Abstract: A general-purpose computer has a compartment for storing a pointer, device such as a mouse or a trackball, such that the may be removed from the compartment and deployed for use. The device may be a mouse, a trackball, or other type, and may communicate with the host computer by a cable, an infra-red system, ar by an inductively coupled system. In one embodiment the computer has a broadcast pointer system, and the device includes any conventional writing instrument or stylus, fitted with an echo device encapsulated in a body having an engagement element for mounting the echo device to the conventional writing instrument or stylus.