Review: Microsoft Trackball Explorer
It's not a mouse! Kai Chandler reviews Microsoft's latest mouse alternative.
| Product | Trackball Explorer |
|---|---|
| Company | Microsoft |
| Web | www.microsoft.com |
| Price | £49.99 including VAT |
| We like | Smooth action of optical ball. Five year warranty. |
| We don't like | Right handed use only |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
Trackballs
For anyone looking for an alternative to a mouse, the trackball has a lot to offer. The body of the trackball remains stationary on the computer desk and provides a rest for the palm of one's hand allowing one or two fingers to rotate the trackball. Primary and secondary buttons allow you to select objects and functions in much the same way as a conventional mouse.
Trackballs have several benefits over the mouse. Firstly, they are said to be easier on the upper limb than a mouse because the arm itself remains stationary. Trackballs may therefore be of interest to RSI or tendonitis suffers. Secondly, there's no need for a mouse mat so they work on any surface.
IntelliEye sensor technology
The Microsoft Trackball Explorer uses Microsoft's IntelliEye optical sensor that's also employed in the IntelliMouse Explorer range of mice. This comprises a tiny CMOS digital camera that takes 1,500 pictures per second of the patterned surface of the trackball. This compares with 6,000 pictures per second for the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer but in practice the difference is not likely to be noticeable. A digital signal processor then analyzes these pictures and translates movement of the ball into movement of the cursor on the computer screen. The great thing about this technology is that there are no rollers to clog up with dirt.
For right-handers only.
In appearance the mouse is a pleasing silvery grey with darker grey areas for the wheel and buttons. It's designed for right handed use only - it's a shame there's no alternative version for left hand use.
The trackball is powered by the USB port and the red LED lighting illuminates the trackball in a most pleasing way. It also works on a round mouse port (PS/2) via a small adapter supplied.
Apart from the trackball itself, there are four buttons and a wheel, programmable for different applications via the Intellipoint software supplied. For example: the same button can mean "Cut" in Word ... and "Insert Comment" in Excel. The side buttons on the right of the ball are set by default for easy forward and back Internet navigation but this can also be customised. Note that XP users will need to download the latest version from www.microsoft.com/mouse
Personal Preference
It's difficult to recommend a trackball over a mouse or vice versa as it's really down to personal preference, but whatever type of device you choose, there's no doubt that the IntelliEye sensor technology has something to offer. Although quite pricey at £49.99, Microsoft must be confident about the Trackball Explorer as it comes with a five year warranty.
