basic mice

On the outside, the Microsoft Trackball Optical may look pleasing. With its ring of red light, its perfectly shaded gray exterior, and a nice curve to it, you might wonder how this beautiful mouse might possibly be flawed...well, let's just say that it certainly has its share of them!

Let's begin with the trackball itself. This trackball, so far, has worked moderately well; however, on occasion, especially during quick scrolling, this ball has "stalled" on me. That is, it stopped during the middle of scrolling, forcing me to re-shift my finger and continue. On other occasions, the trackball has actually shifted off of the sidebar (although this may have something to do with me then with the mouse...) It's not fastened into its socket, which I find a tad questionable. Is this for cleaning purposes, if so, why? As of yet I have not run into any dust problems or whatever else.

Now, moving on to the button functions. Although the two side "back" and "forward" buttons may seem convenient, they most certainly are not. Their size just limits the accessibility of the two regular function buttons. Add to that the fact that I never use them (I constantly find myself going up to the "back" and "forward" buttons on my Internet Explorer menu) and you've got some problems. Like I said above, because of the two small "back" and "forward" buttons, I've had several difficulties with clicking on the main function buttons. When I go to click on it, I click on the "back" or "forward" button instead; this can become irritating. Lastly, the scroll button I've had no problems with. I don't use it that often, but when I do I have never had problems yet.

I purchased this mouse while it was on sale, so, as of so far, it's been worth the value. However, I'm sure there are much better options out there, especially if you're looking for another trackball. However, if like me, you can obtain this mouse for relatively cheap, by all means buy it. Rating: 3 Stars

As an electrical engineer, I spend countless hours working on the computer. I started to develop pain in my right wrist that I figured was likely due to grasping the mouse. A friend suggested switching to a track-ball. I bought this item, and now have no pain in my wrists! I highly recommend this item because it essentially eliminates the squeezing motion linked to ordinary mice. I actually prefer using the trackball over a regular mouse, it has a much more fluid movement. If you are looking to this item because your wrist is hurting, I think you will be happy.

It takes a few hours to get used to the change, but once you conquer that you'll wish you switched earlier. It has two extra buttons which are a great idea for surfing the web, they let you jump forward and back through web sites with no effort, further eliminating wrist movement. If you like you can set them for other tasks, but I like the default. The scroll wheel is really nice. It moves very smoothly and quietly.

I gave it four out of five stars because I could not get the mouse to work through the USB port of my workstation, but I think that problem is linked to Windows 2000's lackluster USB support. Linux had no problem getting it to work through the USB, neither did Windows 98. Microsoft's Intellimouse software (that comes with the trackball, or can be downloaded from the web) is nicely refined.

Well, my first thought on the TrackBall was hmm, wonder if i can get used to using it. Well i must say it was very easy to do, the mouse moves very nicely no "jumps". I'm Not sure why i have read that most people have a problem with hand oils and dirt getting into the mouse (unless they have never ever washed their hands) i dont sit at the computer eating potato chips and then grab for the TrackBall so this isnt a problem for me. Its a perfect device, no problems with it jumping around and moving slowly. buy it and try it, its cheap enough and well worth the money, (yes the ball comes out "if" you need to clean it)