input device
    n 1: a device that can be used to insert data into a computer or
         other computational device [syn: data input device,
         input device]

input device

    A peripheral used to transfer data from the
   outside world into a computer system.  Some input devices are
   operated directly by the user, e.g. keyboard, mouse,
   touch screen, joystick, digitising tablet, microphone;
   others are sensors or transducers which convert external
   signals into data, e.g. using an ananlog to digital
   converter (this would also be true of a microphone).  Other
   kinds of inputs are really one half of a bidirectional link
   with another computer or storage device, e.g. serial line,
   SCSI interface.

   (1996-11-03)