Apple iBook Notebook 12.1" M9018LL/A (900-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)
Average Customer Review:
Personal Computers
list price: $1,294.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Weighing in at a respectable 4.9 pounds and featuring a 900 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, a 40 GB hard drive, and 128 MB of RAM (expandable to 640 MB)--plus AirPort wireless networking and FireWire, USB, and Ethernet ports--the iBook connects to hundreds of peripherals designed to fit your life.

This system features a brilliant 12.1-inch TFT XGA active-matrix display and razor-sharp 1,024 x 768 resolution. It's the perfect place for doing everything from working on spreadsheets to displaying your movies and digital pictures in millions of colors. (Incidentally, the iBook display scales down beautifully, again with millions of colors, for special games and applications optimized for 800 x 600 or 640 x 480 resolutions.)

Included is a combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive for playing games and music CDs, and watching your favorite movies, and copying data to CD-R and CD-RW discs. The 900 MHz iBook ships with a 40 GB hard drive that provides exceptional storage space. In addition, this system comes with the ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics accelerator with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM and AGP 2x support for gorgeous 3-D graphics.

The iBook also comes loaded with Mac OS X, iMovie, iTunes, AppleWorks, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Netscape Communicator, Adobe Acrobat Reader, FAXstf, AOL Instant Messenger (preview), WORLD BOOK Max OS X Edition, Quicken 2003, Sound Studio, and Otto Matic game software. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Even a year later, it's still alive and kickin'...
I bought this baby over a year and a half ago and it still runs perfectly well! I'm a graphic design student and the poor thing has gotten scratched, scraped and dented...not to mention the dozens of black charcoal smudges that cover its white surface from all my drawing classes. True, I do wish I could magically transform the outer surface to its original pure white finish BUT it amazes me that such a little machine could withstand such torture! I run the entire Adobe Creative Suite on it (Photoshop, Illustrator, Go Live, Acrobat...), have tons of data and music files, and still manage to have Dreamworks and Flash. However, I have run into problems with the speed and managing to run a number of programs at the same time. Possibly because I never shelled out the extra $100 to get the 512 RAM (duh.) which I will definitely do now! This is definitely an issue during finals week... Anyway, the only qualm I have are the speakers do happen to suck. Over the year or so I've owned it, the quality has gotten so irritatingly bad that I only use headphones on it and even then, the right speaker is kinda busted. Regardless, if you get an Airport card and the extra RAM, this G3 works perfectly! And you can throw it in your backback and not have to worry about it.

Great product! Very happy with it, minor issues.
I'm very happy with my iBook. I've had this guy for a few months now, and love him to death. I've named him Findlay, which means "Blonde haired solider". This guy has been a strong and faithful warrior for me. (I figure the white case is close enough to blonde. :)) I rarely have to re-boot, and haven't had any issues with the software.

I'm a student and carry him with me all over. The previous computer I used (shared with siblings) was the 14 inch model. I like the compactness of this one, because of how much time I spend lugging him around.

I chose this model because of it's price and size. 20-20 hindsight, I might have bought the next newer model. I spent another $100 on more RAM, because it was painfully slow. Now it's nice and speedy, but I don't like the fact that I don't have another slot, for future upgrade.

The only other issue that I have is that they claim it is "Airport Ready." This does *NOT* mean that it has an airport card, and is ready to go. It means it is "Airport *CARD* Ready."The airport card costs about $100.
So, if you're going to want the extra RAM, and the airport card, count on your final price being about $200 more than is listed.
If I'd thought about those costs, I might have choosen a different model to begin with.

