Say goodbye to your mouse and keyboard!

flickr image by Steve Rhodes

Once upon a time, computers were difficult, cumbersome machines. Our only way of interacting with them was by the humble keyboard. Thankfully, Apple then brought us the mouse and what a revolution that was. The mouse started the GUI renaissance; we could now manipulate icons, images and video, almost anything ON SCREEN without having to remember irritating key combinations. What a brave new world this was. The mouse has lived happily side-by-side with us ever since. Until now, that is.

It's ironic that the company that brought us the mouse will now be responsible for sending it to the junk yard of gadget history. Earlier this month, Apple unveiled its newest and exciting bit of tech, the iPad. This mouse-basher is a touch-screen affair, with only one button, much like its iPhone. Many believe the iPad will change how all of us use and interact with PC's forever. Sit the iPad next to any modern quad-core, keyboard/touchpad endowed laptop, and you'll be amazed how the iPad makes it look positively antique with its sexy curves and multi-touch interface. The iPad hopes to replace your laptop, netbook even your desktop soon. Good for Apple, but is it good for us? Only time will tell.

Whatever happens, it would seem that the touchscreen is enjoying its time in the limelight, with Microsoft releasing Windows 7 with touchscreen capability, and with other companies rushing out new touchscreen devices all the time, it will only be a matter of time before the gentle, peaceful clicking of busy mice and the finger-prodding rumble of keyboards will become a thing of the past.