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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: WhiteRice on Wed, 29 September 2010, 10:49:46

Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: WhiteRice on Wed, 29 September 2010, 10:49:46
http://mobile.buy.com/ibuy/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=210594253&=%2c

Don't forget to use your ebates for an additional 1.5% cashback
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 29 September 2010, 14:08:21
wow, that is a smoking price.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: frvrngn on Wed, 29 September 2010, 15:43:19
I snagged one this morning.  I wanted to try a trackball out.  I read some horrible reviews on it, but most seemed older when they did not have proper software support for it.  If I hate it, at least there is a 45 day return policy!
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 29 September 2010, 15:59:49
Had mine for just about a year now and I really like it. I don't use it with windows though but under linux all 4 buttons are usable. I think its a great trackball.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 29 September 2010, 19:03:29
Is this trackball swappable with standard-sized billiard balls?
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 29 September 2010, 19:19:42
No. Too big.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: WhiteRice on Wed, 29 September 2010, 19:32:23
I got one too, even I just bought I figure I'll just sell the one I like less.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Thu, 30 September 2010, 10:52:54
Quote from: WhiteRice;228030
http://mobile.buy.com/ibuy/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=210594253&=%2c

Don't forget to use your ebates for an additional 1.5% cashback


Wow, what a nice lady. Good old girl next door kinda. Wish there were more out there. She even looks somewhat geeky.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: frvrngn on Thu, 30 September 2010, 11:17:01
I love Buy.com shipping.  I ordered yesterday with the free budget shipping.  Notes said up to 9 days to arrive like always.  It actually shipped last night and will arrive tomorrow!  Amazon is the same way with their free shipping.  It always arrives much sooner than they say it will.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: WhiteRice on Thu, 30 September 2010, 13:24:41
Quote from: frvrngn;228416
I love Buy.com shipping.  I ordered yesterday with the free budget shipping.  Notes said up to 9 days to arrive like always.  It actually shipped last night and will arrive tomorrow!  Amazon is the same way with their free shipping.  It always arrives much sooner than they say it will.


Me too :D
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: frvrngn on Fri, 01 October 2010, 12:50:35
Got mine in this morning and have been using it since.  I immediately loaded the updated s/w from Kensington's site.  Nice to be able to program buttons the way I like.  In the few hours I have been using it, it has been interesting.  I have to do a LOT of cutting, pasting and scrolling of large docs for work.  Doing that with the trackball feel 10x harder than with my old mouse.  Granted I have been using a mouse forever.  It just feels a little awkward to hold the button down with my thumb while trying to highlight what I need to cut or copy with my fingers on the ball.  The same with scrolling.  I think the spinning ball may be a better idea on paper vs. heavy use like a scroll ring or scroll wheel.  It is elegant in design, but not sure of long term use.

Since Buy is so generous with their 45 day returns it gives me plenty of time to try it out.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 01 October 2010, 13:00:45
After a few days and tweaking the cursor and scroll speed I achieved harmony with my expert trackball.

I do computer programming so most of my cursor movement and highlighting I do with key combinations.

I miss the ability to easily horizontally scroll, but I may just have to find a good button configuration that allows me to use mouse wheel click easily.

I love the scroll ring though. I don't know how I ever worked without one.

I look forward to the slimblade, but I anticipate that the lack of scroll wheel will need some accommodating.
Title: Kensington Slimblade $45 buy.com FS
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 01 October 2010, 17:17:22
So I'm finally home, and I have my slimblade connected.

Initial thoughts:

The button tactility is far superior compared to that of the expert 7.

The scrolling function is going to take some getting used to. I miss the wheel from the expert but we'll see if I can adapt.

I'll be posting a detailed comparison of the two during the weekend.