Product: TrackBall Optical
Company: Microsoft.com
Website: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware
Estimated Street Price: $44.95
Review By: Julien JAY

Introduction

Every computer user knows that using a classic mouse is painful and can even causes wrist pain (after intensive hours of use) that imply some breaks needed to be taken: the exact opposite of productivity those today businesses need. Worst working with a classic mouse isn’t very accurate in terms of screen pointing when you have to edit, create or touch up pictures. Microsoft, probably one of the most innovative hardware suppliers of the world has just released (that'll be massively available in November) a new pointing device named Microsoft TrackBall Optical. If the concept isn’t really new as TrackBall exists since a lot of years, the architecture of this new one is revolutionary and it obviously uses the new enhanced Microsoft IntelliEye patented technology. Best of all it comes with all the features that made the success of the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, such as the scrolling wheel and the two new customizable buttons. The TrackBall concept basis is to provide users with a fixed poiting device that they don’t need to move so they can save space on their desk. It’s really a relief for me to have at last a TrackBall that combines the best of today’s technology: optical sensor, and five buttons!

Microsoft TrackBall Optical Features:

• Enhanced IntelliEye Technology - provides unsurpassed accuracy over time by replacing trackball-ball technology with an optical sensor and digital signal processor (DSP). The sensor snaps pictures of the marbled ball at a rate of 2,00 images per second and then translates changes between the images into onscreen movements. This technique, called image correlation processing, results in smooth, precise pointer movement. 
• The scrolling and zooming wheel lets users enjoy universal scrolling in their favorite applications directly from their mouse without having to use scrollbars. Users can zoom without using toolbars or menus.
• Two new customizable function buttons provide effortless Internet navigation with their forward and back default settings. The buttons, located on theleft side of the mouse, can also easily be mapped to execute useful program shortcut commands, like print or cut and paste.
• Precision over time - With the new IntelliEye technology, there are no more mechanical parts to become worn or dirty!
• A proven ergonomic design allows users to align their hand and forearm in a natural, relaxed position on the trackball. The shape of the TrackBall Optical supports the entire hand and fingers, while the slope helps keep the hand and forearm aligned naturally. 
• The Microsoft TrackBall Optical comes with a five year hardware warranty.