I’ve been using an IBM/Lenovo keyboard with the integrated TrackPoint "eraser looking thingy" for nearly 10 years now. It’s been my only keyboard for that entire time. However, I find now that I’m typing a lot – A LOT! So I am going back to a full sized tactile key click keyboard. This has left me without my trusty TrackPoint nestled right there between the "G" and the "H" keys.

I’ve dug an traditional mouse out of a box and am using it but it seems so 1980′s it’s hard to accept. I want something cool. I’ve always thought the SpaceBall by 3dConnexion was a cool looking device. The latest incarnation is the SpacePilot Pro. (FYI – 3dConnexion is reported to be owned by Logitech these days.)

The latest incarnation is the SpacePilot Pro. There’s one tincy wincy little problem – $499!?

Thankfully the SpacePilot Pro has an older sibling and there are a few showing up on eBay for $50. That’s a bit easier to handle.

Recently, 3dConnexion released a driver set so it can work for 3D input as well as traditional mouse control.

So, while it may not be the latest and greatest, I will be giving the SpacePilot a try … and adding a little cool factor to the home office !