Jeff's RSI Stuff

I have tried just about every keyboard, mouse, trackball, and any other input device imaginable. While I will discuss all of these in future entries, I want to discuss one particular trackball today.

I've tried perhaps two dozen different pointing devices. I've tried mice, trackballs, pens, and even a ring you wear on your finger. I even tried pedals for your feet. I find I have substantially less symptoms, when I use a trackball. The trouble is finding a trackball that is comfortable to use. Initially I used a Kensington "expert mouse" which was better than using a regular mouse, but not terrific.

Finally, I stumbled across the Microsoft Trackball Explorer. Without exception, this is been the most comfortable pointing device I've used. I don't want to get anybody's hopes up. It is not a cure-all, and I am still very limited in how much time I can use it. However, of the devices I've tried, this unit is by far the best.

What I like about it

"Stuff" that make this unit stand out:

• A ball that is operated with the fingers not the thumb.
• Totally optical (nothing to clean).
• A scroll wheel operated by the thumb.
• Lots of easy to reach, programmable, buttons.

The Dilemma

Microsoft has discontinued this product. They are very hard to find, although they can be found through some online retailers. Microsoft seems to be focusing on mice and not on trackballs. the trackballs that they do sell are operated by the thumb not the fingers. For me at least, this is much more stressful to the hands.

Most other manufacturers that produce trackballs also produce products that are thumb oriented as opposed to finger oriented. This trend is distressful to me. It seems like the manufacturers are moving away from ergonomics in a quest for what "looks cool".

Alternatives

Logitech manufactures a trackball operated by the fingers instead of the thumb. I have not tried one of these units yet. I am not optimistic however, as I've read numerous negative reviews of this unit.

In the coming weeks, I will address other pointing devices. In the meantime, I would suggest getting one of these before they are no longer available. They are available online from a number of retailers as well as eBay.

A Request

If you use this trackball and like it, please post a comment to that effect here. If I get enough of them, I will forward them to Microsoft. It is possible that if enough people show interest in the device, they will reconsider continuing this product or developing similar ones.