Browsing: Problems with mouse                    <sum10 1 10>
=============================

        Many contemporary views of computer suggest mice are essential,
        especially for browsing hypertext.  I disagree because:

        Speed    - My typing is 10 times faster than clicking a mouse on
                   displayed letters or selecting hypertext.  <link05 1 9>

        Natural  - People instinctively use the cursor control system adopted
                   by word processors and HyperRez.         <link05 1 10>

        Physical - The physical effort to move a mouse is magnitudes
                   greater than pressing arrow keys.        <link05 1 11>

        Mental   - The hand-eye mental coordination required to locate, then
                   click on a specified location is exhausting if compared to
                   the Up/Dn arrows that automatically highlight each jump.

        Recall   - The arrow selection approach includes memory of the
                   position in the text of the previous jump, serving as
                   an automatic place marker.  These Left-arrow place markers
                   are essential to systematic exploration of networks.
                                                          (Press PgDn)


Commentary
==========

        The benefits of arrow browsing also applies to graphic as well as
        textual information.  With graphic information, I include 5-7 callouts
        (short descriptive text) using the Up/Dn arrows to highlight each in
        turn, and the Right arrow to select -- all easier and faster than using
        a mouse!

        Why are callouts so important?

        First.  In eye-movement and readership studies, picture captions and
        callouts are the first elements noticed, and consequently a most
        important component in graphic information.

        Second.  Callouts automatically identify both the purpose of and
        the important abstractions contained in the graphic information.

Conclusion
==========

        I prefer arrows over mice for effective browsing of hypertext!