A low profile pointing device for personal computers includes a thin elongate case for insertion in a PC Card slot and defining a cavity therein. A frame forms one surface of the case and defines an opening therethrough. A slidable plate is disposed within the cavity and is translatably supported in a plane parallel to the frame. A portion of the slidable plate is accessible through said frame opening. At least one motion sensor is mounted within the case and is coupled with the slidable plate for sensing movement of the plate and converting the sensed movements into electrical data signals. A communication interface transmits data signals between the motion sensor and the computer.