Logitech Marble Mouse

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A Techtite Review

I'm not a big fan of trackballs; I guess I just stubbornly like the traditional mouse (and a cool mousepad to use it on!). However, admittedly, trackballs are a nice option. They don't need as much desk space, and you can even use them while they're placed on your lap. When a relative who preferred trackballs wanted a new one, I helped her choose the Logitech Marble Mouse...and it was a very good purchase decision.

 This Marble Mouse is amusing because its trackball is a red "marble" or sorts, decorated with black specs. This marble is nestled gently on the top of the unit, where it can be removed and/or replaced for cleaning at any time, very easily. It's set onto the top of the unit just firmly enough so the marble won't pop out at the wrong time, yet gently enough so it can be removed with just a simple upward pull. This marble can be so "loose" in the main unit, because it does not rely on wheels or other mechanical gears to operate. Optic sensors detect when the marble is spinning, and make the trackball react accordingly.

The optic sensors are similar to the previously reviewed Microsoft Intellimouse Optical. There is much less cleaning involved, and much less possibility of future sluggishness in the device (no wheels or gears to get dirty, sluggish, bend or break over time). The Marble Mouse has one perk that the Intellimouse didn't, however; it does not need for you to choose a specific surface to use it on. Where the Intellimouse needs you to find a mousepad/desk surface that will not confuse its optic sensors, the Marble Mouse does not read such surfaces. It only needs to read the movement of the trackball (ie, marble), which has been pre-designed to be perfectly compatible with the optic sensors at all times. This trackball can essentially be used on any surface...even one or two places Intellimouse cannot.

Installation was a breeze, and like most mice/trackballs, drivers are available for everything from Windows 3.1, 95, and 98, to Windows NT and 2000. The mouse itself is excellently designed, to fit in the palm of any typical adult's hand. It is also symmetrical, which means it will work the same whether you are right or left handed. Buttons for the mouse are to either side, easily clicked on while moving the trackball at the same time. For trackball fans, this might be just the one you are looking for...

	Final Rating : Deep Impact. A very nice option to the optic mice that are popping up all over; now you can have an optic trackball! Works in all Windows versions!
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