Logitech Marble Mouse fits right and left hands like a mouse and works like a trackball. It saves space and reduces hand and wrist movement. Patented Marble optical technology provides superior precision and smooth motion without regular cleaning. Marble Mouse works with PC's and USB-port Macintosh® systems.
Easily connects to USB or PS/2 port Marble technology provides smooth precision Comfort and control for left and right hands Practically maintenance-free Get more done with less motion Web access required for full WebWheel™ functionality.
- Durable optical technology provides smooth precision and resists dirt, eliminating the need for cleaning.
- Large, finger-operated trackball is easy to use, offers superior control and reduces hand and wrist movement.
- Sleek shape is flexible enough to use in either hand.
Logitech's Optical Marble mouse gives you the familiarity of a mouse with the convenience of trackball navigation. Designed for comfort in either hand, this space-saving, four-button trackball boasts Logitech's innovative optical tracking system to deliver superior precision and smooth motion with virtually no maintenance or cleaning required. You get two ways to scroll: click two small buttons for page up and page down, or click one of two large buttons and use the ball for auto scrolling. The trackball gives you precise fingertip control, and the included WebWheel software enhances your Internet browsing. Two AA batteries (supplied) keep the Marble mouse racing for about three months.
1 The Best Mouse I Ever Used
I make it sound like I've used half a dozen but yeah it's true. I'm using a Black Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical right now. The Logitech Optical Marble Mouse was what I owned previously.It lasted me for a good three years. Another reviewer it's the ideal pointing device and it's true. It was quite funny to see new users try to shake this mouse thinking it was how the pointer would move.
Often this mouse due it's great looks (even though I had the white version of it with a red ball on top) would arouse curious remarks from onlookers. Some just would not believe a mouse and some would say "WOW,K! It looks so cool." Some would say "I wish it was easier to use" and that's where Mr.Anger came out from me. It takes some time to get used to. Precisely 20 minutes. It's all yours after that. I think my pointing speed was twice as good as it is now. This mouse is great for people who don't have ample desk space. You don't have keep banging it into your keyboard and PC alike.
For it's good looks ,it gets full marks. I'm not an avid gamer but Age of Empires is the best game I've ever played. The Marble Mouse totally smokes for Age of Empire enthusiasts and for other users alike.
One thing I disliked about this mouse is the dust accumlation under the ball when removed. It would make it difficult for the ball to function. However the solution lies in cleaning the surface once every month using a dry cloth.
Buy it if you support innovation in design and are a believer of making simple things more simple. Enjoy whatever works. I think I'm gonna buy this mouse all over again.
2 The only choice!
I've had the Marble Mouse for a long time for me there is no other choice in pointing device. I've never had any pain, discomfort, stress, or other physical issue with the Marble Mouse. I find that using the fingers to control the cursor to be far more precise than any mouse and a lot easier than the thumb (as in many trackballs). I have one on every computer even the one at work!
My guess is that the people who have written negative comments have existing physical issues.
3 Feels good and works
After a few days of using this trackball mouse, I am satisfied that for the price you can't beat this trackball. I tried and wanted to use the Kensington Orbit 64226, but it was disfunctional almost from the start. I admit I am used to optical mice, but I tried hard to use the Orbit because I loved the design and the feel, and the ergonomics of it. I had to send it back ultimately, and I went out and bought the Marble Mouse the next day. For the price, the Marble Mouse is the best, and even for a higher price it would be fine. It feels just right in my hand, and the marble is responsive and clean in its way around the screen. I didn't install the Logitech software, as I don't need the other two buttons for anything, and the basic scrolling and clicking work fine on my Mac, and installing drivers from vendors seems to bring problems to a good percentage of users. If you need it, there are reports of fine functioning of the software on Mac and Windows platforms, as well as horror stories.
4 Trackball Virgin
I have to say this is the greatest thing since sliced bread (shows how old I am)the setup took all of 3 minutes and I was up and running it's so much easier than the old mouse.No more moving the mouse all over the table just sit it in one place use the smooth as glass big red ball with my forefinger and my thumb & pinkie on the buttons my word how great!! Just one other thing about Amazon shipping ordered on a sunday night came via UPS on tuesday is that fast or what!! thank's for reading rambelings.
