The great looking Microsoft Optical TrackBall (Microsoft Trackball Optical)

Member Name: James Ker

Product:	Microsoft Trackball Optical
Date:	19/07/01 (164 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great looking, 5 fully customisable buttons

Disadvantages: slightly flimsy

Most people either love or hate the thought of using a trackball.
The TrackBall Optical uses an optical sensor instead of moving parts like a ball. Therefore there is no fluff or dirt to remove or fiddly wheels to clean.
Like Microsoft's Intellimouse Explorer, this trackball boasts no fewer than 5 fully customisable buttons, including the scrowllwheel. If you are a traditional one-button mouse user you may hate this thought, but it does have its advantages. For example, you could have one button for a single click whilst reserving the other buttons for doing clever things like scrolling and to move you forward or backwards in a Web browser or configure the buttons in games, for eample in Unreal Tournament.
The buttons have good feedback and are well placed but they do feel flimsy. Also, some users may find that the base of their palm is placed down too low to use this trackball comfortable for long periods. However, this problem is easily fixed by wearing some kind of wrist strap.
The TrackBall Optical is physically attractive and light. Unlike the majority of rival products which require you to use your fingers, this trackball uses your thumb.

Summary: