Couldn't Function Without My Trackball Mouse

I realized the other day that most of my friends are still using the "classic" style of computer mouse, the kind you have to move all over the desk. I haven't used one of those in years.

It's hard to imagine having to physically move a mouse around to play games, trade forex, design graphics, or even surf the internet. Especially with two 22" monitors. I often need to move the pointer across an enormous chunk of space really quick, and having to move a mouse around on my desk would drive me mad. At least the newer optical/laser models had better sensitivity, and got rid of those ridiculous mouse "pads" from back in the day, and the dust-collecting rubber balls. Those seem like humorous relics of a different era. Stories to tell our kids.

Anyway, I just want you to know that my trackball mouse is awesome, and warn you about some issues with other models.

Honestly, a lot of trackball mice are horrible. The biggest problem is many of them require you to use your fingers to move the ball rather than your thumb. This is a very poor design if you ask me, having the ball where your fingertips rest. As you can see by looking at your fingers, they have hinged joints that move back and forth in a straight line, and will cramp after a few minutes of side-to-side motion. However, your thumb is jointed differently and moves in all directions. Fingers are better for clicking buttons, so why would you want them on the trackball?

The most bizarre design has the ball stuck right in the middle, under your palm, with buttons around the edges. Moving the ball around with your palm requires you to move your entire arm, which is no advantage over traditional mice. It's the most spastic way to move anything, ever. And since your whole hand is moving around to spin the trackball, your fingers are also moving around instead of resting on any buttons. If you see one of these, throw it in the nearest lake or river, quick.

If you want to try a trackball mouse, get the Logitech Trackman Wheel. When you rest your hand on this mouse, your thumb lands on the ball, and your 1st and 2nd fingers each rest on a button (with a scroll wheel/3rd button in between). You can whip the cursor across a vast distance instantly, yet you'll be amazed by the precise tracking. The ball pops out easily so you can wipe off your potato chip grime. You don't even need the included Logitech software, as your O/S mouse settings are more than adequate to fine tune it. Straight out of the box it works on any Mac or PC. It's a right-handed USB device, and also comes with a ps/2 port adapter.

Check your favorite online store, or go here: Tiger Direct