Kensington K72352US Black RF Wireless Orbit Mobile Trackball

Pros: Usable with either hand, nice mini-receiver.

Cons: We have 3 Logitech M570's and got this Kensington trackball to use as it is left hand friendly. I don't know what the deal is with the wireless connection but it is really bad; if it's more than a couple inches from the receiver, it starts dropping out...you move the ball and the pointer may or may not follow. Perhaps my unit is defective. I can swap the trackball/receiver with an M570 which works 100% of the time from several feet away even.

Other Thoughts: As other people have noted the scroll ring is inconveniently placed. Planning to return it.

Pros: Trackball works pretty good

Cons: Scroll feature is garbage. Doesn't work when you touch it and works when you accidentally touch the touch scroll.

The only low battery indicator is when the trackball stops working.

Touch scroll cannot be disabled through the software.

It's not Bluetooth.

Other Thoughts: My MS Wireless 8000 mouse purchased in 2007 is more precise, has a good battery indicator and a great scroll wheel.

I couldn't deal with the touch scroll so opened it and disconnected the touch scroll circuit board. Now I don't have to deal with accidental scrolls but have to use the MS mouse for scroll wheel and more precise control.

Pros: Scroll wheel is useful. But not much different than a normal wheel.

Cons: It seems to hang fairly frequently and my computer locks. Then a few seconds later it starts to work again. Tried it on 2 computers and the same thing occurs. While it works it is acceptable. Was trying to get used to the placement of the right and left buttons. Somewhat awkward if you are used to any other trackball.

But the biggest drawback is the computer locking for a few seconds at a time. This occurred frequently and on both computers. Tried it with and without the software - both gave the problem. Tried new batteries - same thing.

Unfortunately I bought it a few months ago and finally decided to use it. Now it is just a paperweight.

Would recommend the Logitech M570 - never had a problem with that.

Other Thoughts: Long term trackball user and love them. Would never go back to a mouse. I love them all (except this one).

Used it on 2 different Win 7 Ultimate machines.

This is only the 2nd review that I have written. I have only written 2 reviews because both performed so poorly and others should be warned about my poor results.

Pros: Movements are accurate enough for use with video and audio editing where precise adjustments to clips need to be made. The touch-scroll feature around the trackball is extremely useful.

Cons: Doesn't appear to have a sleep mode, like for when the receiver is not plugged in, so the battery life goes quick. Have had to replace the batteries twice already. Distance from the receiver is limited and will cause jerkiness when too far away. Have found the optimal distance to be less than 2 feet.

Other Thoughts: Over all the unit is an improvement to the trackball design. The centered trackball allows better navigation and ergonomics than the thumb-placed units I've used in the past. I would have preferred a longer body though for larger hands. I had to get a mouse pad with the gel at the bottom to rest my wrist while using this for more comfort.

Pros: Small, easy to take with you, and the ball is fine. Design is not uncomfortable, although nowhere near as ergonomic as others. Can use on other computers without the need to install software.

Cons: Scroll rarely moves. You can sit and move your finger for a solid minute before anything happens. Tapping doesn't seem to help much. ONCE in a while it works a little with extremely poor control. NO response to email asking for support on the issue from Kensington. THEN-your fingers naturally fall on top of the scroll which will suddenly decide to move when you don't want it to-design fail. I've used trackballs for YEARS. They didn't have the newer dark logitech trackball here (not the thumb ball) so I thought I'd try something new. Mistake for the most part. I miss the scroll a lot.

Other Thoughts: My favorite design is the logitech optical with ball to the right. Fast and comfortable. They could use some work on the design but the concept is sound. Keep the ball in the center or right. I strongly prefer the thumb for clicking.

Pros: Heavy enough to sit still, good rubber feet. Reliable, good feel. Love the tiny dongle, no need to buy more expensive bluetooth trackball.

Cons: Scrolling is seriously disappointing. I don't even try to use it anymore.

Other Thoughts: Would be best trackball I ever owned except for the terrible scrolling.