5 Best thing since sliced bread!
Having been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel, I looked for a trackball as an alternative to a mouse. What I didn't expect to find was something better than any mouse that I've ever used. I'm hooked on this trackball! This is the best "mouse" I've ever used. I find it very easy to control the cursor, and I'm now able to move the cursor much more quickly across the screen by just spinning the trackball--no extended arm or wrist movements.
Even better yet, it's relatively inexpensive! I've been using it for a few weeks now and I've had absolutely no problems with it. It seems well constructed.
This product gets my highest recommendation!
6 Loved it so much I just bought a 2nd one
I won't go into the specifications of the Marble Mouse because other reviews here have done a very thorough job. What few reviewers have mentioned, however, is how useful the Marble Mouse is for applications that require a lot of precisely controlled cursor movement. If you work a lot with Powerpoint, or Adobe Photoshop, basically any application which requires you to frequently click and drag items to specific locations on the screen, this is the mouse for you. Unlike a regular mouse, whose motion is registered by your hand dragging the entire unit over a surface, the marble mouse lets you move the cursor with a fingertip, allowing much more sensitivity and control of the cursor on screen. And as an added bonus, you can work for much longer without muscle fatigue. I've resorted to wrist braces several times after a couple of very long weekends doing this kind of work with a standard optical mouse, but after purchasing my first marble mouse, I've never had that problem again. I just purchased a 2nd mouse for the laptop, and since the "mouse" doesnt actually move over a surface, it works beatifully perched on a sofa armrest when my laptop is sitting in my lap. Ive also found that gaining experience with a trackball has made it much easier to adjust to using the touchpad on the laptop when necessary. Even if you think you could never adjust to a trackball, I'd suggest giving this one a test run for at least a week. Youll be surprised just how easy it is to use and how much you wont want to go back to anything else.
7 Great product, awful ergonomics
I bought one of these but had to return it in favor of the Trackman. The motion was smooth and easily controlled, but the ergonomics were all wrong for me. I simply could not get the hang of moving the ball with fingers that were used to clicking mouse buttons, and clicking mouse buttons that were used to moving the mouse. Before you buy this I recommend you go to a store and try the display model, so you can determine if you'll be comfortable working with it.
8 Best track ball at 1/4 the price
I have tried several trackballs over the past 10 years. The Marble Mouse beats the big expensive brand in both smooth handling and longevity -- and it costs about 75% less. The older, bigger track ball used a mechanical system, and the rollers on mine got rusty and gummed up. They also developed slop in the movement. Not with the Marble Mouse. The only maintenance involves cleaning a miniscule amount of gunk from the small support points on the base, which pick up some skin oil from the ball. However, the smooth operation gradually develops more friction, perhaps as the support points wear down. However, I am less concerned since it has a replacement cost of only $15-$20. To reduce stress on the wrist, I have found that I can easily use the Marble Mouse with either hand. When one wrist gets fatiqued, I put the Marble Mouse on the other side of the key-board. The transition is easy.
9 The BEST mouse EVER!
This mouse is so much easier to use than the one you have to drag all over the place. It uses less room and no mouse pad! You use your index and middle finger to navigate and click with your thumb while leaving your hand resting on the mouse itself. Both my husband and I would never switch back.
My sister has an optical mouse and hates my mouse, but I hate her optical mouse as well.
10 Good, but gamers may have to be careful
This is a very high quality functional product from Logitech, with good ergonomics and configurable buttons. Most concerns about this product have been mentioned already but I would like to identify a few caveats:
1. Gunk that gets on the trackball will accumulate in the ball "socket," so clean it out every once in a while.
2. You are using a completely different set of muscles and movements compared to a mouse. This may be good for some people and bad for others.