Besides those little issues with the extras, I love my computer! I'll be off to college next year, and expect him to service me through at least 4 years, as long as I can put up with the shame of having a 4 year old computer. :)

Great Product from Apple!!!
I bought my ibook around xmas and i was very impressed! The graphics are increible!!! This a fast computer especially when I added 512 mb of ram. If you arent computer literate (which seems like the people who didnt write a good review for the product) then apples arent for you. If you are not very good at computers and have trouble on them then go with a PC. I am very satisfied with it and I actually started on a PC and made the SWITCH. I will never go back to a PC. Apples are absolutely awesome computers with sweet applications. Itunes, ilife '04, and safari are great. It seems like they made this computer just for me and if you bought this, youd feel the same way! ... Read more

Asin: B00009APD2
Subjects:  1. Notebooks (Note Books)    2. Notebook Computers    3. Laptops (Lap Tops)    4. Apple    5. (Mac)    6. (Macintosh)   

Apple M7600LL/E 802.11b AirPort Card
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Compatible with the 802.11b wireless standard
• Ranges up to 150 feet indoors at 11 Mbps
• Provides tight security
• Use with an Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station for added functionality
• Compatible with AirPort-enabled Apple computers

Reviews (9)

life changing
The wireless revolution has seriously altered the way I work. It didn't seem like it was that big of a deal, to be able to work anywhere in the house on a laptop. And then I was home over Thanksgiving and tried my father's - it was incredible. So, soon after I had my own and I love it - I even ended up getting another one for my wife's laptop.

Whether it's browsing amazon.com late at night in bed, checking morning email in the kitchen while the kids run around, or being able to set up a writing desk anywhere in the house without worrying about an accessible internet port - the airport system is awesome. Even if you only have a desktop computer it's worth it - you can to put the computer in a place where there's no internet plug, without the 40 foot cord draping your wall to connect it. All in all, a wireless system may seem extravagant, but once you have one you'll wonder how you got by without it.

The airport card, along with the base station, allows you to connect several computers, even ones that don't have wireless cards in them (i.e., we have two laptops on the wireless system, and then one iMac that doesn't have an airport card is plugged directly into the base station). You can print, scan - anything - wirelessly, as long as those extra components are connected to the base station.

If you have a big house and the base station won't be centrally located, you may want to look into the antenna. I have a 2500 square foot house and the base station is at one end of it. I can get access from anywhere in the house without the extra antenna, though in one or two places it's a weak signal. My father's house, on the other hand, is over 5000 square feet and the base station is at a far end - you can't even get a signal on the other side of the house. However, he purchased the antenna and the signal is now very strong wherever you are. A warning - you should make sure your airport network is password protected, especially if you get the antenna. The signal will be broadcast through half your neighborhood and if not protected, people can get on and use your airtime, clogging up your bandwidth.

Make sure you get the right card! There's the airport extreme card and the regular airport card (I believe they are both compatible with either base station). Check Apple's website for direct compatibility between your computer and the two different cards. They are different sizes and will only fit in the right kind of slot.

One final word - I've heard from others that certain products from Net Gear or other wireless manufacturers accomplish the same thing as the airport card and base station for much cheaper. I can't attest to the validity of this, but it might be worth looking into. I'd exercise extreme caution, since if you go with Apple products it will be covered with tech support, even if it's more expensive. And putting third party hardware in your computer will likely void the warranty on your computer.

Watch out, this does not fit an Apple iBook G4!
Recommend and rating, hard to say.My intent is to make sure that people don't make the same stupid mistake that I did!An Apple iBook G4 can only accept an "airport extreme" card.I suspect that most of the latest generation ibooks, powerbooks, and powerpcs and etc can only take the extreme card.

Do your homework beforing buying the M7600LL card.

Adapter Comments
Just to clear things up a bit further on the adapter business.When Apple started selling Airport-capable systems and cards, the cards could be used with the CRT iMac or an iBook or Powerbook.Rather than build a special slot in the iMac that you could slide the card into, the card came with a little wraparound bit that had a socket on it which plugged into the iMac.If you were going to use the card in an iBook or Powerbook, you didn't need the adaptor, the card slides into a slot.I guess after awhile they decided to including the adapter was a bit wasteful if a large segment of the buyers weren't going to use it, so they made it an optional extra.The fact that their newer systems didn't need the adapter, and that sales of the CRT iMac were slowing down probably had something to do with it as well.

I've bought 3 Airport cards myself for various systems, and have been very impressed with the ease of use and reliability of the product. ... Read more

Asin: B0000899ZD
Sales Rank: 273
Subjects:  1. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    2. Apple    3. (Mac)    4. (Macintosh)   

Netgear MR814 802.11b Wireless 4-Port Cable/DSL Router
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $99.99 -- our price: $39.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

When you connect your cable or DSL modem to the Netgear MR814 wireless router, you'llenjoy wired or wireless Internet access for all your computers, and you'll be assuredof protected communications on your home or small office network. This three-in-onerouter, switch, and wireless access point allows you to share your Internetconnection, files, and printers with other computers on the network.

You'll be surfingthe Web in minutes with Install Assistant to guide you through each stepand onscreen help that's there when you need it. The unique Smart Setupwizard automatically detects your ISP connection type, savingyou time and effort. Lighted, front-panel icons display status at a glance.The router works with PCs, Macs, and virtually all Ethernet devices. A sophisticated network address translation (NAT) firewall protects againstInternet hackers, while a virtual private network (VPN) pass-through allowsusers secure access to corporate networks. Powerful encryption (40-, 64-,or 128-bit) protects against eavesdroppers, and address authenticationrestricts connections to specific wireless adapters--only those you approveare allowed to use your network. E-mails notify you of Internet activity,and content logging and filtering limit access to inappropriate Web sites. Roam your home and office with the freedom of a Wi-Fi notebook computer.Distribute MP3s, digital movies, and photos with ultrafast, wired LANports capable of speeds of 200 Mbps. Preprogrammed port-forwarding setupssimplify playing multiplayer games and hosting Internet services. Sharea single broadband connection with up to 253 users to give everyone simultaneousaccess to the Internet. The Netgear wireless router provides a powerful2 dBi detachable antenna for longer wireless range, and delivers doublethe memory and a 50-percent-faster CPU than many popular routers. The Netgear MR814 comes with a three-year warranty.

See a detailed diagramof how to integrate the Netgear MR814 into your home network.

... Read more

Features

• Compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, Mac OS, NetWare, UNIX, and Linux
• Connect to a cable/DSL modem and get wired or wireless Internet access for all your computers
• Compatible with most 802.11b wireless networking devices
• Firewall, 128-bit Encryption, Parental controls
• Smart Wizard automatically detects ISP type, Port Range Forwarding, Exposed Host (DMZ), URL Content Filtering, E-mail Alerts, and Wireless MAC Address Authentication

Reviews (694)

total junk
I have a masters degree in telecommunications and have worked in networking for over 10 years. I tried this device in two similarly configured DSL networks and had the same problems with both.

Not wanting to believe that I completely wasted my money on this POS I have spent many hours trying to get it to work. At first the problems were just intermittent -- the wireless would work for 5 or 10 minutes and then stop forwarding packets. The wireline wouldn't work for even that long. I found a known issue on the web site with Centrino-based wireless cards that seemed relevant. (But, jeez!!, what kind of morons make a device that doesn't work with Centrino out of the box?!?!?) So, I upgraded the firmware per all the instructions on the web site.

The upgrade was smooth, but after the upgrade the thing was pretty much useless. The alleged "SmartWizard" could not detect my network type and could not be avoided. My DSL modem has a built-in DHCP server and router as well as handling all the PPP stuff. So, all I needed the Netgear box to do was essentially be a switch -- there was no way to turn off the routing.

Anyway, I should have been able to use it as a router, but when I manually configured the box to use DHCP it just plain didn't work. I set up a hub between the switch and the DSL router so that I could sniff the traffic. I could see the DISCOVER from the Netgear box and the OFFER come right back from the DSL modem. For whatever reason it did not like the offer and would not pick up an IP address.

Anyway, I could have probably spent more time dumbing down my DSL modem and handing over the routing and PPP stuff to this box, but it should have worked period -- there really isn't a simpler network than the one I was trying to get it to work in.

I did try manually configuring a static IP on the switch. If I remember right it would forward packets from wireless clients, but not responses. Again, I sniffed it and I could see my DNS requests leaving and the responses coming back, but they were not getting forwarded over the wireless network to the client who requested them.

I've had really good luck with a lot of Netgear products and I hesitate to say that this is the last one that I'll ever buy, but I think I'd need a pretty good reason at this point. I'd probably spend more time trying to get this work (despite the fact that I've already wasted 4 - 6 hours on it), but I was toying with upgrading to 802.11g anyway so, forget it, I'm just going to take a hammer to this brick. I don't even want to give it away and trouble anyone else with this junk.

simple, good features, perfect for home use
I have used the router for several months now and I haven't had a problem with it. It's simple to set up, fairly powerful, and for the price it's great.I have no problem with the range, I sat my laptop at the other end of my apartment, and left it pinging the router for about 20 minutes, through a few walls, and the packet loss was about 1.2%, more than acceptable.I'm not sure why other people are seeing so many problems; maybe they need to make sure the position the aerial properly?

Good for about 6 months
I bought this router last year and it was working fine. But for the last 3 weeks the router is a piece of crap. It connects to the internet through the LAN, but when it comes to wireless it is as slow as a modem. And that too it works for only 15 minutes and then drops the connection. I have spent at least 6 hours on the phone with Netgear support and they are not helpful. They kepp telling me the same thing over and over again. I have told them that it works for only 15-20 minutes and that too at a modem speed. When they send you a replacement, it is a refurbished one which someone else had sent in to Netgear with problems and obviously that has problems too. ... Read more

Asin: B00006HYKM

Apple 10 GB iPod (M8976LL/A, April 2003 Version)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (02 May, 2003)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Features redesigned and backlit navigation and remodeled headphones; headphones with wired remote are optional
• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M9460LL/A
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Optional docking station makes charging and synching easy
• More than 8 hour battery life on a 3 hour charge (1-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)

Reviews (218)

Small but great
I have one of these and I listen to it everywhere I go, great sound quality and good battery life. I have run out of space however, so I would recommend a newer one with a larger hard drive.

ayyeee
So easy to use, and really cool in the with a tape deck or itrip.

Recommend to anyone.

It's No Mini-Disc Player!
My Sony mini-disc player died after a short life (moment of silence). So when I got a new job, the toy of choice was an iPod. What a difference!

The bad as compared to the mini-disc player is that the iPod doesn't have an LCD display remote control. So with so many songs, it's hard to blindly navigate if your iPod is stashed away. Hopefully Apple will create such a remote. Otherwise, it wins over the mini-disc player hands down!

The new mini-discs hold 5 hours of music. 2 years ago that was a big deal. My 20 Gig iPod has 17 hours of music already and I am using merely 390 MB. That's less than a fraction of its capacity. The iPod's looking at me like, "When are you gonna REALLY add some music?"

The 3 lines of music data display the song title, artist, and even album! And the sound...oh boy. I feel like I'm at a concert! Excellent sound! You can also tweak the sound with the equalizer.

Once they make that LCD remote to make navigating easier, it'll be perfect. ... Read more

Asin: B00009J5VX
Sales Rank: 1474
Subjects:  1. 5GB    2. 5 GB    3. Portable Audio    4. MP3 MP 3 Player    5. Jukebox    6. MP3 Player (MP 3)    7. Apple    8. (Mac)    9. (Macintosh)    10. Gigabyte   

PalmOne Vx Handheld
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $199.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

At only 4.7 by 3.2 inches square and 0.4 inches thick, the Palm Vxhandheld is truly pocket sized; however, this model sports a hefty 8 MB of RAM.The Palm Vx handheld also sports a sleek exterior that looks supercool--anintangible value to be sure, but one that's hard to argue with.

