the present invention provides for an improved computer pointing device such as a trackball or mouse , for example . the improved computer pointing device allows a user to set a communications protocol for use with a particular computer system by using a user - friendly configuration program designed for operation on a different platform and by using a different communications protocol . additionally , the computer pointing device includes an led encoder illumination control system to provide varying levels of led intensities . during normal operation , an led operates at a particular intensity level . the intensity level is controllable in discrete steps : led power is off for power up , led power is reduced for testing to test for unacceptable signal levels , and led power may be increased beyond normal levels to counteract diminution of light intensity as the led ages .