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| Mice & Trackballs |
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Hardware February 2000 • Vol.8 Issue 2 |
Mice & Trackballs | ||
 Mice and trackballs are decades old, but have change little over the years. These devices were nearly ideal as originally designed: small and easy to use. How much do you know about that ubiquitous device crouching next to your computer? Despite similarities, not all of these units are the same, and the differences may be important when shopping for your next pointing device. Q: Who invented the mouse and the trackball? A: The trackball preceded the mouse and was used in the 1960s for computer-aided design (CAD) systems, government applications, and digital air-traffic control displays, according to Chuck Fauble, chief technical engineer for Goldtouch Technologies (http://www.goldtouch.com). The computer mouse is a trackball turned upside down. It was invented by Douglas Englebart and Jack Hawley in the mid-1960s for Xerox Corp., which improved the design in the 1970s. After Apple Computer Inc. founder Steve Jobs included a mouse with the Apple II computer in 1984, it quickly gained popularity. Q: What kinds of mice and trackballs are there? A: Mice and Trackballs can be divided into three groups: optomechanical, optical, and wireless, based on technology used to operate them. According to Tim McDonough, mouse product manager for Microsoft Corp. (http://www.microsoft.com), the technologies affect the devices' durability, price, and accuracy. Q: How do optomechanical mice work? A: According to McDonough, optomechanical mice are the most common and least expensive pointing devices. The device has a metal or rubber ball in the bottom that rolls as you move the mouse. Inside, the tracking ball touches rollers that move as the ball rolls vertically and horizontally. Optical sensors shining light through geared teeth on the rollers detect the movement and transmit the data to your computer. Q: How do optomechanical trackballs work? A: Trackballs work the same as mice, except the ball is located on the top of the device. Instead of moving the entire device to change the cursor's position, you move the ball with your finger or thumb. Q: How does an optical mouse work? A: With no moving parts, the first optical mice used an infrared light and special mouse pads with fine grid lines. As the mouse glides over the pad, the optical sensors read the gridlines and translate the data as movement. Pricier than optomechanical devices, modern optical mice are accurate and often don't need a mouse pad. Microsoft's IntelliMouse Explorer, for example, works on almost any flat surface, scanning the surface as the mouse moves over it. Q: How does an optical trackball work? A: Optical trackballs work with infrared light sensors and have tiny dots on the balls themselves. As you use the trackball, the optical sensors record the moving dots and send the data to the computer. Q: How do wireless mice and trackballs work? A: Wireless mice and trackballs transmit data to a receiver in one of two ways: through infrared light or radio frequencies. These devices are accurate and cost more than optomechanical devices. Q: What does a mouse's "resolution" mean? A: A mouse or trackball's resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi) and refers to the smallest amount of distance the device detects when moved. For example, a 500dpi device detects movement at 1/500th of an inch. The higher the dpi, the faster and more precise the mouse or trackball is. According to Julie Goebel of Logitech (http://www.logitech.com), most of today's mice and trackballs range from 350dpi to 600dpi. Q: What are some other features?
Q: Are there other kinds of mice? A: Variations on the traditional mouse design abound. There are hands-free pointing devices, such as the foot-controlled NoHands Mouse (http://www.nohandmouse.com) from Hunter Digital. And if a joystick is more comfortable for you, try AnimaX's (http://www.animax.no) Anir ErgoMouse. Q: Are these connections interchangeable? A: Goebel says most mice or trackballs sold today come with an adapter for a serial or PS/2 port. Without an adapter designed for a specific device, she says, you won't be able to use a mouse or trackball that's meant for a different port. Q: How do mice/trackballs connect to the computer? A: Mice and trackballs connect to your PC in one of three ways: through a serial, PS/2, or USB port on the back of your computer. Most users won't notice any difference among devices, Fauble says, other than the easier setup and installation of a USB device. Q: How should I take care of my mouse or trackball? A: Because there are no moving parts, optical and wireless devices are durable and don't require regular maintenance, Fauble says. Optomechanical devices require a bit more upkeep because dirt from your desktop, mouse pad, or fingers builds up on the rollers and the tracking ball. These particles can make the unit sluggish and unresponsive. Regular cleaning can extend your device's lifespan. Check your mouse or trackball's manual for cleaning instructions. Q: What are some advantages and disadvantages to using mice and trackballs? A: Mice are a great alternative for computers with multiple users, because most people are familiar with them and are comfortable using them, McDonough says. Mice may not be the best choice for freehand drawing or on crowded desktops. Trackballs are a good choice for users with crowded desktops who want fingertip control. Also, the dirt and oil from your fingers gunk up the optomechanical trackballs so you need to clean them more often than optomechanical mice. Q: How important is the ergonomic design of a mouse or trackball? A: According to Goebel and McDonough, graphic artists and others who spend a great deal of time using a mouse or trackball need ergonomically designed devices. To prevent injury to wrist, hand, and arm muscles, the pointing device must encourage a natural position for the hand, and the unit's buttons should be located where the user's fingers rest. Q:Is the mouse that came with my computer good enough? A: Fauble and McDonough say that many computer manufacturers include cheaply made mice with systems to reduce final costs. Fauble also says that most mice included with a new computer are fine for infrequent use. Some consumers may want a scroll wheel or programmable buttons. Q: What should I consider when buying a mouse or trackball? A: When looking for a new mouse or trackball, look for one that's comfortable and meets your needs. If you surf the Internet a lot, a mouse with a scroll wheel is helpful. Frequent computer users may want to spend more for an optical or wireless mouse or trackball that requires little maintenance. Q: Should I buy an alternative input device? A: Trackpads and trackpoints (mini joysticks) found on many laptops work well in small spaces. Digital tablets, light pens, touch screens, and voice recognition applications can be useful for graphic artists, patrons of kiosks, or users with disabilities. Q: How much should I spend on a new mouse or trackball? A: The price varies greatly. Some pointing devices are available for less than $10, while others cost more than $130. Fauble says the average user can buy a decent mouse or trackball for between $40 and $60, and optical and wireless devices cost $10 to $20 more. Q: How do I get updated drivers for my mouse or trackball? A: Not all mice and trackballs require them, but if your device need drivers and to operate, you can often download the files free from the manufacturer's Web site. You can also contact the manufacturer directly and ask to have files mailed to you. Q: Is the quality of my mouse pad important? A:If you own an optomechanical mouse, try to find a mouse pad that doesn't attract dirt and lint. Fauble suggests a smooth, firm mouse pad you can easily clean. Q: What can I use my mouse or trackball for besides as a pointer in Windows? A:Although used most commonly as pointers in Windows programs, some devices can also be used to draw freehand, surf the Internet, or play games. Logitech's WingMan Gaming Mouse, for example, has a streamlined design and programmable buttons for comfortable, customizable game play. Q: Can I run two mice at once on my system? A: If you have two or more USB ports, hooking up multiple mice or trackballs is not a problem. Plug in the devices, and Windows installs them. Don't try to use them both at the same time, because there will still be only one pointer on your screen obeying commands from each mouse or trackball. Q: What kinds of features can I expect to see on mice and trackballs in the near future? A: Mice and trackballs will evolve as software evolves, McDonough says. Manufacturers will continue to incorporate ergonomics into the design and offer more programmable functions and user-tracking features. Fauble says the costs should continue to drop, especially for wireless mice and trackballs. by Lori Robison |
