Home Accessories Trackball Pointing Devices
Trackball Pointing Devices

Trackball Pointing Devices

Trackballs provide a break from grasping and dragging a traditional mouse around the table. They also require less room to use than a mouse as they don't need table space to run around on.

CH Products

970 Park Center Drive

Vista, CA 92083

(760) 598-2518, Fax: (760) 598-2524

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Desktop Trackballs

DT225 Desktop Trackball

  • Ergonomic desktop design
  • 2.25" diameter Thermoset phenolic ball
  • USB interface available
  • Environmental Protection Classification (IP Rating): contact factory

CH Products' DT225 is designed for desktop applications requiring an ergonomic, space friendly pointing device. Available in either black or gray, the DT225 is available in USB, PS/2, and Serial. Widely used applications include graphic design, CAD/CAM workstations as well as PC gaming.

 

Evergreen Systems International

4740 Calle-Quetzal

Camarillo, CA 93012

(805) 445-6492. Fax: (805) 445-6494

http://www.trackballs.com

Trackballs

Evergreen Systems International is a manufacturer of high-resolution industrial/military grade trackball pointing devices. These devices replace the mouse in computer systems where rapid, accurate pointing functions are desired (CAD/CAM, graphics, workstations, kiosks, etc.), and in industrial/military computing and control environments where a mouse cannot be used due to space limitations, harsh environments, or other factors. All Evergreen products are manufactured in the USA at our plant located in Camarillo, California.

ITAC Systems, Inc.

3113 Benton Street

Garland, TX 75042

(800) 533-4822 or (972) 494-3073

Fax: (972)494-4159

http://www.mousetrak.com

Evolution Trackball

  • Compatible versions for PC, Mac, Sun, SGI, DEC, HP, and more
  • Estimated price: $99 - $199 (US and Canada only)
  • Available from: Pricing-Online Ordering

The most highly evolved mouse available today. Designed for use in ergonomic workstations by the most demanding power users.

  • Elevated integrated hand support for maximum stress reduction.
  • Six large keys positioned to fall under the fingers.
  • The four most heavily used mouse actions on keys next to the ball (helps those with small hands.)
  • Click, Double-Click, and Click & Drag without complicated driver setup.
  • Extremely light ball movement force reduces user effort.
  • Advanced users can reprogram the keys for single stroke Click, Double-Click, or Click & Drag for any of the three industry standard mouse keys without special drivers.
  • Can be configured for left or right handed users.
  • Reliable stainless steel shafts and bearings.
  • Evolution is big, in fact, it is so big that it uses nearly half the space required for your old mousepad.

Professional Mouse-Trak

  • Compatible versions for PC, Mac, Sun, SGI, DEC, HP, and more
  • Estimated price: $149 - $199 (US and Canada only)
  • Available from: Pricing-Online Ordering

Productivity tool specialized for professional CAD and UNIX users who need to be able to work continously for hours on end.

  • 60% less tiring than a wrist and elbow powered mouse.
  • Integrated hand support reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Middle Button is programmable for either auxillary click, left click-and-drag, or left double-click.
  • Click, Double-Click, and Click & Drag without complicated driver setup.
  • Includes a unique "scroll feature"
  • Extremely light ball movement force reduces user effort.
  • Fingertip controls reduce wrist and elbow fatigue.
  • Reliable stainless steel shafts and bearings.
  • Less than 1% of ITAC's mice require warranty service.

Comments About The Professional Mouse-Trak

I've heard really good things about ITAC's products, especially from the Unix users where the pointing devices have not always been all that great. I've been waiting for them to come out with a more stylized version, as their trackballs have been rather clunky looking. Their palmrest is actually higher than the ball, so it should make for comfortable use as long as the worksurface is not too high to start with. I'm a fan of large buttons, so I'll hold judgement on the multiple, smaller buttons that the Evolution has until I hear some feedback from users. -KSW-

Kensington Microware Limited

2855 Campus Drive

San Mateo, CA 94403

(800) 535-4242, Fax: (415) 572-9675

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

http://www.kensington.com

Kensington's line of trackball products have earned the largest number of awards in the industry's history. That's because of our commitment to combining the best hardware with the most up-to-date software features. Now, by matching our easy-to-use software with a new 4-button design, the best just got better. The new Expert Mouse and Turbo Mouse allow you to get more fingers in on the action. And its flexible, symmetrical trackball design fits any size hand.

Thanks to the large, weighted ball, precise cursor manipulation soon becomes second nature. And its four easy-to-click buttons are logically situated for effortless use by any number of fingers you like.

