Customer Reviews

Kensington 4-Button Expert Mouse USB/PS2 Trackball

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've used the Expert Mouse, daily, for at least eight years. Computer systems have come and gone, but the Expert Mouse endures. Calling it rugged doesn't begin to do it justice. I originally purchased this unit for computer graphics applications. The very large ball and stable base give the user precise control over cursor movement. And for games...it's speed and responsiveness are unbeatable. My first Expert Mouse developed a problem with the cable socket. Kensington replaced the entire unit, free of charge and no questions asked. The replacement has endured seven solid years of hard usage. The Mouseworks configuration software is a real bonus. Overall, the Expert Mouse is one of the better hardware investments you could possibly make.

I was sad to see Kensington isn't offering this model on their website anymore...I was drawn in by one of their new, shiney, Death-Star-Black models, and was sadly dissapointed how "Un-ergonomic" (anti-ergonomic?) it was. So, back to this model, I'm going.

This ugly, clunky white thing has allowed me to surf carpal-stress free for years. I might actually order more than one...

The only issue I have with it, is that it isn't coffee/soda/name-your-beverage spill proof...but I guess that's my own fault.

They should market and sell a cleaning kit with it as well. Sometimes the rollers get a little gunky, if you tend to eat a lot while you surf...quick-evaporating alcohol wet-knaps seem to do the trick.

Regardless of all the problems I've created for myself, this thing is a marvel of modern engineering. Once you get used to it, it's hard to go back. It's definitely allowed me pain free computer usage.

Once you use this trackball, you will NEVER go back to using mice, ever again!

No more lifting up the mouse, placing it down, then going up with it again to get to the top of the screen, just keep moving the ball and the unit and your hand STAY on your desk, no more lifting!

Do NOT use the software that comes with this for assigning features and such to the buttons, it causes programs and computer to crash all the time. Just install the DRIVER, if needed, but use the mouse adjustements in the CONTROL PANEL of windows for fine tuning, you don't NEED the software that comes with this, and not only do you not NEED it, it will CAUSE problems!

Several recording studios tried to use this great trackball with the Steinberg AUDIO CUBE, and said it did not work. I said hogwash, and installed and used this trackball on an AUDIO CUBE without problem, because I did NOT use the included software!

When I explained this to the other studios, they found they were able to use this trackball just fine without the software too, the software CAUSED the problems that would not let it work with that program or computer.

And the last thing you need is another program running in the background using up your computer's resources! Windows ALREADY HAS software for a mouse included on your computer NOW, so you are already set!

I have used this trackball at work, and have the same one at home, and used them for over 10 years and would never use anything else.

The BALL inside this is the exact size of a Pool (Billiards) Ball, so you can just lift the ball out with your hands, and drop in an 8-ball if you want.

You can draw, and trace out objects in photoshop with this that you can NOT do as well with a mouse.

For Digital Audio Workstations, or Photoshop / Graphics design, you MUST have this trackball, nothing else is acceptable.

The 4 switches are quality MICROSWITCHES that never wear out and give you that perfect tactile feel so you KNOW you are activating the switch. The same type of quality microswitches in arcade video games.

There really is NO trackball or mouse on the planet that even comes close to this one. This one IS THE best.

I love this trackball. I have carpal tunnel and get pains up and down my arm if I use a mouse for any length of time. However, I've been using this trackball for years and have no problem with it whatever. The trackball fits nicely under my fingers - it's 2-1/4 inches across, and I can move the cursor by simply moving my open hand. My thumb is then positioned to easily left click.

The Kensington service is great too. I once got some lint inside it, which caused the trackball to stick. The service people said clean it with alcohol - I used a quick-dry wipe, and it was fine. Since then I've been putting a folded washcloth over it at night to keep the dust out.

It comes with software so that you can assign meanings or menus to each of the four large buttons. You can also fine-tune the way the cursor moves. However, I've been happy with the standard settings - left and right click are in the usual positions, and left top is double click. So I haven't needed the software.

I should mention that this model (64217) is for Windows XP. There is an earlier model, which looks identical, for Windows 98.

Having tried many, many different input devices in my quest for something truly acceptable, I took a giant retro step and bought the Kensington Expert Mouse.
The first thing I noticed was the excellent fit and finish.
The stainless steel rollers allow the heavy ball to glide effortlessly, allowing for very precise cursor control.
The four buttons are placed so that the fingers seem to naturally fall on each one, yet there is enough mechanical resistance to disallow false activation. Even here the quality of this trackball is apparent, I believe the buttons use genuine 'MICROSWITCH' type switches judging by the very positive tactile feel and audible snap.
The included software adds such niceties as on-the-fly speed control, variable rate browser scrolling, page forward and back and many more features all available via the tray icon.
It is sad to note that Kensington no longer catalogs this superb device. I have a feeling that it will be reintroduced at some later date as a 'Classic' seeing that it still commands top dollar even in the used market.
For anyone requiring this level of quality and operation, I could not recommend anything better.

I bought this mouse/trackball to try and relieve the pain in my fingers. Used it for almost two weeks without relief to my aching joints. I find it very awkward and unnatural and it's very difficult to hone in on a particular pixel. I just received my new 'Zero Tension Mouse'. It's a joystick-like optical mouse that allows my hand to rest in what is supposed to be a more natural position; imagine your hand in the 'hand-shaking' position. It feels comfortable enough and is more natural to use than the trackball. Perhaps the Kensington works better for larger hands but if I hadn't cut the box (dumb), I'd have sent it back. And if there weren't eighteen of them (used) for sale on Amazon, I'd try to sell mine there. For those of you considering it, give it a shot but DO NOT damage the box in case it doesn't work out for you. These devices are very personal choices. I was disappointed; it might work great for you.

I just purchased the Kensington 4-Button Expert Mouse USB/PS2 Trackball. I have to admit that I have used this same mouse at work for several years and have found it very easy to use. I was having some discomfort when using my previous mouse, but the Expert Mouse is very comfortable to use. The programable buttons allow me to set up the buttons to fit my small hands.

The Mouseworks Software is simple to install and use. I plan on trying some features other than basic click and double click.

The Expert Mouse that I had at work was extremely reliable, and I anticipate that this one will be too. Thanks to receiving a cash gift for my retirement, I am able to finally have a mouse at home that I can use for an extended period of computer use without a lot of discomfort.

This was my first order from Amazon.com and I am completely satisfied. The package came more quickly that I had anticipated. It was great to be able to use my new Expert Mouse to access the Internet and to write this review. Thanks you,

Every computer in the office has one of these and we could never go back to a regular mouse.

Its a good product and it works great. I wouldnt go back to the regular mouse for anything. Love it loveit loveit.

I've had this mouse since early 2006, and I use it all the time. My wrists are in pretty bad shape, and a regular mouse makes them hurt in about half an hour; I can use the Kensington trackball for hours without complaint.

The trackball is just as intuitive for navigation, drawing, etc. as a regular mouse. The four buttons are easy to use and reprogram for specific purposes. The mouse is very well-built, and I have never needed to clean it.

Highly recommended. I am waiting for Amazon to re-offer it so I can buy another.