I've got some trackballs to check out that use the serial com port, and the test computer never made it's way to me.

I've got lots of machines around, mostly W7 but many XP platforms, and even one W2000 I hesitate to use but will if I have too (as I've seen some things about the XP driver never working).

Does anyone know how I could test these beasts?

 

I have been using a kensington trackball for over 15 years. I got it cheap because it had a serial port instead of a PS/2 connector. It was new, but advertised as needing a serial port on the computer.

I ordered a serial to PS/2 converter connector, when I ordered the trackball. My serial port was usually in use.

It has never failed to work on any windows or linux box, without having to download and install a driver.

One can download the proper drivers, to allow assignment of the extra switches on the trackball.

But I don't use them.

I have used the adapter/connector for many types of trackballs, they all have worked.

But I have never found any better than the kensington.

 

Good idea, I can get an adapter way easier than get a driver.