Mice, Trackballs & Pointing Devices > Trackball Mice, Trackballs & Pointing Devices

Advantages: Great for RSI prevention at the wrist, very easy to use and lots of features
Disadvantages: Can be difficult to get the hang of initially (be patient!), uses batteries

I have used this mouse pretty much since they came out - having been a physiotherapist myself I am all too aware of the risk of RSI, and I use computers an awful lot (I now work in IT, so 9 hours a day at work and at least 3-6+ hours at home) and have this mouse both at work and at home. The mouse itself does not move, it sits on your desk (therefore no need for wearing a hole in the desk or using a mousemat) and "talks" to your computer via a rounded ...
...in line of sight, I have mine sitting behind my keyboard and on top of my montior at work and home respectively and never have any problems with signal strength. Be aware that it will take you a week or so to get used to using this mouse, particularly if you've never used a trackball before. Major advantage is other people won't be as likely to use your machine unless they too like/use trackballs!!!!! I certainly would never go back to using a ... Read review

Advantages: Reduced risk of RSI , Quicker than a mouse and better for games!
Disadvantages: Not as accurate in Graphics packages such as Photoshop , Paintshop pro!

...ago and its called the Logitech Trackman Marble - I've had mine for7 years now and I have never had a problem with it yet so that says a lot for its sturdiness and electrical reliability - I havent had a conventional mouse last for more than 3 years tops! If you havent tried one yet - go out, buy it , stay with it for a couple of weeks and you'll never use anything but a trackball in future believe me! Ive tried many trackballs but if you want ... Read review

Advantages: No mouse mat needed, Stationary operation, Helps prevent R.S.I
Disadvantages: May require regualr cleaning

The Kensington Orbit Elite Trackball is by far the best mouse I have used. Over the years it is easy to get throught mice as they become dirty and clogged up. This one is different and the manufacturer must also believe in the product as it comes with a 5 year warranty. I have had mine for about 3 years now and there is slight wear on the left mouse button, however the rubber panel that runs down the middle of the device is showing no wear or tear ...
...you are one for eating at your computer as crumbs and dirt on your hands will stick to the ball and find its way on to the runners inside the mouse. I find that taking the mouse apart and cleaning it throughout has and will preserve the life of the device and make it funtion at its best. There is no need for a mouse mat as the mouse stays stationary, therefore reducing the potential of incuring R.S.I in the long term. The device requires far less ... Read review

Advantages: Ergonomic, easy to use, reduces strain on wrist
Disadvantages: Only suitable for right-handed, no extra buttons

I originally got the logitech trackman wheel to relieve the pain in my wrist (from using a mouse too often) as the only part that needs moving is the thumb. I've got to say it really helped. It is much more relaxing to use than a standard mouse - the trackball is actually very smooth. It did take a couple of days to get used to and get a feel for it but in the end it was definitely worth it. Regarding accuracy, I wouldn't use it to play FPS but ... Read review

Advantages: Size, ergonomics
Disadvantages: Price, drivers, compatibility, customer support, noisy

While the actual trackball is an excellent piece of equipement (big, ergonomic, plenty of buttons), everything else is quite wrong when you buy it. The price is probably double what it should be, and for that money you get a very lousy customer support: no answers, or automated answers that don\'t pertain to the problem. Another problem is that the drivers are poorly designed and have plenty of conflicts with dotnet applications, like random crashes, ... Read review