Pros: The track ball is smooth and feels very precise given its size. It is held in place by little 'lips' so it won't pop out accidentally. Attractive looking device, overall. Excellent wireless response with tiny 'dongle'. Can customize buttons, chording, plus pointer and scroll speeds with free software (TrackballWorks) which works great on Windows 7, 64-bit (I haven't tried it on another OS). Lightweight, but doesn't slide much (good for a trackball to have a solid base). Buttons have a nice, positive 'click' to them. I am also one of the few who actually doesn't mind the scrolling system. It seems to work just fine if the tracks are given consistent pressure (light pressure, but constant). There is also a battery light indicator on top, and a little trapdoor on the bottom where the batteries install that also houses the mini dongle for travel. Once I got used to the odd shape, it became familiar and comfortable. Which ever button you choose for 'right click' is easily depressed.

Cons: At first, device feels uncomfortable. The back is highly arched and digs into your palm (or mine at least). I used a wrist rest to elevate my hand for a bit, but found I eventually got used to the shape and even liked it. The buttons are on the sides, which is weird at first. But the way my hands sits on the trackball, my thumb and pinky can activate the buttons easily now. My pinky is long enough where I can anchor it just below the button and brace the device when I left click. Otherwise, there is some sideways movement if I'm not careful. The scroll mechanism doesn't bother me; in fact I find it fairly intuitive and easy to use. That said, I used Kensington's drivers, not Windows. I don't know if it makes a difference, but its where I'm at. While I do like the scrolling, sometimes while moving the trackball to the extreme edges, I can engage the scroll pad. Its not a big deal, and doesn't happen much. Wouldn't mind a larger ball, but as is, it still works well.

Other Thoughts: I own a Logitech Marble Mouse, a Kensington Slimblade, and this Orbit Wireless. I like them all for different reasons. I bought the wireless Orbit to see what the scroll deal was all about, never intending to keep it. But once I messed with it a bit, it has grown on me. I can see people who have large fingers not like the scroll mechanism as the pads are fairly narrow. And there is the odd accidental scroll pad contact while moving the cursor. But I guess I'm kind of weird in that I generally like the way the mechanism was implemented. I haven't had it long, so we'll see how things go with it. Overall, a very accurate little trackball that takes some getting used to, but is strangely satisfying to use!

Pros: Fluid movement of the mouse after installing software (downloaded from Kensingtons site) and adjusting speed and acceleration.

Cons: Scroll rings have been useless and this is a major flaw since I do a lot of vertical movement through webpages and documents. The ball is a little small, but is secured wells and does not skip. I love my MS TB Explorer that I had for years (8+) though, but I wanted a TB to use while travelling with my laptop and I was hoping that this one would do the trick. I needed something that did not depend on the surface available for the mouse (glass desks and optical mice do not mix).

Other Thoughts: If you need scrolling, then a mouse pad a good wireless traditional mouse with wheel is your best bet.

Pros: Affordable, small footprint on workstation

Cons: No software for customizing the mouse. Scroll pads are hyper-sensitive and often causes the mouse cursor to fly all over the screen, or the screen itself to scroll without intending it to.

Had to duct tape over one side of the mouse to make it user friendly.

Kensington really should have included some software that allows the user to either shut off or tone down the scroll pad sensitivity.

Tried to find the mouse software onlline, but there was none, and I'm pretty sure there was no disc in my package.

Pros: Lightweight, Doesn't slide on smooth surfaces, smooth ball movement, and easy plug n play installation. Also has a long lasting battery usage. I also find quite easy to hold in my large hands (six inches long from wrist to middle finger).

Cons: Scroll wheel needs special technique to use and has a learning curve to it. Somewhat of a fingerprint magnet, finish scratches fairly easy. The ball is small compared to my other trackballs but not to small to operate. No rechargeable battery. Looks pretty but I would have preferred a matte finish.

Other Thoughts: Surprised at the good quality, coming from first a Microsoft explorer Trackball then a Logitech Marble Trackman, I find the my experience with this Orbit Mobile Oddly satisfying. While it does not stand up to the quality of my first beloved Microsoft explorer Trackball, it does aim to try to fill that void. Kensington is obviously trying to beat other trackball manufacturers, if they deliver more trackballs like this (but with Bluetooth capability and Matte finishes) they will.