3. The fundamental difference is that a mouse is primarily a wrist-controlled device, while is is a finger-controlled devices. Generally, the response and control with your wrist is greater, which MAY lead to problems for gamers. How you choose to adapt to one or the other is up to you, much like how some console gamers prefer joysticks versus control pads. Switching to a trackball will get you a huge drop in precision until you get used to it.
11 Hint: Flip the Button Assignments
This is a great product. It takes up very little space, it is ambidextrous, it is ergonomic, and it works very smoothly. I use it almost exclusively now -- I have one for my desk at home, one for my personal laptop, and three for my work laptop (one for home, one for the office docking station, and one to travel around the office building). After a pretty short learning period, my family had no issues using it.
I wish there was a more portable model with a shorter cable.
My big recommendation: flip the primary button assignments. This will allow you to rest your palm against the table with your wrist and arm in a NEUTRAL position. Use your index or middle finger to navigate with the ball, and your middle or ring finger to "left" click. Use your thumb to "right" click.
12 Solves one problem area by creating (multiple) new ones
I got this trackball to relieve my ever-worsening case of carpal tunnel. In my case, I get pains in the back of my hand as soon as I lay it flat, palm face down. I've used this thing for several months now.
GOOD POINTS:
#1 - I love the buttons, no joke. I have mine set to L/R click, page forward, page back, and Universal Scroll (L+R click together), mainly because I'm used to having webpage scrolling buttons and to avoid redundancy. The default settings have page up and page down buttons, but why do that if you have universal scroll?
#2 - This is ambidextrous, so you can switch sides whenever you feel the strain.
#3 - You're not using your thumb to move the ball around. Doing so puts a lot of strain on the thumb joint.
BAD POINTS - and there are a LOT of them:
- Poorly designed casing and ball causes strain on fingers, palm, and knuckles.
Aside from the buttons, this trackball is poorly designed. Instead of eliminating RSI completely, it just shifts the strain on your hand from your wrists to your fingers, and it does it pretty quickly.
Depending on how you view it, the ball is placed way too high or the casing is built way too low. The Logitech Marble Mouse leaves your entire palm suspended in the air, making it very difficult to use..
With this Logitech Marble mouse, every time you move the ball, your entire palm moves up and down resulting in two things: (a) your motions are exaggerated, decreasing accuracy; and (b) you develop tension in your fingers and the upper part of the palm. In essence, you're shifting the strain from your wrist to your fingers. I've got pretty skinny fingers and I do a lot of hobbies requiring a lot of manual dexterity and fingerwork, so I can definitely feel the difference. It's like i'm always fighting the ball to keep it from overshooting. One solution I've tried is to turn down the sensitivity, but it is a pain in the ass AND it also means I have to do more spinning to move the cursor around. More motion, more overshoots, not worth it.
If I try to rest the suspended section of my fingers against the plastic, my fingers curl up over the ball uncomfortably and it puts tension on the tendons on the back of my hand.
Compare/contrast the control you have with a Cordless Logitech Trackman - your entire palm is at rest and supported by the casing, so only your fingers are twitching to control the ball. I have significantly better control with the Cordless Trackman than this thing.
#2 - Ambidextrous design means my hand is still pronated. It's not really getting rid of the problem, but the strain is reduced since I'm not moving my whole arm. But that's about it.
#3 - It's not Cordless. There's no reason for a trackball to NOT be cordless. If you're concerned about mousing ergonomics, one of the best things you can do is to cut down on the amount of weight you're pushing around. That's why all the super-serious ergonomic mice (3M Renaissance, Evoluent VerticalMouse) have cords - cordless mice need batteries. With trackballs, you're not pushing the entire unit, you're just twiddling a ball. Battery weight doesn't even factor into this equation.
I would recommend dedicated righties looking into this trackball to seriously consider coughing up the extra money to get the Cordless Optical Trackman. I dont' know if Logitech makes a lefty version.
I'd also recommend getting a side-neutral mouse like the Whale Mouse and learning how to mouse with your other hand. I'm currently using a cordless optical trackman for my right hand and switching to a crappy $5 wheelmouse for my left hand whenever the need arises.
