Lighted Trackball

I was thinking about going back to a trackball for portable use with my new x61 tablet, then I saw a guy at Starbucks using "it". A trackball with about 1.5-2" diameter ball, and cool blue lights inside - semi-transparent. I asked him about it and he was delighted with it's performance, but didn't get into who makes it or where you can buy one - wrongly assuming that a quick search on google would turn up plenty of sources. Wrong!

Does anyone know where you can find a "lighted" trackball? Not the kind that are intended to be imbedded in a gaming PC (the ball itself is lighted on those). But instead, one that you can plug into the USB port and use when working "portable" mode - at the coffee house, etc. I don't need for it to be wireless.

I've searched online; been to the largest Fry's, Best Buys, and Micro Center stores here in Silicon Valley - no luck so far! I HAVE to have one of these things!!

thanks,

-steve

IBM/Lenovo x61s Thinkpad Tablet PC

Windows Vista Business
Intel Core2 Duo CPU 2x1.6GHz
12.1" LCD 1450x900, Wacom pen tablet
Intel 965 Mobility Graphics Chipset
Fingerprint Reader + Mic
Wi-Fi A/B/G, Bluetooth, and Sprint EvDO
Hitachi 120GB 7200RPM (120GB)
LightScribe DVD+/-RW
8 & 4 Cell Lithium Ion Batteries
Office Std, Visio & One Note 2007

 

Never seen one lighted. I love trackballs and have a new one coming soon. The only one I could think of that might be like what you talking about is this one reviewed by Gadgeteer but not sure it lights up. The one you saw didn't have a brand name on it?

http://the-gadgeteer.com/review/the_ball_bluetooth_wireless_trackball

I'd love to know what lighted trackball you saw also.

 

How about this one:
http://arcadecontrols.com/images/andrew_e.jpg

or this 3D type, thought not really a trackball, but does light up.
http://www.amazon.com/3D-Connexion-...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1196535453&sr=1-44

 

I think you might have seen this one:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2687

It lights up around the ball.

I like that one and may try it in the future. I've got the Logitech cordless trackball coming next week.

 

Thanks fishcube... but no, none of those trackballs are "it".
This one was MUCH cooler looking; as I remember it was sort of a
blue translucent shell, but it had blue lights in it - but not in the ball
itself. It was a sizeable ball, maybe 1 to 1.5", but not a huge one
like the game models.

I am at that Starbucks now, I work in this one 5+ times/week, so this
guy is probably going to show up again and I'll do the inquisition. I'm
sure it is marked with the brand, etc but I didn't see that or ask him
about that. I was just thinking "cool; and that should be easy to find
online". But, it's not! Anyway, if I find out, I'll post it here right away,
for sure.

What got me interested in the lighted trackball... I like to work in low light
at home; and having a lighted keyboard is really nifty as far as finding keys
when you're starting to type. My new "Creative Fatalty1" lighted keyboard also turns out to be
major cool when hanging out at dimly-lit coffee houses . I don't like
wireless for my mice and keyboard; too much hassle with batteries needing
replacement, recharge etc. The wires have never been a problem for me.
I'd rather have the backlighting than the wireless; and you need a cord to
power the backlighting.

Are there any threads here that itemize and debate the tradeoffs between
trackballs and mice? I've gone back and forth for years. I like the fact
that the trackball stays stationary, and doesn't depend upon the quality
of the surface/mousepad it's setting on; but a mouse seems to be faster.
Anyway just wondering if there's been a debate.

-steve

IBM/Lenovo x61s Thinkpad Tablet PC

Windows Vista Business
Intel Core2 Duo CPU 2x1.6GHz
12.1" LCD 1450x900, Wacom pen tablet
Intel 965 Mobility Graphics Chipset
Fingerprint Reader + Mic
Wi-Fi A/B/G, Bluetooth, and Sprint EvDO
Hitachi 120GB 7200RPM (120GB)
LightScribe DVD+/-RW
8 & 4 Cell Lithium Ion Batteries
Office Std, Visio & One Note 2007

 

Yes, please let me know the details when you get them about the lighted trackball. As for needing cord to light up. The Ball, I showed does light up around the ball and is cordless. But, I do realize a cord is normal for alot of allumination.

I have always loved trackballs and have used them for years. I won't go back to a regular mouse. All the ones I've used are very fast. I prefer the ones where the main fingers on the hand are over the ball. I've used the thumb ones and didn't like them as much and you can't move the ball as fast.

The trackball is very quick and they work great for games. I do prefer one with scroll wheel though.