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Trackballs provide a break from grasping and dragging a traditional mouse around the table. They also require less room to use than a mouse as they don't need table space to run around on.

CH Products

970 Park Center Drive

Vista, CA 92083

(760) 598-2518, Fax: (760) 598-2524

sales@chproducts.com

http://www.chproducts.com/pcgear6b.html

Serial, PS2, Bus, Macintosh, Amiga, Sun, and ACCESS.bus versions

Estimated price is $69-$95

Available direct, distributers, and retial, also Safe Computing

TRACKBALL PRO is a great alternative to the traditional mouse and saves valuable desk space. It's also a professional pointing device for desktop publishing, CAD/CAM, and games. It's especially well suited for mouse based applications like Microsoft Windows. Using TRACKBALL PRO is effortless, fluid and fast. Movement control is heightened by our four button design which offers maximum click and click-lock versatility. With the smallest movement of your fingertips or palm, the cursor accelerates across the screen or zeroes in on a precise point. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked: Nov'97)

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Evergreen Systems International

4740 Calle-Quetzal

Camarillo, CA 93012

(805) 445-6492. Fax: (805) 445-6494

http://www.trackballs.com/

Evergreen Systems International is a manufacturer of high-resolution industrial/military grade trackball pointing devices. These devices replace the mouse in computer systems where rapid, accurate pointing functions are desired (CAD/CAM, graphics, workstations, kiosks, etc.), and in industrial/military computing and control environments where a mouse cannot be used due to space limitations, harsh environments, or other factors. All Evergreen products are manufactured in the USA at our plant located in Camarillo, California. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked: Mar'00)

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ITAC Systems, Inc.

3113 Benton Street

Garland, TX 75042

(800) 533-4822 or (972) 494-3073

Fax: (972)494-4159

http://www.mousetrak.com/

Compatible versions for PC, Mac, Sun, SGI, DEC, HP, and more

Estimated price: $99 - $199 (US and Canada only)

Available from: Pricing-Online Ordering

The most highly evolved mouse available today. Designed for use in ergonomic workstations by the most demanding power users. Elevated integrated hand support for maximum stress reduction.

Six large keys positioned to fall under the fingers.

The four most heavily used mouse actions on keys next to the ball (helps those with small hands.)

Click, Double-Click, and Click & Drag without complicated driver setup.

Extremely light ball movement force reduces user effort.

Advanced users can reprogram the keys for single stroke Click, Double-Click, or Click & Drag for any of the three industry standard mouse keys without special drivers.

Can be configured for left or right handed users.

Reliable stainless steel shafts and bearings.

Evolution is big, in fact, it is so big that it uses nearly half the space required for your old mousepad. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

PC and Mac Compatible

Estimated price: $89 (US and Canada only)

Available from: Pricing-Online Ordering

Specialization drives evolution! The Personal Mouse-Trak is specialized for Microsoft Office applications. The center button is dedicated to the two things users do most, left button Click and Drag or left button Double Click. It makes using office applications simple. 60% less tiring than a wrist and elbow powered mouse.

Integrated soft foam hand support.

Click, Double-Click, and Click & Drag without complicated driver setup.

Middle button is preprogrammed for left button functions only.

Reliable stainless steel shafts and bearings.

Less than 1% of ITAC's mice require warranty service.

FCC Class B and CE Mark certified.

(see website for more manufacturer product information)

Compatible versions for PC, Mac, Sun, SGI, DEC, HP, and more

Estimated price: $149 - $199 (US and Canada only)

Available from: Pricing-Online Ordering

Productivity tool specialized for professional CAD and UNIX users who need to be able to work continously for hours on end. 60% less tiring than a wrist and elbow powered mouse.

Integrated hand support reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Middle Button is programmable for either auxillary click, left click-and-drag, or left double-click.

Click, Double-Click, and Click & Drag without complicated driver setup.

Includes a unique "scroll feature"

Extremely light ball movement force reduces user effort.

