What's happening to the trackball mouse?

I have a cordless optical trackball device, but as much as I like it, it is not comfortable for sustained use, and I also have a nasty habit of leaving it off the charger and therefore being rendered mouseless, so I find myself using a different style most of the time. In fact, the one I like best is corded. My graphics pad is cordless though. I usually have 4 pointing devices connected, counting the built-in glide pad.

Hi there! I've used a trackball and an optical mouse and I find them both user friendly hehe. However, they still have their differences. Trackball mouse are best for those who draw. I make cross stitch patterns and the trackball is perfect for I don't need to move my whole hand to get from one side to the other. It's less tiring cause I only have to my finger and my finger are more steady than my hand. On the other hand optical mouse needs lesser maintenance. No balls to clean hehe. Optical mouse has also replaced trackballs I think and most stores doesn't carry trackballs anymore. Ciao!

I will have to take a look at the Image Twin as I am not sure what a Trackball Mouse is, I do not use one now as I use the Mouse on the Laptop, but I used to use the Mouse with no ball, infrared and cordless, I just could not stand the Cord being there all the time lol

I have not ever used a trackball for any period of time. I have seen laptops with them built in. I can see where they would be very comfortable. I may have to try one.I would suggest shopping online for one, if your local sources do not have them. I hope you find just what you need.

I have enver used a trackball mouse like the one you are describing, but i supose, just as with any other mous, you get to used to it after a while, it is hard to use anything else!.. I personally am in love with my optical mouse, and love the fact that i cn use it on any surface, that it doesn't have the problem with the ball underneath catching it i am on an unven surface, and i don't have to take it apart to clean it (i have cats, and their hair gets everywhere!!) It's not so hard to adjust back to a regular mouse, such as at work, but the hardest adjustment i have to use it when i come across a computer with a mouse that doesn't have a scroll wheel. I use that soooo often and it is such an inconveinence to me to have to actually roll over to the scroll bars and hit the button to move the screen!!

I tried trackball once.I find it just ok.But I like the optical mouse more.

You must have very precise thumb-control to be able to use that thumb/trackball for graphics work... I have an old one connected to an old server - no need to search for a flat surface when I need to control the mouse... I still prefer the old analog mice, the ones with the ball that need cleaning. They don't suffer when used on reflective surfaces, unlike the optical ones that get all confused and stutter the pointer all over the screen. ^_^

I just came into the 21st century by buying a cordless mouse!!! Didn't think I'd like it at first as I figured I'd be loosing it on my desk..that is often a mess. But I haven't lost it once so I'm happy with it! The track ball with a cord that I had.. was always giving me a problem with the cord from the tower not being long enough and I was always having to adjust my pull out keyboard tray. The cordless is very nice to have!

i haven't used the new trackball mouse yet(laugh) i used to work and play with mechanical and optical mouse for ten years, i don't change my habit easily, but i will try to use trackball mouse, it should be more clever and convenient(laugh)

I could not find myself using one. Thats the point right there. The reason that you can't find a trackball mouse in most stores is that, most people use either corded or uncorded "regular" mouses. Trackballs are used by a scarce amount of people, and the industry or computer products has seen this. Their goal is to keep revenue streaming with the least amount of loss possible. For them, it may be a loss to continue sending trackball mouses to electronic stores. For them, switching you to a "regular" mouse, seems like the best answer. So, if you would like to continue using a trackball mouse, go to an underground site, or a non commercial site and buy an old used one. My opinion, weather you choose to take it or not, would be to learn to use a "regular" mouse. These are the current standard in mouse technology, and as everyone knows, you may need to adapt. When technology increases and USD ports become obsolete , all of those trackball mouses will become incompatible. Plus, you said that you use others computers. If you keep using a trackball, it will still be weird to use others mouses. The last thing I want to say is: watch the industry. If one company starts making trackballs again, latch on to that mouse and buy one. It may be the last chance you get to buy the newest one available. Just my take on things. Hope I helped.