Microsoft TrackballOptical
by
susiewho
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in Pets, Home and Garden at Epinions.com
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Dec 10, 2000
Pros:
no wrist movement needed
Cons:
have to relearn mouse use
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Having developed a painful "computer linked" wrist problem my husband and I began looking at Microsoft products for a replacement mouse. We came across the Microsoft Trackball Optical. I needed a mouse that didn't require moving and one that would keep my wrist in a comfortable "at rest" position.
After consulting with my orthopoedist to find out (like I didn't know) what was causing me to have wrist pain, I was advised to take Naprosyn spend less time at the computer and find a different mouse. Well, spending less time wasn't going to happen but I'm on Naprosyn and as a Christmas present my hubby got me the IntelliEye Microsoft Trackball Optical Mouse.(Staples $39.99, 3 yr. warranty). The mouse box will be wrapped and put under the tree but I had to have the mouse itself early so I could see if it worked and because I was having that nasty wrist problem. No, all the other presents under the tree have full boxes,rest easy Santa.
Its is thumb controlled, there is a red, rim lit roller ball at your thumb position so you move your arrow using the ball rather than moving the entire mouse. It has an optical sensor that tracks movement at 1,500 times per second. Its an attractive charcoal gray and has a very aero dynamic look. The shape supports my wrist nicely unlike my old mouse.
It's extremely comfortable to use since I'm using no wrist movement. There are four "keys" and a roller key under your four fingers. The outer keys operate forward/back. The inner keys operate the right left action of the mouse. The center key is a roller that scrolls up/down and on harder tap will scroll more slowly up and down.
This takes some getting used to and for now its slowed me down some. ItÂ’s a very comfortable way to work its just different for me. I've only used the mouse that came with the AST that we use.
It was easy to install and program and they offer an online Microsoft Product Support Service www/microsoft.com/mouse.
Interestingly enough the health warning on the first page of the mouse book "Getting Started" says "When using a computer, as well as many activities, you may experience occasional discomfort in your hands, shoulders, neck or other parts of your body. However, if you experience symptoms such ass persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning sensations or stiffness. Do not ignore these warning signs, promptly see a qualified health professional" This was exactly what I did because I was experiencing pain and a burning sensation. Oh, what we do to spend time on our computers. Obviously, I'm one of many. So if this is your problem also, you might want to try this mouse.
There's one under the tree for my mother-in-law. (Yes, I like her, the box is full).
More information can be obtained at the Microsoft Worldwide Web site.