Fingertip controls reduce wrist and elbow fatigue.

Reliable stainless steel shafts and bearings.

Less than 1% of ITAC's mice require warranty service. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

Comments

I've heard really good things about ITAC's products, especially from the Unix users where the pointing devices have not always been all that great. I've been waiting for them to come out with a more stylized version, as their trackballs have been rather clunky looking. Their palmrest is actually higher than the ball, so it should make for comfortable use as long as the worksurface is not too high to start with. I'm a fan of large buttons, so I'll hold judgement on the multiple, smaller buttons that the Evolution has until I hear some feedback from users. -KSW-

Miscellaneous

(Information last checked: Nov'97)

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Kensington Microware Limited

2855 Campus Drive

San Mateo, CA 94403

(800) 535-4242, Fax: (415) 572-9675

info@kensington.com

http://www.kensington.com/products/

PC and Mac Compatible

Expert Mouse - $69.99

Turbo Mouse - $119.95

Kensington's Where to Buy Webpage

Kensington's line of trackball products have earned the largest number of awards in the industry's history. That's because of our commitment to combining the best hardware with the most up-to-date software features. Now, by matching our easy-to-use software with a new 4-button design, the best just got better. The new Expert Mouse and Turbo Mouse allow you to get more fingers in on the action. And its flexible, symmetrical trackball design fits any size hand. Thanks to the large, weighted ball, precise cursor manipulation soon becomes second nature. And its four easy-to-click buttons are logically situated for effortless use by any number of fingers you like. Computing just got easier with the award-winning MouseWorks software. It's easy single-click solution to all your repetitive tasks. Clicking less means you work faster and save time. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

PC and Mac Compatible

Estimated price is $59.99

Kensington's Where to Buy Webpage

Everything you want in mouse plus the benefits of a trackball. Orbit looks like a mouse. Feels like a mouse. And is as easy to use as a mouse. But Orbit is a trackball. So there is less hand and arm movement. More comfort and control. And because Orbit stays in one spot, you save valuble desk space. Orbit is clearly one of the hottest new input device products on the market - but don't just take our word for it, check out Orbit's awards and reviews. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

Comments

Kensington trackballs have long been a favorite of Mac users, and more recently PCs also. I currently (11/97) use an Expert Mouse, find the ball movement smooth (with an occasional cleaning), and I just love the new styling and four, large buttons. My main issue with the Expert and Turbo Mice (besides the fact they are not mice <g>), is that they have no built in palm supports. They are supposed to be coming with a card for a free wristrest - I'd encourage sending it in, or using another favorite wristrest, if you have lazy wrists (like me - yes I know better . . .) and rest them on the table. -KSW-

(Information last checked: Nov'97)

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Logitech

6505 Kaiser Dr.

Fremont, CA 94555

(800) 231-7717 or (510) 795-8100

http://www.logitech.com/

Compatiblity: PC and Mac

Estimated price: $79.94 (PC), $99.95 (Mac)

Availablity: Retail (Where to Buy)

Logitech's TrackMan� Marble trackball offers unmatched reliability, precision and performance in a comfortable design. Patented Marble� technology replaces mechanical motion recording with optical tracking to enhance precision, reduce wear and ensure smooth tracking. Resistant to dust and dirt, the thumb-controlled trackball doesn't require regular cleaning, and provides fast, precise cursor movement. Since it's a trackball, it doesn't take large arm movements to get cursor motion. Customize the three buttons for personalized performance, double-click, draglock or give other commands with a single button click. Or, assign a button to scroll easily in Windows� 95 and Microsoft� Office� 97, or on the web. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

Compatiblity: Windows 95, Windows 3.1 and DOS

Estimated price: $49.95

Availablity: Retail (Where to Buy)

Save desk space and gain comfort with the TrackMan trackball. Rotate the trackball with just one finger. The innovative rounded sloping design places the buttons under your fingers - two on top and a handy side thumb button. Since it's a trackball, TrackMan stays put, and you get efficient cursor motion without any large arm movements on your part. Scroll in Windows 95 and Office 97. Use the included MouseWare software to customize buttons with one-click commands, such as draglock, double-click, cut, paste, and other frequently used commands. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

