evolution has just laid hands on an advance release of the new Expert Mouse Pro trackball from Kensington.

This incredible-looking piece of kit features powerful new Direct Launch technology for single-click access to web sites and applications while four programmable mouse buttons and an integrated scroll wheel do wonderful things for the user's desktop credibility rating.

The Expert Mouse Pro (available from April for both Mac and PC users) is Kensington's first trackball with DirectLaunch functionality.

The six conveniently-located but somewhat confusing Direct Launch buttons are easily programmed for instant fingertip access by simply pressing and holding to associate them with a favourite web site or application.

In theory, this should help users to work more efficiently but, in practice, it tends to make things happen when you least expect them. I managed to fire up multiple copies of MS Word without any conscious effort at all.

The ambidextrous Ex-pert Mouse Pro is sleek and metallic-looking and distinctly cool. Despite its size, it oozes desktop chic and features a large and shiny blue ball designed to fit all hand sizes.

According to the blurb, the unit offers fast, precise and easy cursor control in all applications. I am inclined to agree. The Expert Mouse Pro does cursors rather well.

Stainless steel bearings provide smooth, accurate tracking and maximum durability for the trackball. In addition, a scroll wheel enables speedy navigation through web pages and lengthy documents.

The ergonomic contours of the trackball are designed keep users' hands and wrists in a comfortable neutral position, helping to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury.

The Expert Mouse Pro is supported by Kensington's five-year replacement warranty. Minimum systems require- ments: PC or compatible computer with USB port running Windows 98 or PS/2 compatible mouse port running Windows 95, 98 or NT. Macintosh computer with USB port running Mac OS 8.1 or later.

Price: £79.99.

Contact: 01296 732323.

Feel good factor: 7 out of 10.