[Dalewyn]

>What is a mouse good for other than manipulating 2d objects?

Precise control.

I absolutely refuse to play an FPS or operate a productivity program (eg: Illustrator, Powerpoint) without a proper mouse. Trying to do that on a touchpad or a touchscreen is a hell I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemies.

[adrian_b]

I agree about mouse vs. touchpad and touchscreen.

Nevertheless, there are alternatives to a mouse. A trackball can have very similar precise control while being more comfortable (for a productivity program; less suitable for a FPS, because the fingers are slower than the hand).

A stylus on a graphic tablet used in mouse mode (i.e. relative mode) offers even faster and more precise control than any mouse.