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In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons. It sometimes features other elements, such as "wheels", which allow the user to perform various system-dependent operations, or extra buttons or features that can add more control or dimensional input. The mouse's motion typically translates into the motion of a cursor on a display, which allows for fine control of a graphical user interface.

A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes-like an upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls the ball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a cursor. Large tracker balls are common on CAD workstations for easy precision. Before the advent of the touchpad, small trackballs were common on portable computers, where there may be no desk space on which to run a mouse. Some small thumbballs clip onto the side of the keyboard and have integral buttons with the same function as mouse buttons. The trackball was invented by Tom Cranston and Fred Longstaff as part of the Royal Canadian Navy's DATAR system in 1952,[1] eleven years before the mouse was invented. This first trackball used a Canadian five-pin Bowling ball. The world's first trackball invented by Tom Cranston, Fred Longstaff and Kenyon Taylor working on the Royal Canadian Navy's DATAR project in 1952. It used a standard Canadian five-pin bowling ball.

When mice still used a mechanical design (with slotted 'chopper' wheels interrupting a beam of light to measure rotation), trackballs had the advantage of being in contact with the user's hand, which is generally cleaner than the desk or mousepad and does not drag lint into the chopper wheels. The late 1990s replacement of mouseballs by direct optical tracking put trackballs at a disadvantage and forced them to retreat into niches where their distinctive merits remained more important. Most trackballs now have direct optical tracking which follows dots on the ball.

As with modern mice, most trackballs now have an auxiliary device primarily intended for scrolling. Some have a scroll wheel like most mice, but the most common type is a "scroll ring" which is spun around the ball. Kensington's SlimBlade Trackball similarly tracks the ball itself in three dimensions for scrolling.

Three major companies Logitech, A4Tech, and Kensington currently produce trackballs, although A4Tech has not released a new model in several years. Microsoft was a major producer, but has since discontinued all of its products. The Microsoft Trackball Explorer continues to be extremely popular (it has no analogous design in production by another company), with used models selling for ~$200 on ebay.

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12y ago
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11y ago

A trackball is part of a mouse.

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Q: What is the difference between a mouse and trackball?
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What is a mouse with a ball on top?

That's called a trackball. The device stays in place and you move the ball (usually) with your thumb, rather than moving a mouse which in turn moves the ball inside (or with the newer optical mouse, electronically senses the mouse motion).


What is basically a traditional mouse that has been turned on its back?

A trackball mouse


Trackball is basically a mouse turned which way in a mouse?

A trackball is basically a computer mouse that has been turned upside down. This allows the mouse to sit in a stationary position, requiring less desk space.


What is used on a laptop instead of a reagular mouse what is this called?

Could be a mouse, a trackball or a touchpad.


The mouse is a pointing device?

yes a mouse is an input device.


What's the best place to buy a trackball mouse in New Jersey?

A great place to buy a new trackball mouse in New Jersey is Cat & Mouse Computers, located at 214 Fifth Ave, Pelham, NY 10803. They offer a wide array of computer accessories, including trackball mice.


Which device looks like an upside down mouse?

A Trackball.


What is a trackerball mouse?

Trackball Trackball is an upside down mouse, that rotates in place within a socket. The user rolls the ball in the direction they would like to move the cursor. Trackerball... Does not comply.


Why trackball is more suitable to be used with laptop rather than a mouse?

A trackball can move a cursor without needing a hard or level surface. A mouse needs such a surface to operate effectively.


Where can one buy a Microsoft trackball?

One can buy a Microsoft Trackball from Amazon for about $125. Some of the features include precision trackball design, five buttons and a wheel for scrolling and zooming. The Trackball is a sophisticated mouse for a laptop or a PC.


What is the ball inside a computer mouse called?

If the ball is on the bottom, it's a "roller ball." If it's on the top and meant to be touched, it's a "trackball."


How does a trackball mouse work?

A trackball is a pointing input device just like a mouse. It just gets the input from the user in a slightly different manner. Instead of moving the mouse around on a desk, the user just rolls the ball in the corresponding direction. This is advantageous in situations where there may not be enough room for a proper mouse, and is sometimes claimed to be more comfortable for carpal-tunnel sufferers.