Comments

The Marble Trackball has a very smooth ball movement and its shape fits my hand very well (but I'm not saying I am the norm). I have heard good words from Marble users and have had little difficulty with it myself. For long-term use there is a concern by ergonomist-types that there could be a potential problem with overuse of the thumb. The thumb is the strongest digit of the hand, but not necessarily known for its precision. I personally had no problems navigating programs with the Marble, but found myself pressing too hard on its palmrest and causing fatigue. Thus, it is important to watch how the pointing devices are used as well as their design characteristics.

The TrackMan is a little closer to what ergonomists are looking for in a trackball. Its larger, centered ball allows it to be manipulated with the index and middle finger, which are better fit for the fine ball movements used on trackballs. Not having yet used this device, I'm unsure which fingers are used with the two top buttons. However, I would avoid constant use of the weaker ring and pinky fingers. As the trackball is not picked up, use of the thumb button makes a lot of sense. -KSW-

(Information last checked: Nov'97)

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Microsoft Corporation

One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

800-426-9400 (Microsoft Customer Service)

http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/inputdev.htm

Windows Compatible

Estimated price: $84.95

Microsoft's Where to Buy Webpage

IntelliMouse Trackball has been designed to leverage the success of the IntelliMouse by incorporating the wheel technology in a trackball format. Utilizing the finger instead of the thumb to manipulate the trackball, the IntelliMouse TrackBall is ergonomically designed for greater user comfort. The trackball format allows users to conserve desktop space by allowing the user's hand to remain in a stationary position. IntelliPoint Software Features (see website for more manufacturer product information)

Miscellaneous

(Information last checked: Nov'97)

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MicroSpeed

2495 Industrial Pkwy West

Hayward, CA 94545-5007

(510( 259-1270, Fax: (510) 259-1291

http://www.microspeed.com/

http://www.microspeed.com/newsite/index.html

Compatible: PC

The WinTRAC trackball gives you increased productivity and a new degree of control over your Windows applications without having to learn obscure commands. Highlight the menu bar and select actions without moving the cursor from the current working location via the TrackWHEEL. WinTRAC is AWARE of the windows application that is currently operating. The included WinTRAC utility provides application sensing so the WinTRAC will automatically change its PROFILE as you move from one window to another. Thumb through a document on your favorite word processor; flip between detailed and consolidated reports on your favorite spreadsheet; and select a drawing tool without repositioning the cursor in your favorite graphics program. Default application specific PROFILES are included for the Windows versions of WinWord, Excel, Write, and Paintbrush. An ICON on the desktop will both remind you of settings for specific applications as well as allow you to taylor those settings or create new ones to meet your own specific needs. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked: Nov'97)

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Mouse Systems Corporation

47505 Seabridge Drive

Fremont, CA 94538

(510) 656-1117

info@mousesystems.com

http://www.mousesystems.com

PC Trackball II - The award winning PC Trackball II glides through your applications with a smooth and solid feel. Praised for its "smooth operation". The PC Trackball II gives you the comfort and control you've been looking for. With it, you'll navigate through your most demanding applications with sure-footed ease.

The PC Trackball II's sleek ergonomics make it the optimum choice for hours of comfortable use. Its outstanding accuracy, comfort, and space- saving design means you'll be more efficient and productive.

Our trackball software turns your pointing devices into smart pointing tools. You can customize the way you use your Mouse Systems products. A3 Trackball - Programmable 3-button trackball for your Mac! If you're looking for greater control, pinpoint accuracy and absolute comfort, get your hands on the A3 Trackball. You'll be amazed at its smooth fingertip control and high resolution accuracy. Plus, the A3 Trackball's sleek, ergonomic curves support your hand naturally for hours of comfortable use. (see website for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked: Nov'97)

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