The Palm Vx handheld offers the same improvements to its screen that were madeto the Palm IIIx. These updates since the Palm III handheld include a farsharper screen and contrast-variable backlighting, which makes the Palm Vxhandheld much easier to use in low-light conditions. Rechargeable lithium-ionbatteries, which charge while the unit sits in its HotSync cradle, make batterylife a nonissue.

You can synchronize Palm handhelds with your computer so that you can carry allyour appointments, notes, contacts, and e-mail with you. The simple one-touchinterface makes sense to new and seasoned computer users alike. For owners thatprefer Microsoft Outlook to keep tabs on folks for business and pleasure, resteasy. With the simple installation procedure, and Outlook support out of thebox, you can transfer the data you have in Outlook, or start fresh with the PalmDesktop software. In addition, there are thousands of applications for the Palmoperating system available on the Internet that make your Palm handheld work aseverything from a universal remote to a digital book and restaurant guide.

We had no trouble setting up the device, synching with our PC-based Netscape e-mail,using the Graffiti character-recognition software, or working with theaddress book, date book, memo writer, to-do list, and all the other applicationsthat put the Palm OS on the map. All in all, this is a great upgrade to analready strong product. If this is your first Palm, it's a great way to start.

Pros:

• Palm OS interface is simple to use
• Easy to install and set up
• Uses rechargeable batteries
• Sleek, solid design can take some punishment

Cons:

• Not expandable (has a closed case)
• Case cover opens too easily

... Read more

Features

• 8 MB RAM
• HotSync cradle included
• Easily transfer data from your handheld to your PC or Macintosh
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Stores thousands of addresses, appointments, to-do items, memos, and more

Reviews (195)

Crashed three times
I don't see why this item is getting good reviews.It's crashed three times, losing everything.Now the battery won't completely charge.I never could get it connected to the computer.Makes me wonder about Palm.

Still worth it
In 2005, there are a lot of PDA called Pocket PC, but when you look at palm Vx, you will love it. You are able to put it in your suit or handbag and its glass screen provides you a crystal clear writing. I only need a PDA that take care my telephone list, my personal finance and bible reading. I don't need to listen MP3 or watching DVD on the road, and this palm just meet my need. You will love to carry it with you everywhere you go.

I agree that if you have a portable keyboard, you can even type your homework or paper in the library or anywhere in your home.

Personally, I like Palm OS rather than Pocket PC.

Great unit
I upgraded from a Palm Pilot Pro about 5 years back to a Palm Vx and then again this year to a Tungsten C. The Vx was a very reliable and robust unit (I got the hard case for it which makes it fairly indestructible) and did everything I needed for a long time. The reasons I upgraded were:
- colour screen so I could carry pictures and movies of my family with me, and watch DVD and MPEG movies (Tungsten C quality is fantastic for these). The colour also enhances all the applications, especially DateBk5
- WiFi just in case I needed to get email whilst away - though so far I've not been anywhere without an internet cafe in range !
- expansion slots so I could store and listen to audio MP3s and which alows me to make a complete compressed backup onto the expansion card (so I don't need a laptop with me nowadays as well)
- enogh memory to store DocsToGo, Ultralingua (French dictionary), Handbase and a few other apps which I use heavily

Unless you need/want any of this, the Vx will do the basics very well indeed. However, the Tc is pretty good too so far (and I can sync via WiFi anywhere in my house so the cradle I only need for recharging now) and you will certainly find useful things to do with the extra features and memory. ... Read more

Asin: B000031KIM
Subjects:  1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    2. Palm Connected    3. Handheld (Hand Held)   

PalmOne Mac Serial Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $9.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The 3Com MacPac Serial Adapter is a cable that lets you link your Palm handheld to your Macintosh so that you can synchronize your Date Book, Address Book, Memo Pad, and To-Do list. The MacPac serial adapter connects with a HotSync cradle or a HotSync cable through a standard serial Macintosh printer or modem port.

