A color measurement apparatus is adapted as an attachment for a personal
computing system. An interface integral to the color measurement
apparatus couples the color measurement apparatus to the personal
computing system. A computer pointing device integral to the color
measurement apparatus provides a pointer input for the personal computing
system. A spectral sensing device integral to the color measurement
apparatus measures light received via an input port in a plurality of
spectral bands. A light source integral to the color measurement
apparatus emits light external to the color measurement apparatus. The
color measurement apparatus is operable in first, second and third modes
of operation. In the first mode of operation, the computer pointing
device provides pointer input of a user to the personal computing system.
In the second mode of operation, the spectral sensing device measures
light generated by a display of the personal computing system. In the
third mode of operation, the light source provides light to a printed
object printed by a printer coupled to the personal computing system and
the spectral sensing device is adapted to receive and measure light that
is returned from the printed object.