What type of peripheral device allows control of the cursor on a laptop computer?

A touch pad is a built-in input device found on laptop computers that allows users to control the cursor by detecting the motion of their fingers on its surface. This functionality provides a convenient way to navigate the graphical user interface without the need for an external device. The touch pad typically supports gestures, enabling users to perform various operations, such as scrolling and zooming, by moving their fingers in specific patterns.

While a joystick, external mouse, and trackball can also control the cursor, they are not standard components of laptops, as these devices are usually considered peripherals. The touch pad, however, is integrated into the design of most laptops, making it the primary method for cursor control in these devices.