I'll never go back!! (Microsoft Trackball Explorer)

Member Name: Indialk

Product:	Microsoft Trackball Explorer
Date:	28/09/03 (472 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything

Disadvantages: Price

This has to be one of the oddest looking trackball mice on the market, but it works like a dream. Having tried both a thumb and finger trackball I have to say the finger operated one works best for me. The shape supports the whole hand in a gentle position (although I also use a wrist rest with it) and the scroll wheel, and button configuration are really ergonomically designed. One thing I noticed in particular is how comfortable the large trackball is. Due to the size it is quite easy to shift the cursor around the screen with minimal effort on the fingers. The thumb sits perfectly on the right button (which is curved so the thumb rests in a natural position) and scroll wheel although I think the left button could have been situated a little further back the body of the mouse, but maybe I have a short thumb! The back and forward buttons are positioned just under the last two fingers and are dipped so that the finger-pads sit neatly in position. The trackball can sometimes stick a little but it’s easy to pop it out and clean around the tiny connection points where the ball sits. From the view point of different uses its excellent for design work as the ball can be controlled more precisely in Art and Design software packages. It can be used effectively for gaming (I love Unreal Tournament so have put this trackball through its paces) but it takes a bit of practice. On the whole I can’t recommend this trackball mouse enough, the ergonomical design and quality speak for themselves. The only set back is the price (it ranges from £29.99 to £49.99 depending on the retailer). If you are considering a change from the usual mouse its and expensive gamble but if you prefer trackballs then it’s a worthwhile investment. Personally I will never go back to a regular mouse and I’m tempted to buy a spare in case this model goes out of production. Another good feature is Microsoft provide a 5 Year warranty on this item.

The only problem I had is i
t took me two days to stop trying to push the mouse around the desk and get used to the trackball operation!

Summary: