebook for many years and always took along a mouse to use with it. Sometimes using a laser mouse on the knee was a preferred method of input over a finicky touchpad. So Paul set out to design a simple method to allow himself to more easily use a mouse with a laptop while on the go and away from a desk. What he came up with is strikingly simple, and at the same time effective. Wisely, he has a patent pending on what we'll refer to as a notebook swivel mouse tray.

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As you can see in the image above, the idea is that there will be a mouse tray that sticks out from the right side of the laptop (sorry left handers) allowing you to rest a mouse and move it around. Optimally the mouse would be wireless, but you could use a short corded mouse if you wanted.

And of course you wouldn't want to haul around a laptop that's twice its regular size because it has a tray sticking out, so the design idea incorporates a method for rotating, swiveling or sliding the tray away underneath. Janson says the pivot point method using a screw works best based on prototype designs he has made.

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In an interview with Janson he indicated &quot;At the single point of connection (screw) the screw connection can be adjusted to a certain tightness whereby the friction of the platform against the base of the connection (a point engineered on the bottom center edge of the laptop) is such the platform can be pushed into a closed or open position but the tightness of the connection will keep the platform from moving or swinging back and forth on its own [as you use a mouse].&quot;

The tray could be made of either light weight aluminum, magnesium or a plastic with ribbing reinforcement underneath. Janson made a prototype that's constructed of aluminum and weighs around 6 ounces, so the overall weight addition wouldn't be too significant. If a small laser mouse were used a smaller tray could in turn be implemented.

The thinking is that a laptop manufacturer could incorporate this single swivel point method because it would not be mechanically complex (like a hinge or sliding tray might). It could be designed so that the screw-like hinge would hold the tray firmly to the bottom of the laptop when not in use and only be as thick as the support feet are on the laptop, thereby adding little to no overall thickness.

A Look at the Prototype Swivel Mouse Tray

Paul put together a crude rendition of his patent pending idea using a Toshiba laptop and thin piece of aluminum. The pictures and demo of how it is used is below. You'll notice he's using a fairly large sized mouse, and the tray is overall large. In a real design the tray would probably need to be smaller and a smaller sized notebook optical mouse would fit the bill better.

The swivel mouse tray housed away underneath the laptop, notice it's only about as thick as the feet on the bottom of the laptop:

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A look at the underneath of the laptop with the tray swiveled out:

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Now looking at the top of the laptop with the tray swiveled underneath:

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Here we see the tray swiveled out with a mouse on it:

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And finally, the mouse tray at work on a lap:

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Personally I think this idea might have some legs, the questioin is whether notebook makers themselves would pick up on this idea or if there would be some way to integrate it as an add on accessory. There's some obvious drawbacks that would make this impossible to use all the time. For instance, if you're on a plane where you'd be challenged by space in all directions, a touchpad or pointing stick still makes more sense. Some people might want the tray to be detachable so they can reduce the laptop weight when they want to.

What do you think of this patent pending idea though? Sound off with your thoughts in the forums.

 

This is a good idea. Is there any way to do this on current laptops. I mean the current laptops that are in the market

 

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding:

This swivel mousepad is obviously made for lap-use, right? I mean, if you were placing your computer on a flat surface anyway, there's not really much reason to have a swivel mousepad attached to your computer. Given that so many *notebooks* are released nowadays that suggest not using the machine on your lap (e.g. laptops vs notebooks), I don't know how much manufacturers would embrace this..... or maybe I'm just completely off base.

It's a neat idea though.

 

The idea is nice, but would it not block the bottom vents when retracted?

 

I agree, I think it is mostly intended for lap use, and when on a desk it would either need to be out of sight and have no effect or be removable.

 

While a relative newbie, I can see some limited use for it. Just sitting on the couch and doing some quick email or casual surfing, it would probably work OK.

But trying to juggle things around to pull it out/push it back in and not bend/break a BT dongle or the screen or drop it from your lap seems like more work than I want to do. And the extra real estate it adds could be a little awkward to us in a small space (car, van, tiny table at McDonald's).

New laser mice work so well on almost any surface, that it's not such a concern.

This may be only me, but I also hate small "mousing" areas and constantly having to reposition my hand/mouse. Haven't use a mouse pad in years. I'll have my arm stretched all the way across the table before I reposition the mouse.

A nice, portable trackball mouse for notebooks will be a godsend.

 

thats great, i really like that idea, but there should be an indintation on the back of the lid where you can plug the mouse into for storage, then when you need it again, pop out the mouse and use on the extendable mouse pad

 

I don't think its a great idea.
The mobile world is moving towards lighter, smaller and cooler solutions.

This *invention* seems to be doing just the opposite, while providing minute practical benefits.

 

I'm just wondering why screwing a piece of plastic onto the bottom of a laptop is worthy of a patent.

 

What we really need is eye-tracking software through built-in webcams. The pointer would follow where your eyes are focused and you'd still have buttons for clicking.

It's novel enough. You'd be surprised.

 

as they say, the simple ideas are usually the best lol

 

i think a compartment would be better. you could slide the mouse pad in and out of a little slot - maybe eject it like the optical drive - that way it hides nicely inside the laptop
at least this way you dont have some weird thing hangin on the bottom of your computer

dont know about vents and stuff tho

 

It's an idea that's different, and it's a little more detailed than that. Heck, Amazon.com was able to patent "one click buying" without any technical details on how it would be implemented. Not all patents are for super drugs etc.

 

Trackball is a proper mouse for notebook users.

