At first glance, I thought this was an actual mouse, and that you were supposed to drag a numerical keypad and a couple USB cables around the desk during use, but it's just a trackball mouse that's meant to stay put. Looks like it's got a standard 17-button keypad and two USB ports, and it connects via USB. If you're one of those Golden-Tee-loving types who's into trackballs, it's available for a kinda expensive 5,290Yen ($60). [RedFerret via OhGizmo]

Since I am none of these things, the spec page whirs just above my head. But the inclusion of a mini LCD screen for checking mail and selecting workflow macros is pretty great, as is just about every programmable custom function you could imagine. Mike, a Canadian CAD wizard, knows more than I, and he has a comprehensive review here. It's $500. [3DConnexion via Oh Gizmo, Design Engineering Review]

The good news is that the Mini Mini supports all of the normal mouse functions like click, scroll and cursor mode. On the flipside, it is only available for XP and Vista systems. The Fingertip Mini Mini is available now for around $20. [Donya via ITMedia via DVICE]

We'd known it as the Pluto, but now it's been given a traditional RIM numeric identification as the 99xx series. It's got just about the same form factor as the Bold, including the QWERTY keyboard, but with one notable addition and one notable feature missing: It's got a touchscreen in place of the trackball.

This blurry shot shows a Rogers-branded 99xx (a major Canadian carrier), and the 3G device is allegedly due for a late 3rd quarter release up north. "Late 3rd quarter release" is code for "don't bank on this until the 4th quarter", but we're excited nonetheless. We'll continue with updates as we get more info. [CrackBerry]

With all functionality now integrated into the ball, users can control all the many interface functions that support navigation, media control adjustments, document and photo browsing with the rotation of the ball. And the low profile stationary design with its ruby red ball sitting atop a sleek gunmetal gray base is visually striking, takes up minimal desk space, and enables a relaxed and comfortable user experience, without the need of a wrist pad.

Is the trackball poised for a comeback in an era of touchscreens? I can see how a trackball could make handling digital content easier than a standard mouse, but there is a $130 barrier to entry when the device is released at the end of January.

Kensington Announces New SlimBlade(TM) TrackBall – Now "The Ball Does It All”
To Turn Savvy Digital Lifestyle Users Into "Smooth Operators”
smart made simple(TM) Breakthrough Design Provides One-Touch User Interface for Navigation, Media Controls and Document, Photos Browsing

Redwood Shores, Calif. – January 6, 2009 – Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering smart made simple computing accessories for the mobile consumer, today announced its SlimBlade Trackball for the Mac and PC that brings a whole new level of control, comfort and ease to today's digital savvy users. Kensington's breakthrough design combines hardware and software into one integrated interface for smooth operation allowing users, for the first time ever, to navigate and manipulate digital content through the ball itself. With all functionality now integrated into the ball, users can control all the many interface functions that support navigation, media control adjustments, document and photo browsing with the rotation of the ball. And the low profile stationary design with its ruby red ball sitting atop a sleek gunmetal gray base is visually striking, takes up minimal desk space, and enables a relaxed and comfortable user experience, without the need of a wrist pad.

The SlimBlade Trackball is the latest offering in Kensington's award-winning SlimBlade collection of smart and sleek computer accessories. The unique heads up display user interface shows users – right on the computer screen itself - which mode or function is enabled. This first-ever melding of hardware and software means that a user's hand never needs to leave the ball and their eyes never need to leave the computer screen. This revolutionary design allows users to focus on enjoying their digital content – not on the interface – and is especially valuable for providing instant feedback for immersive experiences. Navigation mode controls the cursor and scrolling; Media mode controls volume, play/pause, stop and next, while View mode zooms in/out and pans for accurate and efficient photo editing.

Recent CEA research shows that over 70% of the applications used in the home are centered on entertainment, music and media. Trackballs have long been used in the workplace, but as digitally-savvy families are taking advantage of the broad range of Internet-based sharing and entertainment capabilities and increasing the quantity of home computing activities, early Kensington research shows that the trackball is about to become the device of choice for personal use.

"Our Kensington SlimBlade Trackball is a true standout that should become a 'must have' for today's digital lifestyle-savvy consumers,” said Juan Rodriguez, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. "We have been known for our trackball leadership for 25 years, so it is only natural that we would be the ones to accomplish this breakthrough user interface, where 'now, the ball does it all'. And it fits perfectly into our award-winning smart made simple SlimBlade Collection. This product is going to set a new standard for the computer/user relationship from the moment it comes to market.”

The Kensington SlimBlade Trackball

SlimBlade Trackball (SKU K72327US) – Your computing experience just got smoother. With the Kensington SlimBlade Trackball, you'll surf web pages faster, flow through your MP3 library more easily, and zoom in and out of your photographs efficiently with complete and seamless control at your fingertips. Suggested Retail Price: $129.99

Key Features Include:

• Expand your digital media experience – The multi-function ball lets you easily navigate through your music, pictures, and documents with Media or View mode while the heads-up display allows you to keep your eyes on the screen by showing which function is being performed
• Do it all without taking your hand off the ball– Gain fingertip access to image and media controls as well as control the cursor and scrolling; volume, play/pause, stop, and next; zoom in/out, and pan, all with the ball
• Comfortable for hours – The low-profile shape and sleek stationary design keeps users comfortable while eliminating the need for a wrist pad and saving desktop space
• Mac & PC compatible – Including Mac OS® 10.5X, Windows Vista® and Windows® XP

Designed for Use With:

• Web Browsers – Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Apple® Safari®
• Graphics – Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop® Elements, Lightroom®, Apple® iPhoto®, Apple® Aperture(TM)
• Viewers – Adobe® Reader®, Apple® Preview
• Productivity – Microsoft® Excel®, Word®, Numbers, Pages

Product Availability
The Kensington SlimBlade Trackball is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com and will be available at major retailers at the end of the month. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit www.kensington.com.

However, this trackball was designed to work on more than just the Wii. Acidmods guarantees it for the PSP 300, PSP Slim, DS, Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers.

Unlike most mod demonstrations, Acidmods wants to sell you this actual product. They're not taking orders yet, but they will traditionally sell you the necessary hardware or mod your controller for you at an additional cost. The first link at the end of this post isn't up yet, but it should have purchasing information soon. [Shop via Acidmods and MaxConsole]

Here's hoping they make one for the PS3 or the Xbox 360. Kotaku's getting complacent about our upcoming Gears match. It's their funeral. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Buy Reflex via Uncrate]

Product Page [Hammacher Schlemmer]

Product Page [Stealth]