Macworld 2009: Kensington SlimBlade Trackball - For Those That Prefer Balls
If you're one of the select few that prefer a ball under your hand as your method of computer input, Kensington's got a brand new trackball coming out soon called the SlimBlade Trackball!
The SlimBlade includes the same dual laser tracking we've seen before on other trackballs, so what's different about the SlimBlade? Well, for one thing, the thing's a looker, with a much slimmer profile than most trackballs, allowing for less bulk under your hands.
The other big difference: they've crammed as much functionality into the ball itself in order to minimise having to move your hands to the keyboard or anywhere but the ball. Scrolling is done by twisting the ball. The software that comes with the SlimBlade automatically detects what application you're in and changes the twisting action to a context sensitive function, such as volume control, zoom in/out, panning, and with the help of the two top function buttons, expands the number of functions available to you per application.
The bad part? None of this is programmable. Kensington's MouseWorks suite that allows fine level programming control is not compatible with the SlimBlade, and the representative on the floor told us that programmable buttons are not a goal for the SlimBlade. "This is a product for those that want a stylish product that just works."
Hrm. I'll take my programmable buttons instead. Thanks.
For those of you that don't care that all functions are defined by Kensington and want everything on the ball, then by all means: the SlimBlade is available for pre-order at a price of $129.99 on Kensington's site.
Product Page [Kensington]
Den Den Boy
Posted to Hot Stuff, On Your Desk on 15 January 2009
· Comments (3)
Other stuff like this: Kensington, Macworld, Macworld 2009, SlimBlade, trackballs
3D iPhone glasses. Why?
Prgrammable buttons? This is Macworld. Macintosh users don't care about programmable buttons: we don't game on our computers.
My big question is, "Is it bluetooth?" Then it would be worth mentioning.
No. There are no bluetooth trackballs in existence. Trust me, I asked.
I've been using a Kensington Expert Mouse for quite a while (not for gaming) and I wouldn't give up my programmable buttons. I use them with the modifier keys to launch applications and keep my desktop uncluttered by shortcuts. The top right button is the browser Back button and it gets almost as much use as Left Click. Chording Buttons 1 and 2 toggles a Middle Click, but only in 3ds Max. Mouseworks is wonderful software.
Thanks for writing the first review I've found that confirms my suspicion. Kensington's ad copy doesn't mention programmable buttons so I wasn't getting my hopes up. I also think scrolling by twisting the ball sounds like a bad idea for several reasons...
Why, Kensington? Why?