13 Awesome first trackball
If you want to introduce yourself to trackballs, this product fits the bill perfectly. For someone like me who has used all sorts of conventional mice, from the rolling ball to opticals and cordless mice, this shift to a trackball based pointing device has been surprisingly smooth. A must have for those who like to try something new.
14 It Just works
I got this for work, because I work mostly on a laptop, and was getting tired of the touchpad. A regular mouse was still a fair amount of work, but this was just what the doctor ordered. It just works. It was easy to get started. It seems almost as if it was make to fit my hand very naturally. And since I started using it, I haven't had as much wrist pain. I reccomend it to anyone who spends a lot of time on the computer.
15 Helps get work done faster with less ergo pain
This is a great pointing device. I can work very rapidly without having to drag a mouse around the mouse pad. Don't forget to exploit the little button near the (left or right) "click buttons", - they bring up a "scroller icon" and lets you scroll up/down/left/right at your desired speed without any "mouse movements" at all. Just doing that would have been 80% of the ergonomic pain right there (with a traditional mouse)! The "ball" seemed a little sticky in the beginning, but after a few days of usage seems to have become smooth. You can connect the mouse to either the serial or the USB port (they provide a USB-to-serial adapter), but it looks like USB is the better way to go (I had trouble with the "scroller icon" not appearing when I connected it to serial; - perhaps its a feature for the USB port only). The price too, is right! Very happy with the product.
16 Buy it!
I recently started working at a new job, and my computer had one of these. It took some getting used to, but now I can hardly stand to use a regular mouse. I just bought one for my home computer. I do a lot of work in Photoshop and Pagemaker, and find it much easier to do precision work with this style than with a regular mouse. Like someone else mentioned, it's a little annoying to not have the scroll thing, but I haven't really noticed it all that much. If anything, buy it for the amusement of watching other people try to use your mouse!
17 No more shoulder pain, but now my thumb & index finger hurt
First I have to say that this is a very high quality product. It moves the cursor very smoothly, is extremely comfortable, and seems to be well-designed ergonomically. I purchased this trackball because the movements required to operate a regular mouse were causing me shoulder problems. I noticed an immediate improvement when I began using this product. After a few weeks, however, I began experiencing pain in the joints of my thumb and index finger which I believe may be related to its use. I recently read that you should program the trackball so that you don't have to hold down the button when you scroll. Perhaps this will help. I'm leaning, however, toward purchasing a 3M joystick-style mouse. As one of the reviewers of that product mentioned, gamers who use joysticks all day don't seem to have the kind of repetitive injury problems that those of us who use mouse-like devices seem to get. It makes you wonder... All in all, though, I can highly recommend this product. It is really nice to be freed from having to use the mouse on a flat surface. I can even sit with the trackball by my side or in my lap and surf the web. Maybe that's my problem - I'm just not using it the way it was intended...
18 way, way smoother than expected
I was an analog trackball user for quite some time. I reluctantly migrated to optical mice for the cleaning convenience, but always missed the wrist-friendly and precise trackball.
A couple of years ago, I tried out several optical trackballs, but was very frustrated how jittery and sporatic it's performance was. I play games and photoshop, so I need a smooth cursor for aiming and careful digital photo work.
I recently decided to give the Logitech Marble Mouse a try after reading several of the reviews here. It was $20, so I wasn't expecting the world, but was very much surprised at how great the product was.
It's terribly smooth. I can make it jitter ever-so-slightly if I really try, but it in no way affects my gameplay or graphical work.
Heck, for $20, I'm thinking about giving these out for Christmas presents. Superb product!
A scroll wheel would be nice, but that's only a minor quibble that doesn't affect the product performance.
19 Love it!
I loved my Marble Mouse by Logitech. I bought the older version with only the two large buttons. I think a standard mouse is better for playing games but for everything else on the computer it is the only way to go. I have recently upgraded to the Logitech cordless mouse....it too is nice. But if the Optical Marble Mouse came cordless I would plunk my money down and buy it again in a second. I now use my Marble mouse at work and have the cordless at home.
