Waterproof touch panel device and portable computer with the same

A waterproof touch panel device and a portable computer with such a device is disclosed. The touch panel device, used as a pointing device for electronic appliances, has a sealing structure capable of preventing any introduction of liquid into system housing of an electronic appliance even when liquid is unexpectedly introduced to the touch panel device. That is, a sealing sheet, such as a soft rubber sheet, is closely interposed between the system housing and the touch panel device, thus almost completely preventing liquid from being introduced into the system housing through the touch panel device and allowing a user to use a soft touch while operating the select buttons of the touch panel device with the fingers. The above touch panel device is more preferably used with portable computers, such as a laptop computer, a notebook computer or a palmtop computer.