Computing just got easier with the award-winning MouseWorks software. It's easy single-click solution to all your repetitive tasks. Clicking less means you work faster and save time.

Kensington trackballs have long been a favorite of Mac users, and more recently PCs also. I currently (11/97) use an Expert Mouse, find the ball movement smooth (with an occasional cleaning), and I just love the new styling and four, large buttons. My main issue with the Expert and Turbo Mice (besides the fact they are not mice ), is that they have no built in palm supports. They are supposed to be coming with a card for a free wristrest - I'd encourage sending it in, or using another favorite wristrest, if you have lazy wrists (like me - yes I know better . . .) and rest them on the table. -KSW-

Logitech

6505 Kaiser Dr.

Fremont, CA 94555

(800) 231-7717 or (510) 795-8100

http://www.logitech.com

Marble Trackball

  • Compatiblity: PC and Mac
  • Estimated price: $79.94 (PC), $99.95 (Mac)
  • Availablity: Retail (Where to Buy)

Logitech's TrackMan® Marble trackball offers unmatched reliability, precision and performance in a comfortable design. Patented Marble® technology replaces mechanical motion recording with optical tracking to enhance precision, reduce wear and ensure smooth tracking. Resistant to dust and dirt, the thumb-controlled trackball doesn't require regular cleaning, and provides fast, precise cursor movement. Since it's a trackball, it doesn't take large arm movements to get cursor motion. Customize the three buttons for personalized performance, double-click, draglock or give other commands with a single button click. Or, assign a button to scroll easily in Windows® 95 and Microsoft® Office® 97, or on the web.

TrackMan Trackball

  • Compatiblity: Windows 95, Windows 3.1 and DOS
  • Estimated price: $49.95
  • Availablity: Retail (Where to Buy)

Save desk space and gain comfort with the TrackMan trackball. Rotate the trackball with just one finger. The innovative rounded sloping design places the buttons under your fingers - two on top and a handy side thumb button. Since it's a trackball, TrackMan stays put, and you get efficient cursor motion without any large arm movements on your part. Scroll in Windows 95 and Office 97. Use the included MouseWare software to customize buttons with one-click commands, such as draglock, double-click, cut, paste, and other frequently used commands.

Comments About Logitech Trackballs

The Marble Trackball has a very smooth ball movement and its shape fits my hand very well (but I'm not saying I am the norm). I have heard good words from Marble users and have had little difficulty with it myself. For long-term use there is a concern by ergonomist-types that there could be a potential problem with overuse of the thumb. The thumb is the strongest digit of the hand, but not necessarily known for its precision. I personally had no problems navigating programs with the Marble, but found myself pressing too hard on its palmrest and causing fatigue. Thus, it is important to watch how the pointing devices are used as well as their design characteristics.

The TrackMan is a little closer to what ergonomists are looking for in a trackball. Its larger, centered ball allows it to be manipulated with the index and middle finger, which are better fit for the fine ball movements used on trackballs. Not having yet used this device, I'm unsure which fingers are used with the two top buttons. However, I would avoid constant use of the weaker ring and pinky fingers. As the trackball is not picked up, use of the thumb button makes a lot of sense. -KSW-

Microsoft Corporation

One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

800-426-9400 (Microsoft Customer Service)

IntelliMouse Trackball

  • Windows Compatible
  • Estimated price: $84.95
  • Microsoft's Where to Buy Webpage

IntelliMouse Trackball has been designed to leverage the success of the IntelliMouse by incorporating the wheel technology in a trackball format. Utilizing the finger instead of the thumb to manipulate the trackball, the IntelliMouse TrackBall is ergonomically designed for greater user comfort. The trackball format allows users to conserve desktop space by allowing the user's hand to remain in a stationary position.

Clearly Superior Technologies

Pc-Trac trackball

The large, high-density ball and shape of the Pc-Trac case act as a natural hand rest that mirrors the contour of the hand. Combined with the special "Ambidextrous" feature, the Pc-Trac trackball accommodates both right and left-handed users and hands of all sizes. No need to move your arm or rotate your wrist from side to side. You will enjoy this desktop trackball's ability to dynamically accelerate across the screen as you turn the ball faster!

Made in America with only the highest quality components and materials, Clearly Superior trackballs (formerly produced by Microspeed Inc.) have a reputation for reliability and performance. The large precision-ground ball and mirror-finished rollers deliver "smooth-as-silk" feel and effortless control.

These easy to use, large trackballs are well suited for those with disabilities and physical handicaps. CST also offers "switch adapted" trackball models that allow the use of external switches for persons with motor control disabilities.