The MacPac works with an updated version of Palm Desktop software, which is available for free at www.palm.com/products/macintosh/.Simply use the new software instead of the organizer software for Windows that originally accompanied your Palm organizer. The new Desktop Organizer Software 2.0 is designed especially for the Mac.

The MacPac cable is for use with all Palm handhelds, including the Palm III series (Palm III, IIIx, IIIe, and IIIxe), Palm V, and Palm VII. It is not designed for use with the iMac's USB connection. ... Read more

Features

• Not intended for iMac USB connection
• Lets you use your Palm III series, V, or VII connected organizers with your Macintosh
• Synchronizes your Mac and Palm organizer with the touch of a button
• Connects HotSync cradle or cable to Mac serial printer or modem port
• Updated Palm Desktop software available for free download

Reviews (6)

Palm serial adaptor
Be aware this will not work with newer Macs that utilize USB, even though they have an available printer or modem port.

Good Choice
I had recently purchased a serial to USB adapter from another company, which failed miserably. After returning it to the store and losing 7 bucks for "repackaging", I decided to get the Palm one, which I am glad that I did. My first adapter btw, cost almost double that I got here at Amazon. Installation and set up were a snap. I would however make the disclaimer DELETE THE PALM SOFTWARE THAT CAME ON YOUR MAC, there were a couple of glitches that I encountered until I did this. I wiped out all the files from the pre-installed software and ran what came with the adapter. Problem Solved! I guess there was application conflict when the two were set up at the same time. I am not sorry for having made the purchase.

Works just fine
This adapter is great, it's cheap, and the Mac software is available FREE from palm.com. Unlike the USB to Palm adapter, this device is priced fairly (almost too cheap).

This adapter works perfectly with my PowerBook, I haven't had a problem with it, and you can't beat the price.

To those other people who rated this low: I don't think this adapter deserves a 1 star, just because some people ordered the wrong ones when they really wanted one for a USB based Mac. That's like saying you don't like Toyotas because you tried to buy a part from a Toyota store for your Honda. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JHVS
Subjects:  1. Palm v (5)    2. Palm vii (7)    3. Cables (Cable)    4. Cradles (Cradle)    5. Cables (Cable    6. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    7. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    8. Palm IIIe (3e)    9. Peripherals    10. Handheld (Hand Held)   

Logitech Trackman Wheel Optical (904353-0403)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $34.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Reliable optical technology combined with an innovative scroll wheel that acts as a third button sets Logitech's 904353-0403 Trackman Wheel Optical apart from ordinary trackball mice. Patented optical technology provides superior precision, reduced wear, and smooth motion, and eliminates the need for regular cleaning. The scroll wheel provides easy scrolling and the added convenience of an extra mouse button, enabling you to jump easily to your favorite Web sites. The ball is ideally positioned for thumb operation, and the comfortable shape of the mouse allows for strain-free extended use. Its smaller size also saves desk space, reduces hand and wrist movement, and plugs very easily into your system's USB or PS/2 port. Compatible with both Windows and Macintosh systems. ... Read more

Features

• 5-year warranty
• Patented optical marble technology delivers superior precision, reduced wear and smooth tracking, even if the trackball gets dirty.
• Precise thumb control
• WebWheel provides convenient scrolling and fast, easy Internet access
• Made with the quality of Logitech, the world's largest manufacturer of mice and trackballs

Reviews (40)

Have been using this for over two years...
It has worked flawlessly and and efficiently.I would highly recommend it to anyone who has limited space, or anyone for that matter.