 

Notebook trackballs have been tried before but didn't catch on. Take a look at this old WinBook.

 

I'm not personally interested in something like that.. My question thought is what about the "feet" on notebooks interfering? I know that on my HEL-80 it's got pretty good height gain from them, so that board either makes my notebook lop-sided, or fits between the legs meaning it would have to either have a spring loaded pivot, or be a sliding style...

Pitabred, I know what you are thinking, but I'm already filling out paperwork to get patent rights for a peice of plastic that velcro's to my leg...

BTW.. My company will outsell his by 200% (two legs per 1 notebook? ) so get the stock while it's cheap!

 

I like the intent, but am not exactly in love with the execution. My main issue is having a semi-loose "flap" on the bottom of your notebook when it's not in use. When you reach into your bag or notebook sleeve to pull out your notebook, grabbing that side might make for an awkward grip.

But overall, I think he's on to something. I mean, where would be without inventors coming up with new stuff everyday?

 

Don't really think it's a great idea. Optical and laser mice work find on most surfaces anyway. It's been a while since I've seen somebody use a mouse with a mouse-pad. The trackpad isn't fundamentally so bad. Have you ever tried to use the Thinkpad trackpads? They are quite smooth and responsive. If all laptop makers invested in the same high quality components I think there'd be a lot fewer complaints about the trackpad.

 

I think there are better ideas out there....this one isn't that great at all.


For example what if you decided not to use it, wouldn't it cover up your air intake vents on the bottom of the notebook?

Heres an idea save whatever this will sell for I dunno $20 and use a Hardcover book....

I use my wireless optical mouse on my couch and it works fine..

 

A wireless optical mouse works great for me, so I don't personally see any advantage.....

When I don't have a "table/desk" type surface available for the mouse, I can use my pants leg, arm of a chair/couch, armrest in a vehicle, pretty much any surface except clear glass..... .

--Zip

 

its a good idea, sure. but its not going to revolutionize laptops or anything. its also not going to get rid of trackpads.

why not?

its not elegant. seriously. fix that, and you have gold.

 

Anyone remember the Omnibook with built in mouse?
http://member.hitel.net/~acteur/ob600c/ob_running.jpg

That was a better idea, imho.

 

how is this a good idea.

people want portability not extending their laptop by 10". how would that extra 10" affect you in class, or on the train home from work...

Good yet bad idea as touchpads are why laptops are portable.

"goodbye touchpad" ... ROFL

 

I also don't think this is a good idea.
It would be semi-useful in certain circumstances but here is the idea I have been toying with for about a year.


Basically it would be a pen type mouse but one that would fit over your first finger. Kind of like a tube and all of the internals would be located on the top of the finger and it being wireless (Bluetooth).
The tip would be resting on the finger nail using either a laser pickup and pressure sensitive area near the fingernail to act as a click point.

With this finger mouse you can still type on the keyboard and use it anywhere including your pants, next to the touchpad on the laptop, or even on the screen .

I had made up diagrams of this idea and is stored away somewhere but hopefully you get the idea.

 

there is no way this will fly. laptops would have to be engineered around this, and i don't see companies spending thousands if not millions of dollars for the R&D to have processors, cooling, and vents on one side of the laptop. furthermore, the optical mouse is just too versatile to have a gimmick attached to your laptop.

 

I think this is -- not-- a good ideal, like people have said it may cover your vents on the bottom. Plus it seems that you would have to lift up your notebook everytime to use it. I'd rather use the touchpad than this invention and a mouse.

 

Just gotta say, I far prefer the touchpad over a mouse. I've never liked using a mouse and have avoided it every where except at the library where I used to work.

I use the touchpad most of the time and find it to be adequate for web surfing and simple shockwave games (I don't play FPS's). If I'm doing graphic work, I find the touchpad and mouse both unacceptable and use an Intuos tablet.

 

Anyone thinking of buying into this should first seriously consider Optical mouse. With optical mouse you don't need a smooth flat surface, any surface will do....laptop palmrest, couch, chair, thigh, neighbours cheek, chest...if still no go then use the mighty touchpad.

 

...kangaroo, caterpillar, television, sweater, boob.

 

How about a proximity sensor (placed on the screen bezel) aimed towards your eyes that adjusts the movement of the mouse cursor?

 

I appreciate this guy's work and thoughts like this can challenge design to be better, but the reality is it's not commercially viable. Maybe as some sort of cooler add-on for people that really need such a thing, but most consumers won't find the need.

 

I'm thinking along the lines of what Fresh-Popcorn said. Except my idea is to simply wear a pointing device like a typical ring or wedding band. You could store it in a charging slot (hole, really) built into the computer, if you didn't want to wear it all the time.

It would use bluetooth to communicate and it'd simply detect finger taps the same way an in-ear microphone detects speech (i.e. vibrations though body).

 

I think a laptop mouse tray has to be model-specific so the manufacturers know which parts not to block and such. most of the mouse trays today are still being made for desktops though.... but here's a guide that can help, for those who are looking

 

Most people don't put their laptops on their laps. They use a table. So, I think the most sensible solution is by using a bluetooth mouse.

Now, if someone can invent a mouse pointer that can be controlled by your eyeballs and clicked by your mind, that would be the ultimate solution.

 

This idea is DOA. No one will want it, or use it. If I want a firm but portable mousing surface, I'll just bring one of these along.



I want my laptop as thin and as light as possible -- I don't need some dumb piece of plastic I'll never use attached to my laptop.

 

All I say is, they had better make it with a left handed version.