TRACKBALLS IN FILM AND TV – 29 April, 2016
Microsoft Trackball in James Bond film Die Another Day
In the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day the ball of a Microsoft Trackball Explorer can be spotted in the bionic suit of villain Gustav Graves (played by Toby Stephens).
A red trackball can be spotted on the right arm of the Gustav Graves suit.
The red trackball is located on the right arm of the suit used by the villain at the end of film. Bond-villain Gustav Graves controls the direction of a giant laser beam from a satellite by slowly moving the trackball. During this close-up shot, the typical Microsoft trackball pattern can be seen, which consists of light and darker circles.
Details of the red trackball are revealed in this close-up shot
There are two trackballs from Microsoft that were quite popular at the time of the movie, the Microsoft Trackball Explorer and the Microsoft Trackball Optical. Both those models have a red ball, but the ball on the Explorer is bigger, and it looks like the ball on the suit in the film is quite big as well, so it can be assumed that the ball is taken from the Explorer.
Compare the red trackball in the film (left) with the red trackball of the Microsoft Trackball Explorer (right).
Not only the ball, but also the red case that holds the ball has been used by the prop maker, which makes sense as the holder contains the artificial ruby ball bearings which make the ball roll smoothly. The red holder of the ball is made of red transparent material, which lights up on the Microsoft trackballs. In the film unfortunately it doesn’t light up, but on the screenshot from the film the transparent red plastic can clearly be seen.
About the Microsoft Trackball Explorer
The Microsoft Trackball Explorer is not produced anymore but can still be found online, for example on eBay where it can fetch high prices. Microsoft trackballs are currently very sought after and un-used Explorer and Optical trackballs in their original box can cost up to five times the original retail price.
Read more about the Microsoft Trackball Explorer or Microsoft Trackball Optical
Read more about Trackballs
The advantages of a trackball mouse compared to a regular mouse are plentiful: it takes much less effort to use, takes up less space as it doesn’t have to move, and it gives you more control and accuracy.
On Trackballmouse.org you can find extensive reviews of all popular trackballs. Read the reviews here, find out what are the best selling trackballs, or if you just want to know which trackballs are the best, see the Top 10 Trackballs, or Editor’s Choice winners.
I have 4 well used but still working fine Microsoft Trackballs. they need to bring them back. I use them every day.