Comfortable alternative to a mouse
I bought a trackball to give myself a more space-efficient alternative to a mouse.After deciding against mostof Kensington's trackballs because of cost and against a Microsft trackball because of my smaller hand size, I settled on the Logitech Trackman.

I had never used a trackball for even a short amount of time, so adjusting to the feel of the Trackman took several days but was definitely worth it.

-Ball movement.The ball glides smoothly on several mini ball bearings and is a comfortable size for me to operate with my thumb.Plus, it is also optical and thus has less parts to clean.

-Familiar mouse-like shape.The Logitech Trackman is more mouse-shaped than many trackballs, and the buttons/scroll wheel can be used with the usual fingers.Unlike a mouse, of course, you don't have to worry much about desktop space and don't need to move the entire device around.

-Simple buttons.If you don't like mice/trackballs that are loaded with buttons, this is for you.This trackball only has the standard left/right buttons, plus a clickable scroll wheel.The main buttons aren't too stiff, and the wheel moves easily and has a muted click when you scroll (pretty much the same as a Logitech optical mouse).

-Curves.The entire device is curved to fit the right hand.There are grooves on the two "mouse" buttons to give your fingers a place to rest, and there are additional grooves for your ring and little fingers to rest on.There's alsoa bit of rubber along the right edge, presumably for comfort reasons.

-Size.One of the reasons I've bought Logitech miceinstead of the equivalent Microsoft products is that the MS mice feel large, chunky and unwieldy in my hand.This trackball is no exception; my palm, thumb, and fingers rest exactly where they should be.If you like the size of Logitech's optical scroll mice, you will probably like this trackball as well; if you have larger hands or generally prefer the larger size of Microsoft's mice, it would be a good idea to try this out in a store before buying.

-Long cord.If your only free USB ports are several feet away, under a desk, etc., hooking the Trackman up shouldn't be a problem.It's a bit more cumbersome if you have it plugged directly into your keyboard and have lots of extra cord left over, but it's nothing a simple twist tie can't fix.

-Construction.The Trackman is available for less than $30, but it has the usual Logitech quality. Three rubber feet keep the Trackman from slipping around.The bottom is held together withfour screws and can easily be opened using a Philips head screwdriver if necessary; the ball can be popped out from above by grabbing it between your thumb/forefinger and giving it a good tug.All in all, much easier to open up and clean than, for instance, an Apple peripheral, but at the same time it won't come apart by accident during regular use.

-OS X compatibility.The two mouse buttons and scroll wheel work fine without any Logitech drivers installed, though the trackball is a bit slow.Installing the Logitech Control Center allows you to bump the tracking speed up further and program the middle (scroll wheel) button, among other things.If you already have installed it (for use with a Logitech keyboard or mouse, for example), the Control Center should detect the Trackman and allow you to program it without installing any trackball-specific software (you can even leave your mouse connected without any real problems).

**If you use OS 10.3, download the latest drivers! Earlier Logitech drivers (such as the one included in the box) caused several kernel panics on my Mac when used under recent versions of OS 10.3.**

Works Like it Should
I recently purchased and then returned a couple of Microsoft trackball units similar to this Logitech product (see my review).Thankfully the Logitech model works the right way - the shape fits my hand nicely and the ball rolls smoothly.The cursor responds instantly when you roll the ball and it goes where you want it to go - no sticking, no hesitation, no flying awry all over the screen.I feel like I am in control.Not so when I used the Microsoft version - that one stuck, I would roll the ball and the cursor would stay put, and it felt like the ball had some sort of film on it that prevented it from turning smoothly.This Logitech Trackman is wayyyyyyy better!It's a few dollars more but worth it - the difference in quality and operation is obvious and I'm keeping these two that I bought in place of the Microsoft units.There really is no comparision. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NIMJ
Subjects:  1. Wheel Mouse (Mice, Wheelmouse, Wheelmice)    2. Mouse (Mice)    3. Trackball (Trackballs)