Product description

PS/2 Track Ball TrackMan Marble Wheel Does not include the software, but it's plug-n-play for Windows. The drivers can be downloaded from Logitech if needed.

.com

It might not prevent or cure repetitive stress injuries, but the Logitech TrackMan Marble Wheel is still pretty comfortable and easy to use. This odd-looking trackball is thumb operated and is both Mac and PC compatible, making it a great choice for anyone in search of a better mouse. Unfortunately for lefties, this one is strictly for right-handed users.

Installation of the TrackMan Marble Wheel is a no-brainer. Simply install the drivers and plug the mouse into either a free USB or PS/2 port using the supplied adapter. If you do opt for the USB connection and you use a PC, be sure to have your Windows 98 CD handy, as you'll need it to load drivers. As soon as you've installed the mouse, you can configure it using Logitech's MouseWare software.

For those who are either used to a traditional mouse or who have used a finger-operated scroll wheel, the TrackMan Marble Wheel may take some getting used to. As the thumb generally is not the most dexterous of the five digits, you may find it hard at first to actually get the cursor to point to the right icon. But after about a day, we found that this mouse felt more natural to use.

The only issue we have with the mouse's construction is its scroll wheel. The wheel is very tight, which makes scrolling through Web pages or long documents rough. Unless you're extra comfortable with using a trackball and you've mastered pointing with your thumb, don't try using this mouse for gaming. Getting the mouse to actually aim accurately at your target is a chore, and you'll find you've been fragged in that Unreal Tournament death match before you know what hit you.

But if gaming's not your bag and you're in need of a superior trackball, the Logitech TrackMan Marble wheel is a nice choice that's sure to last you a few seasons.

Pros:

Scroll wheel doubles as a third programmable button
MouseWare lets you program buttons and configure mouse
Takes up little desktop space
Sturdy construction
Cons:
- Crunchy scroll wheel
- Not precise enough for serious gaming
- For righties only