kaled - 10:24 am on Jul 19, 2008 (gmt 0)

A mouse requires small movements and can be easily positioned. Touch-screens will never replace the mouse (even on laptops) because far larger movements are needed (so it is slower, harder and more likely to cause RSI in the shoulder). Also, the screen gets covered in fingerprints.

The mouse/touchpad/trackpoint concept will survive for as long as large screens survive. If we move to little screens mounted like spectacles, then a replacement may be necessary (for the keyboard too).

In specialist and ultra-portable devices, touch screens (and other technologies) will always be useful but not in PCs as we know them today.

Kaled.
Personally, I think the trackpoint is best pointing device.