Vobis Highscreen Colani

Post Reply
Archie
Site Admin
Posts: 144
Joined: 31 Jan 2019 15:27

Vobis Highscreen Colani

Post by Archie » 04 Jun 2020 22:38

Ball size: 11/2" (38.06mm)
Interface: RS-232
Year: 1993

Image


Rare trackball, made by Vobis for its Highscreen PC line and designed by Luigi Colani. Unusual arrangement of controls: it's not purely "finger trackball", as the ball is effectively held between index finger and thumb - the latter is involved mostly in horizontal movement.

Unfortunately, the device is quite cheaply made internally: there's no any bearings, the ball is supported by protruding pins of plastic ball cage. The springs pressing rubberized rollers against the ball are too strong, pushing it out of place. The ball is heavily wobbling when operated, and suffer from significant friction.

Image Image

Image Image


Main controller is HM8350A, accompanied by seven C1815GR transistors. Microswitches are Zippy DM. 33-slots shutter discs provide 418 PPR / 89 CPI resolution. Under metal weight is a "Upgrade Version" sticker.

Awarded in 1993 by iF Design. Black version with white ball, and mirrored one for lefties, also existed:

Image Image


Manufacturer logo:
Image

Post Reply