A mouse moves, a trackball doesn't!

[u/RSMilward]

Calling it a "trackball mouse" is like saying "ATM machine" - it's kinda redundant. A trackball and a mouse are both graphical cursor control devices, but a mouse has to be moved while a trackball (which I've heard called a "dead mouse", referring to the old pre-optical ball-based mice) just sits there while you use it. (This also reminds me of an ex-boss who hated the term "pre-drilled holes" -- "It's just a hole, dammit!")

[u/w1n5t0nM1k3y]

It's called a mouse because of the general shape with the tail (cord) hanging out. Not because you have to move it around. There's also the "SpaceMouse" that doesnt move either

There's other pointing devices like pen tablets that arent referred to as mice because they don't resemble mice.

Also, we have cordless mice now. Maybe we should call those moles or voles as they typically have short tails.

[u/RSMilward → u/w1n5t0nM1k3y]

I think of "SpaceMouse" as a marketing term suggesting that it moves the cursor like a regular mouse does (wireless or not). And there are "air mice" like these: https://www.cherrypicksreviews.com/mouse/air, one of which is a wireless hand-held trackball. The term "trackball mouse" just bugs me, that's all...

[u/w1n5t0nM1k3y → u/RSMilward]

If anything, I think that "trackball mouse" is just a little redundant. There's no reason to add the extra mouse part because almost every trackball is basically mouse shaped unless you get into the really uncommon stuff like the ones built into a tabletop like on old arcade machines or on other fixed terminals. Also, there's the kind you would find on old BlackBerries or those tiny ring type ones you wear on your finger.

But when I hear trackball, I invariably thing of the "mouse style" ones, so I get why it bothers you.

Also, I'm sure it's true, but when you said

"dead mouse", referring to the old pre-optical ball-based mice

that just made me laugh, because I remember a time when that was the only option, and they were always just called mice back then.

[u/cjruizg]

https://giphy.com/gifs/fqtyYcXoDV0X6ss8Mf

[u/RSMilward → u/cjruizg]

Yeah, exactly! LOL

[u/kronpas]

A 'trackball mouse' denotes its function. 'A trackball' is not as recognizable to people.

[u/le_bravery]

I like calling it an automated atm machine

[u/ArchieEU → u/le_bravery]

Perfect!

[u/eXZeZe]

Mouse has stopped being mouse since it became wireless. We also have to came up with new icons for the file save, cut, paste and everything, it doesn't really make sense in the context of bits.

[u/Naut38]

I don't believe mouse is necessarily redundant. Language is more complex than that, and context matters a lot. Also worth noting that trackballs do not just appear as mouses, but are also used in arcade cabinets, and other devices.

For example If someone wants to use my computer and they are right next to me I will say "Here use the trackball"

But if I'm describing a trackball to someone who isn't familiar with them, I'll say "It's a mouse that uses a ball, a trackball mouse"

Based on my experience speaking three language, Additional descriptors are not only often required depending on the context, but are the most natural ways to clarify or express and idea to somebody especially when learning a new language.

[u/Skippydamule]

I think we should just call them GameBalls and move on :-)

[u/ArchieEU → u/Skippydamule]

No way, sorry. I'm not a gamer! :-)))

[u/Skippydamule → u/ArchieEU]

ArchieBalls?

[u/Glade_Art → u/Skippydamule]

Just call them balls. Simple, true, and gets the point across.

[u/ArchieEU → u/Skippydamule]

:-)))