If you spend as much time with laptops as I do, you’ve become so accustomed to the built-in trackpad, and perhaps a touchscreen if you’re on a fancy PC — that you might have forgotten that there are other pointing devices available, and that in many situations they’re actually better, more accurate and more relaxing for your poor, overworked hand than that flat sheet of metal.
And there’s no better company to check in with regarding alternative pointing devices than Kensington, a company that’s been making mice, trackballs and other accessories for as long as I can remember. (note: the company Web page says it’s been making these devices for more than 30 years. So, yeah, a long time).
But modern trackballs and mice don’t come with a leash because we modern computer users want freedom from clutter and annoying cables as much as possible.
Enter the confusingly named “Expert Mouse” from Kensington, a trackball that supports both Bluetooth and its own wireless dongle-based communication system (and includes the gizmo you need to plug into your computer for it to work too). Whether you opt for Bluetooth or use the USB connection, it’s a breeze to get going — just plug it in! — and works great with both Mac and Windows PC systems.
Check out my video review:
Learn more about the Kensington Expert Mouse trackball at Kensington.com. $89.00 at Amazon.com.
Disclosure: Kensington sent me the Expert Mouse for the purposes of this review.