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Input Devices

Exam code: 2210
Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

Input Devices

Input Devices

What is an Input Device?

  • Input devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer system

  • They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the computer then processes to produce an output

Types of input devices

Device

What It Does

Where It Is Used

Why It Is Used

Barcode Scanner

  • Reads barcodes to capture product information

  • Supermarkets

  • Warehouses

  • Libraries

  • Quickly and accurately retrieves product details for stock and checkout

Digital Camera

  • Captures photographs or videos as digital images

  • Photography

  • Smartphones

  • Webcams

  • High-quality visual content

Keyboard

  • Inputs text and commands by pressing keys

  • Computers

  • Tablets

  • Laptops

  • Type documents

  • Enter data

  • Control software

Microphone

  • Captures analogue sound and converts it into digital signals

  • Recording studios

  • Smartphones

  • Computers

  • Audio recording

  • Voice communication

Optical Mouse

  • Moves the cursor on the screen based on hand movements over a surface

  • Computers

  • Laptops

  • Precise control and navigation on a computer screen

QR Code Scanner

  • Reads QR codes to access stored information

  • Retail shops

  • Mobile apps

  • Quickly retrieves data from QR codes

  • Website links or product information

Touch Screen (Resistive)

  • Detects touch by pressing a flexible screen layer

  • ATMs

  • Older smartphones and tablets

  • Direct interaction with the device

Touch Screen (Infra-red)

  • Detects touch by interrupting infrared light beams across the screen

  • Kiosks

  • Large touch displays

  • Accurate touch detection

  • Works well in various lighting conditions

Touch Screen (Capacitive)

  • Detects touch through changes in electrical charge on the screen surface

  • Modern smartphones

  • Tablets

  • Touch monitors

  • Smooth, responsive touch experience with multi-touch capabilities

Two-Dimensional (2D) Scanner

  • Captures flat, 2D images of documents or photos

  • Offices

  • Libraries

  • Schools

  • Digitises documents and photos for storage, editing, or sharing

Three-Dimensional (3D) Scanner

  • Captures detailed 3D shapes and dimensions of objects

  • Manufacturing

  • Design

  • Medical imaging

  • Creates digital models of objects for design, analysis, or reproduction

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