KidTrac

The KidTrac trackball from Clearly Superior Technologies may be look like it is for children but users shouldn't be fooled by outward appearances. The bold bright colours—Yellow trackball with Red, Green and Blue buttons—is just a disguise for a highly functional trackball with capabilities suited to all ages.

Unlike most trackballs on the market, the high density 2.5" diameter phenolic trackball in the KidTrac has significant inertia. This provides far more tactile feedback than that normally offered with other trackballs, ensuring smooth response to even a light touch and requiring minimal dexterity of the fingers. Since the entire hand can be engaged in performing the trackball movements, the PC-Trac is a good solution for those who may have weakness or damage to the fingers, or for those who are seeking to avoid potential Repetitive Strain Injuries. Unlike some other trackballs, the trackball in the KidTrac is also safely secured in the housing to ensure that it cannot be easily removed, either by accident or deliberate action so missing trackballs or broken windows are not an issue.

The KidTrac also offers 'Dynamic Acceleration' which increases distance covered proportional to the speed of rotation. This feature ensures fine control as well as offering accurate rapid movement when required. (See the Features section on the Detailed Specifications Page for a deeper explanation of this feature.)
Since the low profile of the KidTrac housing acts as a natural hand rest, mirroring the natural contour of your hand, it can also reduce the risk of the wrist being inappropriately positioned and being injured as a result. The special 'Ambidextrous Trackball' feature allows switching from left to right-handed use by simultaneously pressing all 3 buttons, without the need to change system settings.

Users with vision limitations can especially benefit from the extra-large brightly coloured design which serves as an aid to clearly identify the button locations and functions. The light activation force and large dimensions of the buttons also mean that anyone with limited strength will be able to perform clicks as easily as any user. Users with motor function limitations may be interested in the Switch-Adapted version of the KidTrac which has three jacks for the connection of accessibility switches to provide easier access to the button functions.

• Middle Button Hardwired for Drag-Lock (for non-Pro models): The middle button defaults to drag-lock - this means that there is no need to hold a button down to highlight, select or drag an item. This is a real plus for individuals with trigger finger, who are constantly having to click, or for those with motor skill difficulties.
• Middle Button in Scroll-Lock Mode: The middle button can also act as a scroll-lock. To have the button perform a scroll-lock (instead of the default drag-lock), press and hold the button for 3 seconds. An indicator light in the upper right notifies the user when Scroll Lock is activated. To leave scroll-lock mode, press any button.
• Ambidextrous Design: The KidTrac trackballs encourage ambidextrous use with a special 'Ambidextrous Trackball' feature which allows fast switching from left to right-handed use by simultaneously pressing all 3 buttons, without the need to change system settings.
• Dynamic Acceleration: The Dynamic Acceleration feature incorporated into all KidTrac models is especially beneficial to users working with large high resolution screens or those who need to rapidly move the cursor across greater distances. This feature ties the distance travelled to the speed with which the ball is rotated. For example, a 1/4 rotation of the ball at a rapid rate will cause the cursor to cover a substantially greater distance than the same 1/4 rotation performed at a slow rate. A 'fixed acceleration' trackball would require a greater degree or number of rotations in order to cover these larger movements, resulting in an increase in the amount of necessary finger movement.
• Universal Compatibility: The universal compatibility of this design means it works well in a multi-user environments with a range of individuals.
• Wired Reliability: KidTrac Trackballs employ a wired USB connection which eliminates the potential for wireless to 'drop out' at a crucial moment. It also ensures the fastest communication - eliminating any potential for lag from wireless.
• Low Profile: The low profile of the KidTrac trackball case acts as a natural hand-rest, mirroring the natural contours of the hand.
• Robust Design: Employing strong ABS plastic construction, a virtually indestructible phenolic trackball and stainless steel rollers, Clearly Superior Trackballs are designed with durability a key consideration.
• Large Weighted Trackball: The large 57 mm ball provides increased accuracy and control. The weight also enables rapid movement across large distances as it can be spun.

• Width: 3.75" (9.5 cm)
• Depth (front to back): 6.75" (17.1 cm)
• Height: 1.75" (4.4 cm)
• Ball diameter: 2.25" (5.7 cm)
• Ball type: High density phenolic
• Bearings: Dupont Delrin with Teflon
• Ball Suspension: Nickel plated brass alloy
• Tracking: Mechanical Optical
• Resolution: 300 CPI (counts per inch)
• Case: High impact ABS
• Cable Length: 6' (1.8 m)
• Compatibility: PC: 98SE, 2000, XP, Vista, 7
  Mac: Mac OS 9 (or later)
  Linux: most versions
  Other: any HID 1.0 compatible operating system (e.g. Sun Solaris)
• Interface: USB 1.1 (USB to PS/2 adapter included)
• Warranty: 1 year
• Package Contents: KidTrac Trackball, USB to PS/2 Adapter, Quick Start Guide

• If you are new to a trackball expect that it will take a while to get accustomed to the different style of control. It is also a good idea to limit the amount of time you use it in the first while. Rather, build up to longer periods of usage by interchanging with a different mousing device or by Load Balancing (see next point).
• Load Balance Your Use: The freedom of an ambidextrous trackball lets you easily switch between left and right handed use. Make a point of using it with your non-dominant hand. Not only is this good for your dominant hand, which gets a break from working, it can slowly build dexterity and endurance which your non-dominant hand generally does not have. As a bonus, it is also a way of stimulating the other half of your brain, which is never a bad idea. The KidTrac (non-PRO) trackballs encourage ambidextrous use with a special "Ambidextrous Trackball" feature which allows fast switching from left to right-handed use by simultaneously pressing all 3 buttons, without the need to change system settings.
• Take Regular Breaks: If you find that you are experiencing discomfort in your fingers, especially in the learning stages - that is a good sign that you may want to take a break by switching to a different device or by swapping to the other hand. As with any device, make an effort to regularly change your usage, take breaks, and perform stretches. Some users find that the fingers can benefit from occasionally flexing them through a full range of movement, both extending and contracting them fully.
• Employ the "Dynamic Acceleration" feature to reduce unnecessary repetitive rotation movements when needing to move across large distances. Moving the ball quickly will cause it to cover a much greater distance than it will if rotated slowly for the same amount of rotation (i.e. a quarter of a rotation at a higher speed will cover a much greater distance than a quarter of a rotation at a slow speed).
• If you have a PRO model consider installing the Superior-X Button Control for Windows or USB Overdrive Software for Mac downloadable from the manufacturer
  Note: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing other input device software prior to installing the Superior-X or USB-Overdrive packages.