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Trackball idea
swapping balls in the keyboard

New MessageTrackball idea (modified 0 times) pipa
Got my WP yesterday. The mouse/trackball in the keyboard really sucks. The ball seems VERY light - almost hollow. I was wondering if I could swap the ball out for a real mouse/trackball ball? I think a solid ball would make a world of difference. Anyone figured out how to get the ball out? I tried twisting the ring around it but it wouldn't turn. Does it just snap out?

Any thoughts on this ball-swapping idea? Am I off my rocker?
Brian
http://joystick.virtualave.net

05-11-2000 07:47:31

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) MrBuick(MOUSE)
Brian:

I would just plug in a USB mouse and FORGET the track ball!

Lee

05-11-2000 13:17:20

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) MrBuick(MOUSE)
Brian:

I would just plug in a USB mouse and FORGET the track ball!

Lee

05-11-2000 13:29:47

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) pipa
Nope, I want to use the keyboard/mouse it came with. I'll poke around it some more and see if I can get the ball out. Then I'll see if I have/can find a suitable replacement.

Brian
http://joystick.virtualave.net

05-11-2000 15:03:21

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) IZen
The ball comes out easily if you stick both ends of a large bent paper clip in the two holes and turn counter clockwise. The problem is that the ball is about 3/4 the diameter of a normal mouse ball. I've checked the dozen or so mice I have icking around and they all have the same size balls in them. Maybee one out of a mini or kids mouse like those at hitechcafe.com would be the right size but I don't know how substantial they would feel.

-IZen

05-11-2000 21:37:44

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) Dag1968
Just use something pointy to leverage the indentations in the ring. I used the awl on my swiss army knife. Spun right away. The ball is hollow plastic and smaller than a standard mouse ball. I image it might just be the same as a trackball from another keyboard or one of those clip on's they make for laptops. Anyone got a source?
05-11-2000 22:14:39

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) chrisd
Hey, I have 2 damn Webplayer Pros, an IOpener, and now a Virgin Webplayer. The Websurfer keyboard is exactly the same as the Virgin's, except it has a little joystick instead of the trackball, which does suck. I just walked over to the Virgin with the Webplayer keyboard and it worked fine. No more trackball for me! It is manufactured by a company called (this is on the back of the Virgin keyboard, but covered up on the WebPlayer), Sejin Electron Inc, in Korea. I bet you can buy the joystick, or a new keyboard for pretty cheap if you were so inclined. Post it if you find it. I may be interested in another keyboard.

~chrisd

05-12-2000 11:24:41

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) Jacob
Lee:
How can I use a USB mouse with the Webplayer? Have you been able to get it working with an external mouse? I tried to plug-in one, but it didn't work.

-Jacob

05-12-2000 21:37:40

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) Mr.Buick
Jacob:

I would give virgin a call ..they have advertsied you can connect an external mouse to the unit ..no I have not tired it!
Give them a call!

Hope they help ...they have stated all along that one can JUST plug in a mouse OR keyboard!

Let me know what they tell you !

Lee

05-12-2000 22:01:22

New MessageRE:Trackball idea (modified 0 times) annon
USB is not supported by the software at this time. Possibly in an upcoming upgrade "sometime soon". Peace
07-06-2000 17:46:57

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