ADB trackballs
Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) trackballs were a category of pointing devices designed for Apple Macintosh and Apple IIGS computers, utilizing Apple's proprietary low-speed serial bus, ADB. These trackballs offered an ergonomic alternative to traditional mice, providing precise cursor control from a…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 1989
- Category
- technology
- Problem solved
- ADB trackballs addressed the need for precise cursor control and an ergonomic alternative to mice, particularly in environments with limited desk space or for tasks requiring fine motor skills. They also leveraged the Apple Desktop Bus to provide a standardized, daisy-chainable connection for multiple low-speed input devices, simplifying peripheral management compared to previous disparate ports.
- Platforms
- Apple Macintosh (68k and PowerPC eras), Apple IIGS
Related technologies
Notable users
- CAD/CAM professionals
- Desktop publishing users
- Apple Macintosh users (late 1980s - late 1990s)
- Graphic designers