When you're shopping for vintage computer gear, the first fork in the road is usually function versus fixer-upper. One listing offers a rare Digital Research touchpad that is ready to connect; the other presents a mixed lot of vintage mice, a trackball, and a Wacom writing pad that are all sold as-is for parts and repair. Both options share the old-school wired PS/2 or serial heritage, but they point you in very different directions. The DRTOUCHC touchpad is for someone who wants a nostalgic input device that can actually be used, while the parts lot is for a hobbyist who is up for a restoration challenge.
Quick Verdict
If you want a working, ready-to-use retro peripheral, choose the DRTOUCHC touchpad. It is listed as new, includes three buttons, and connects via wired PS/2. If you prefer a repair project with multiple donor components, choose the parts lot. It gives you several vintage mice, a trackball, and a Wacom at a lower listed price, but everything is defective and intended for parts or repair.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Rare Digital Research Technology DRTOUCHC touchpad 3-button Serial-PS/2 | USD 19.99 | |
| Lot Vtg Computer Mice Peripherals Serial PS/2 Trackball Wacom *PARTS/REPAIR | USD 16.50 |
Where Each Product Wins
- DRTOUCHC touchpad: Wins for anyone who wants a functional vintage pointing device without a repair project attached. It is a rare find, listed as new, and the three-button touchpad layout fits the classic PS/2-era setup.
- Parts lot: Wins for tinkerers and restorers. The bundle includes multiple vintage serial and PS/2 mice, a trackball, and a Wacom writing pad, all in one purchase, which is helpful when you need donor parts for other projects.
Product Notes
Vintage Rare Digital Research Technology DRTOUCHC touchpad 3-button Serial-PS/2
The DRTOUCHC is the "plug it in and try it" option here. The listing says it is new, which is a big plus for a vintage peripheral, since you won't be dealing with someone else's wear. It also has three buttons, a white exterior, and a wired PS/2 connection that fits older computers or adapters. The Touchoad feature is listed as part of the package and adds a tactile pointing feel. On the downside, this is a touchpad, not a mouse, so if you specifically need a mouse for your retro setup, this won't match. It also carries the higher listed price of the two, but the new condition and rare status help explain that.
Lot Vtg Computer Mice Peripherals Serial PS/2 Trackball Wacom *PARTS/REPAIR
This lot is the opposite of the touchpad: it is not meant to work out of the box. The listing states clearly that all items are sold as-is for parts or repair and that each has some sort of defect or doesn't work at all. What you do get is a collection of vintage input gear: serial and PS/2 mice, a trackball, and a Wacom writing pad. If you're comfortable with a repair bench, this bundle is a practical way to find donor parts for other projects. It also costs less than the touchpad, based on the listed prices. Just know that you're buying a project, not a polished peripheral.
Final Choice by Use Case
- For a ready-to-use vintage touchpad: Go with the DRTOUCHC.
- For a parts and repair challenge: Go with the mixed parts lot.
