Review: Logitech TrackMan Wheel Trackball Mouse

I wrote gaming in the article's sub-title in quotations because the Logitech TrackMan Wheel mouse is not actually marketed as a gaming mouse...but it certainly should be. This mouse combines precision, comfort, and durability into one sleek-looking trackball mouse that's perfect for gaming (and pretty much anything else). Whether you're a hardcore gamer looking to get that head shot every time or just a casual PC user who wants a solid, comfortable mouse to browse the web with, look no further than the Logitech TrackMan Wheel.

Design: 8/10

The Logitech TrackMan Wheel is different from your standard PC mouse. It is what's known as a trackball mouse. Instead of moving it along a surface, you move the cursor by rotating a ball located on the top portion of the mouse rather than under it. This allows you to use the mouse even when there is no flat surface to slide it on, making it a great choice for laptop users. The TrackMan trackball is located on the left side of the mouse, making it easy to operate with your thumb. There are also, of course, a left and right mouse button as well as a scroll wheel (located between the 2 buttons) which can be depressed and act as a third mouse button. The only reason I don't give the TrackMan a perfect score for it's design is the fact that the design doesn't take people who are left handed into consideration at all. It would be very difficult for a left-hander to operate this mouse.

Comfort: 9/10

The TrackMan Wheel is by far one of the most comfortable computer mice I have ever used. It's larger than conventional computer mice which allows you to rest your entire hand on the mouse unlike typical mice where your ring and pinky fingers have no support. Using your thumb to move the trackball rather than sliding the mouse over a surface using your wrist and forearm making it a lot easier to use for long periods of time without tiring. The left and right mouse buttons are located a comfortable distance from the trackball and rest under your index and middle finger. For added comfort these button have grooves in them which your fingers fit in nicely.

Precision: 9/10

This is where the Logitech TrackMan Wheel really shines as a gaming mouse. This mouse is extremely accurate and is sensitive to even the slightest movements. Add the fact that you control the TrackMan with your thumb rather than your wrist, allowing more natural and precise movements, and you've got a mouse perfect for first person shooter type PC games as well as any other game genre. Besides the precision of the trackball, the buttons are also very responsive and the scroll wheel has just the right amount of resistance to it. These combined elements make the TrackMan perfect for slight movements and/or fast, repetitive button clicking.

Durability: 10/10

If you're anything like me, you tend to drop computer mice (and plenty of other expensive electronics) often. One of the things I was most impressed about with the Logitech TrackMan Wheel was it's durability. I must have dropped this mouse literally hundreds of times and though sometimes the trackball will pop out (which is OK since it's designed to be removable for cleaning purposes), the mouse has yet to cease functioning. This mouse seems to be virtually indestructible.

Overview

Design: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Precision: 9/10
Durability:10/10

Pros: Extremely precise, comfortable, very durable.

Cons: Slightly large size can make it difficult to travel with, not designed for left-handed users.

Overall Rating: 9/10