Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Because trackballs are moved by the user's hand rather than by rolling against a tabletop
or desktop, they don't need to be cleaned as often as mouse mechanisms do. However,
occasional cleaning is recommended, especially with trackballs that use roller movement-
detectionmechanisms.Ifthetrackballpointerwon'tmove,skips,ordragswhenyoumove
the trackball, try cleaning the trackball mechanism.
Trackballs can be held into place by a retaining ring, an ejection tab, or simply by gravity.
Checkthevendor'swebsitefordetailedcleaninginstructionsifyourtrackballdidn'tcome
with such instructions. Swabs and isopropyl alcohol are typically used to clean the track-
ball and rollers or bearings; see the trackball's instructions for details.
Ergonomic Mice
Many PC users who grew up using joysticks on the older video games experienced some
“interface shock” when they turned in their joysticks for mice. Even long-time mouse
users nursing sore arms and elbows have wondered whether the mouse was really as “er-
gonomic” as it is sometimes claims to be.
3M's solution, developed late in 2000, is to keep the traditional ball-type mouse position-
ing mechanism but change the user interface away from the hockey puck/soap bar design
usedformanyyearstoaslantedhandlethatresemblesajoystick.3M'sErgonomicMouse
(originally called the Renaissance Mouse) is available in two hand sizes and attaches to
either the PS/2 port or USB port (a wireless USB version is also available). The single
button on the top of the handle is a rocker switch; push on the left side to left-click and on
the right side to right-click. The front handgrip provides scrolling support when the spe-
cial Ergonomic Mouse driver software is installed.
The Ergonomic Mouse enables the user to hold the pointing device with a “handshake”-
stylehandandarmposition.3M'swebsiteprovidesdetailedergonomicinformationtoen-
courage the proper use of the Ergonomic Mouse, which comes with software to support
scrolling and other advanced functions. It's available in two sizes, along with various col-
ors and separate models for Windows-based PCs and Macs.
Wireless Input Devices
For several years, many manufacturers have offered wireless versions of mice and key-
boards. In most cases, these devices have used either IR or short-range radio transceivers
to attach to standard USB or PS/2 ports, with matching transceivers located inside the
mouse or keyboard. Wireless input devices are designed to be easier to use in cramped
home-office environments and where a large-screen TV/monitor device is used for home
entertainment and computing.
