Kensington's Trackball Revolution: Scroll Wheels Galore!
The world of computer peripherals is buzzing with excitement as Kensington unveils its latest innovation in the Expert Mouse series. But this isn't just a simple upgrade; it's a bold redesign that challenges the traditional mouse experience. Andrew Liszewski, a tech enthusiast and seasoned reporter, is here to unravel the details.
The new Expert Mouse TB800 EQ is a wireless trackball that turns heads with its sleek makeover. Compared to its predecessor, it boasts a slimmer silhouette, resembling Kensington's 2022 SlimBlade Pro. However, the real surprise lies in its feature set. Priced at $149.99, it offers a significant upgrade with more buttons and a unique trio of scroll wheels.
And here's where it gets interesting: The trackball retains its iconic scroll ring, but now it's joined by two vertical scroll wheels on the sides. This design choice sets it apart from the SlimBlade Pro, which relies on trackball twisting for scrolling. The scroll ring can smoothly glide through web pages or step through lines, while the side wheels enable horizontal scrolling and zooming, perfect for video and audio editors.
But wait, there's more customization! Each scroll wheel can be independently disabled, catering to users' preferences. And for those who love programmable buttons, the Expert Mouse delivers. It keeps the original four large buttons and adds four more on top, pre-programmed for media control but customizable via Kensington's software.
Powering this trackball is a breeze. Gone are the AA batteries; instead, a rechargeable battery promises up to four months of use. Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or the included USB dongle, or opt for a wired connection with the USB-C cable.
Kensington's new trackball is a testament to innovation, offering a fresh take on precision and control. But will it revolutionize your workflow, or is it a scroll wheel too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
