Ed Zabrek's Technology Report - Logically, they are from Logitech™

I have been an avid user of Logitech products since I started using computers. Their software drivers have been the industry leaders from the beginning, and their hardware has also followed suit. Microsoft has tried to copy their efforts, but in my humble opinion, nothing beats the original. Recently Microsoft attempted to 1-up the industry with their "scroll function: buttons on their new mice and trackballs. It worked well with MS Office and Internet explorer applications, but their software was still not up to the level of Logitech's. Fortunately, Logitech has surpassed the industry again with their new line of trackballs and a cordless keyboard/mouse dubbed the Cordless Desktop™. In this review, I will be looking at three new (and available) production items from Logitech. Namely, the TrackMan Marble FX ™, TrackMan Marble +™, and the afore mentioned Cordless Desktop™.

The two trackballs are attractive, comfortable and easy to use. Logitech claims to have a patented optical sensing technology that replaces all mechnical moving parts. Tracking is achieved using a laser-like beam to illuminate the dots printed on the trackball, while a sensor tracks the motion. Logitech's claim is that this method gives the user increased precision, while reducing wear, and ensuring smooth tracking, even if the trackbed or ball itself get dirty, dusty, oily, scratched, or otherwise compromised. This design should also prolong the usable life of these devices.

New to these TrackMen are the addition of complete scrolling and zooming functionality. Any user of Windows 95/98. Internet Explorer or Office 97 will find these additional features worth the purchase price. As mentioned above, the excellent software (currently Logitech's Mouseware® v8.0) the Logitech engineers provide, is the best in the business. You can personalize your performance by assigning one-click commands to each button. For example you assign draglock, double click. Cut, paste, page up, page down, task list, to mention only a few. You can also personalize cursor size, speed, sensitivity, and other behaviors. Hyperjump™ and Cyberjump™ are two unique assignable button functions. Hyperjump™ moves eight frequently used Windows commands including open, close, resize, and minimize to your cursor so you don't have to move your trackball to point to the far corners of the screen. Cyberjump™ gives you instant one-click access to eight popular web commands including create a bookmark, go to a bookmark, move back a page, and more.

The differences between the TrackMan Marble+™ and the TrackMan Marble FX™ are visibly apparent. The "plus" version sports a more conventional trackball design, with an extra red scrolling button in place of a middle access button. The "FX" version is unique in its design and feel, and I must admit, took some getting used to. The big red spotted ball (about 20% larger than the "Plus" model) sits in an open sided form reminding me somewhat of the orbit in a piece of skull bone. That aside, after using the device, I became accustomed to it, and am now totally comfortable with it. The "FX" also has an additional button, giving the user a total of four, and thereby retaining a possible third or "middle access" button, not present on the "plus" model. It is certainly not essential to have four buttons, but it does give you more flexibility, and allows for enhanced personalization and quicker shortcuts.

The list price for the TrackMan Marble +™ is $79.99. The TrackMan Marble FX™, $99.99. I highly recommend either device. Check both them out at your local computer, or office supply store.

In the coming weeks, I will taking a look at A.C.O.G.'S P.A.C.E. modules (the interactive, patient informed consent CD-ROMs). I have been experimenting with various office hardware "setups" (including the use a regular T.V. monitor, and a $500.00 P.C. clone. I hope to get a cordless pointing device (from Logitech™) to complete this setup. I will let you know how it goes!

Edward M. Zabrek, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Technology Correspondent
OBGYN.net