MARBLE MOUSE: Very Useful Indeed

Logitech's MARBLE MOUSE is one of the most useful pieces of hardware you can get for a desktop PC.  I have one of the earlier models (from about 2000) - and I cannot distinguish it from some of the model and catalog numbers that Logitech now uses;  mine still works fine.

Quite frankly the usual mouse that came with your computer is a tiresome little thing that eventually causes wrist ache.  The only way to operate it is to push it one with small strokes, lift it and pull it back, and push it again.  Much like playing a zither.  It's annoying and frustrating, especially, perhaps, to those of us who remember using a joystick to move across the screen.

No such problem with the Logitech Marble Mouse.  It stays in one place; theoretically you could glue it to the table top.  And you just use your fingertips (or even one) ever so lightly on a ceramic ball about the size of a ping-pong ball to move your cursor across the screen.  With just one move of my finger the cursor will cross more than half the screen.  There are side buttons to click, similar to the conventional mouse.  All in all, very comfortable, intuitive, and easy.

Once in a while, pluck the "marble" out of its socket and wipe it and the socket with a little Windex (or rubbing alcohol) to remove dirt, crumbs, dust, and whatever.  I suggest getting some sort of wrist cushion for the heel of your hand to rest on; this cushion will be considerably more useful with the Marble Mouse than with a conventional mouse, because your wrist will actually stay on the cushion.

The Marble Mouse connects to your PC in the same socket that is used by the conventional mouse.  When I installed mine I didn't need to change any of the settings; the computer automatically read the Marble Mouse signals correctly.

When I bought my Marble Mouse it cost me more than $30.  It appears that now prices are much lower.  I suggest it not only for your home computer but also your office computer.  It would also make a nice gift for other computer users, especially the ones who are starting to show the wear and tear of carpel tunnel.

I don't think you'll ever regret getting the Marble Mouse.