Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Originally called the Logitech Marble Mouse Trackball, the TrackMan Marble Trackball is the superior alternative to the mouse. Unlike a mouse, it sits in one place and your fingers use that big burgundy ball to move the pointer. Your thumb does the clicking and once you get accustomed to it, using a mouse will seem quaint and clunky. Long before the optical mouse rose to fame, Logitech was already employing optical technology in the TrackMan Marble and its siblings. Pop out the ball and you'll find a small rectangular window. Behind that window are an infrared LED and the sensor. Together, they track the movement of the marble's leopard spots. It might not be as sexy as the bright red glow of a conventional non-laser optical mouse but it gets the job done with more precision and comfort. The TrackMan Marble is even ambidextrous, allowing lefties to use it as easily as righties. If you're wondering about scrolling without a wheel, it all depends on the operating system. With the Logitech Control Center software installed on a Mac, the mini-buttons scroll up and down. With Windows running Logitech SetPoint, configure the mini button nearest your thumb for Autoscroll. This turns the ball into a variable-speed scroll control that's as easy to master as a wheel.