ADESSO iMouse T50 Wireless Ergonomic Finger Trackball Mouse with Nano USB Receiver, Programmable 7 Button Design, and 5 Level DPI Switch, for Left and Right Hand

I got one of these trackballs a couple years ago, and I guess I wore it out. It's the best trackball I've ever used. It works well for all of my software packages for CAD, programming, as well as regular office type tasks. My harsh shop environment took over a year to kill it, and since going back to using a mouse is so disorienting, I had to quickly order a new one. It actually is true what some users say about the ball sticking at times. I have had that issue on my original unit as well as this new one. However, I have found that when it happens, there is usually a small amount of lint that collects between the ball and the upper edge of the opening. It gets pinched between the ball and the case. Also, lint likes to collect on the tiny white ceramic bearing glider balls. Once this is cleaned out, the sticking seems to stop. After a month or two, I haven't been noticing any further sticking of the ball. Update: I continued to have lint buildup return at the same spot shown in the photo near the top of the ball socket. After taking an even more detailed look into the problem, I noticed that there was a slight ridge (of mold parting line flash) all the way around the opening about 1/16" down from the top. I very lightly carved that ridge away and now the ball doesn't seem to stick, and lint doesn't seem to be collecting there anymore. I will update further if the issue returns. Tip: A permanent marker with the cap on works well as a tool to pop the ball out of the base unit by pressing up through the hole on the bottom of the base. The marker's cap won't mar the ball and the marker's body won't pass through the hole after popping out the ball. Just place your thumbs lightly over the ball to keep it from flying away while pressing down firmly on the base until the ball pops out. A new update: I know I said I would update if the sticking ball issue returned, but it's been about a couple weeks since I removed the rough edge I mentioned above. The ball is still rotating completely smoothly and there is still no lint gathering inside. Such a small fix, but the problem seems solved.

PROS: 1) Well-built/solid construction 2) Ball rolls very smoothly out of the box (no need to replace bearings like on my Elecom Huge) 3) Programmable buttons (Windows only = Reason for 4 stars) 4) On-device memory keeps button macros/configurations with the device 5) On-device DPI adjustment (good for fine-tuning precision with a trackball) 6) Scroll wheel has middle click (can activate autoscrolling with trackball on webpages) CONS: 1) Button configuration SW not available for Mac. (Reason for 4 stars) 2) Scroll wheel is in a bit of an awkward position (but I am getting used to it). SYNOPSIS: All in all, I am very happy with this trackball mouse. I purchased it with the intent of using it with my left hand (even though I am right hand dominant). I use an Elecom Huge for my right hand, but found my hand getting a bit tired as I work on the computer all day (8 hours+). I am using the Adesso T50 to force myself to use my left hand more as I work to prevent potential fatigue and/or RMI. I swapped the left/right mouse button SW using the Windows SW and it DID persist when I moved it over to my Mac (this was a pleasant surprise). I recommend this product if you want to use it left-handed OR if you are looking for a more affordable alternative to the Kensington Expert.

I got curious about this brand of trackballs because they look nice but almost nobody is talking about them online. Well, I think they're great. You get all the functionality of a more expensive trackball but without the price, and with a real (albeit awkwardly located) scroll wheel instead of touchpads and giant rolling logs and other frippery that trackballs use instead of just a normal little scroll wheel. The ball feels nice in your hand and takes longer to pick up grease and crud from your fingers, which means stable rolling for longer. I'm guessing it's using an oleophobic coating like phone screens, but the summary is that I love the way the ball feels, it's soft and almost "gooey" in a way, and slides effortlessly. The part you'll hate is the wireless. I can't stand it. Now, I admit I live in a place where sometimes I can't use Bluetooth headphones sitting RIGHT NEXT TO a laptop because there's so much interference, so maybe you'll have better luck. But the wireless signal strength on this is pathetic, and here's the clincher: It has no intelligence to stabilize the connection, so every time there's a bit of interference, your pointer stops for a fraction of a second. It winds up looking like it's moving at a low framerate, like it's moving at 15hz when your computer is normally 60hz. But! You can fix this by putting the receiver right next to the trackball (I use a USB extension cord) and then the cursor movement is buttery smooth. It basically turns it into a wired trackball with a few millimeters of air gap between it and the receiver. So in summary - good trackball, better at some things than most (especially if you want a scroll wheel that's positioned by your fingers instead of your thumb), and if you get it and it feels like a piece of junk try putting it pretty much on top of the wireless dongle.

This was an alternative for me because of it costing about half of what my preferred brand trackball costs. Size and shape looked like it would be a good fit. I returned it after several days because it would not maintain tracking or response. The bluetooth dongle was under 2 feet away on my PC. Everything installed and worked properly out of the box, the software app worked fine and did as it said. Then the hardware problems began. Skipping, dragging, stopping completely, multiple battery swaps to see if that caused it. It did not. Additionally, something would not allow the mouse movement to initialize waking up out of screensaver or sleep mode, as any mouse should. A few times it did, most times it did not. Returned and went back to the wired expert pro trackball from the other co. There is a reason I have been using the other brand since they used to be beige for the mac, I just ignored it to be thrifty.

After three years of hard use I'm writing a review, because no matter how I treat this poor thing it works great all the time. It goes from house to house in my overstuffed laptop bag. I use it with or without the ball, with my feet or hands or elbows. The batteries have needed replacing three or four times total. I originally got it to use with my feet, to save wear on my wrists. I still use it that way sometimes, but it also makes a great mouse or second mouse on the desk. I anticipated that the buttons would break by now but they are still going strong. The only possible negative is that the ball is not as responsive as my other trackball. This is good for feet, less for fingers. I don't know that I'd change it though. Great trackball.

First of all, I appreciate the track ball being on top rather than the standard configuration of left side or right side. It nice to be able configure the mouse the way the user prefers. I have contacted Adesso for the suggested driver. Too bad this driver is not included with the product. The confort and position on the desktop is rock solid. Most mice move at the slightest touch or bump. The T50 has four rubber feet that keeps it in place (nice touch). The build of the Adesso T50 is excellent. It's much heavier than most but for me that is a welcome feature. This mouse does have an on/off switch. It's designed with the idea of saving battery consumption. I must get use to this feature but certainly not a deal breaker. Highly recommend this product.

The big ball rolls smooth and the buttons are responsive, even has legs that fold out to change the angle. The button programming works great and is easy to program. I would LOVE this trackball mouse IF the scroll wheel were in a place where I can use it. I have to take my hand completely off the device and lay it on the desk next to and below it and operate the scroll wheel with my thumb. I even tried using it upside down but that did not work. So, sadly, after spending lots of money on this, I have never been able to use it more than a few minutes. Should have spent $10 more and bought the Kensington that has either a scroll ring or the wheel at the top of the mouse where it should be. Now I have to buy it anyway. Don't know why they made this one like this. Too bad, it is good quality and otherwise excellent.

I've no real experience with track balls, but my first impression is nearly flawless. Smooth, easy motion from the trackball, big nice clickin' buttons, and a decent price. I've had to knock a star off because the the little lifts that raise the wrist end of the body, (that I suspect I'd prefer to use) are slippery on the glass top table I'm using, and therefore of no use to me currently. Seems something that'd be easily corrected on my end, so perhaps I'll add the star in later. Ah, and I've read a few frustrated reviews and comments regarding how hard it is to take the trackball out. I suspect they have missed the purpose of the hole in the bottom of the device, that allows for the ball to be pushed up and out of its socket. Update: A week later and I remain happy with the device.