track ball

Related to track ball: digital camera, Output devices, Input devices, Web camera, Barcode reader

track ball

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trackball

A stationary pointing device that contains a movable ball rotated with the fingers or palm. From one to four keys are located in various positions depending on the unit. In the late 1980s and 1990s, Kensington Microware popularized the trackball with its Turbo Mouse for the Macintosh. Turbo Mouse for Windows was subsequently released, and over the years, the Turbo Mouse evolved into the Expert Mouse and Orbit brands.

The advantage of the trackball, and the reason many people like it, is that the unit remains in the same position on the desk, and only the ball is moved. See mouse, pointing stick and touchpad.

The Turbo Mouse

The Turbo Mouse popularized the trackball for the Macintosh. Later models were developed for the PC. (Image courtesy of Kensington Microware, Ltd.)

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References in periodicals archive ?

Remember, many companies thought it was a neat gadget, but with little utility when you could just use a track ball The funny thing about George is that, deep down, I get the impression he considers himself an extreme skier who also invents.

George Gerpheide

The new 8800 unit, however, replaces the nuisance track wheel with a track ball navigation system that acts more like a mouse, and thus is intuitively easier to use.

GPS, voice-notes add appeal, utility for gents using BlackBerry Mobile Unit; tech editor's product review finds demise of the track wheel another blessing

IndeMouse is a USB device that translates movements of a pointing device, such as a mouse or track ball (not included), into mouse functions such as click, double-click, or drag.

IndeMouse

Scratchy Pad is not your average whirling track ball toy.

More fun for every cat

Each new model has an optical track ball and scroll wheel; the latter serves double-duty as both a navigation and volume control.

Next generation dictation input device

For example, a mouse device has buttons and a track ball for sensing the planar motion.

Software architecture for a Virtual Environment for Nano Scale Assembly (VENSA)

Its thumb-operated track ball and ergonomic contour make cursor movement easy and comfortable, while its second left-click button lets users trigger instead of click the mouse.

Phaser. (Storage & Peripherals)

Two pointing devices are also available - a two-button touch pad and a stainless steel track ball - which can be incorporated almost anywhere into these boards.

Electromechanical keyboards. (Special Report: Keypads, Keyboards, Input Devices)

Fierman fitted Hoppe with voice-activated software to operate his computer and an adapted track ball to help him navigate the screen.

WORKING TOGETHER

black and white monitor, integrated handles for easy carrying, and a full keyboard with large track ball. The Merlin is equipped with a Continuous Uniform Focus feature for optimal, uniform resolution throughout the entire image, and offers full TGC adjustments for optimized images.

FOCUS ON OB/GYN Products

One is a battery-operated personal computer for paramedics, who will wear the device across their shoulders and check patients' vital signs and injuries with a handheld track ball containing a video camera and sensors.