20 The Best Mouse
I first purchased the Logitech Marble Mouse when my daughter was 2 yrs. old. Her little hand was just able to manipulate the marble. It was great because with a regular mouse she did not have the ability to click it without moving the cursor. Now that we have used this mouse I would never go back to a plain one!
21 marble mouse
i just got the mouse today or should i say rat i will not lie the mouse is gigantic or maybe my hands are to small mmmm anyway i do like that you don't move the thing around the whole desk and i love the big red ball i thought the mouse was very odd and that's what really caught mt attention and that everyone gave good reviews i wanted to try it anyways ... i have only had the mouse for a few hours but so far i love it probaly should have waited a few days before i wrote this but i tend to get a little excited about things sometimes i'am use the usb connection on the marble mouse because i still wanted to use my wireless ps2 mouse incase i get frustrated alrighty now overall this is a nice product try it
22 Stop chasing that mouse!
I have been using this product for about two years and finally got one for my home computer as well. If you are like me, and find yourself chasing the regular mouse all over your desk, give this a try. After two years of very busy use in a very dusty library (where I work), it has never needed a single cleaning and works like the first day I got it. The buttons are set up beautifully so that it feels very natural in the hand. It is extremely responsive, and the scroll feature works great. The cursor movement is smooth as glass. No more mouse pad taking up a nice chunk of my desk! No more bouncing, jerky cursor due to a slight bit of gunk. No more popping off the bottom the mouse and cleaning the wheels with a pen knife! I highly recommend this product. --Mykal Banta
23 Fantastic--stock up when it's cheap
I buy these whenever they are on sale--usually around twenty dollars. My family complained at first but now there is no going back. They love it! Some other reviewers mentioned tracking problems but they go away if you use USB or use PS/2 with the mouse driver that comes with the mouse (I am using one in PS/2 mode on Windows 2000). If you are a Windows XP or Linux user the tracking is much better.
The only problem is the lack of a scrolly wheel. I just reprogram the miniature third and fourth buttons to page-down and back-button for web browsing and I don't miss the scrolly wheel too much.
The housing is small so it's great for my 3-year-old's hands and comfortable for me, too, without being too small. The plastic is very durable and stands up to normal desktop abuse.
The mouse driver is spectacular. Ever since version 9.x of the driver came about the tracking speed and system reliability has been top-notch.
Highly recommended! You will buy a second one to bring to your workplace--no doubt about it.
24 Beware of ordering items from Office Depot through Amazon
I'm sure this is a fine product, however, I may never find out. I tried to purchased this track ball through Amazon but it was somehow routed through Office Depot instead. I requested 2-day shipping. It's a week later and I still haven't received an email with the shipping information. My bank account has already been debited the full amount. When I went to my Amazon account I realized that I could have purchased the track ball direct from Amazon for 1/2 the price that I was charged by getting it from Office Depot (through the Amazon site). Also, I can't return the track ball to Amazon.com. I have to return it to an Office Depot store.
Beware of ordering items from Office Depot through Amazon
Here is the fine print, according to Amazon:
Office Depot items cannot currently be shipped to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses.
Office Depot does not currently accept orders from outside the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii that use the standard shipping method can take several weeks to arrive. If you need your order to arrive sooner than that, please choose the expedited shipping method.
After you've placed your order, you will receive an order acknowledgment e-mail from Amazon.com followed by a payment confirmation e-mail. Final order confirmation and order shipment confirmation will be sent to you from either Office Depot or Tech Depot, an Office Depot company.
Orders may not be canceled once submitted to Amazon.com, and Office Depot is unable to refund any purchase from the time your order is placed until you have received the product. Should you want to return the merchandise, please refer to the Returns and Refunds policy.
25 Logitech marble nouse----GARBAGE
I have owned a Kensington Orbit mouse for the last five years, recently I purchased the logitech marble mouse to replace it. The trackball is raised much higher than the Kensington for no purpose and makes it very painful to use.
I took back the logitech and bought a new Kensington Optical Trackball---YEE HAW, great product.
26 pretty good but...
I have to admit that this mouse was a little over hyped for me. It's great because it looks cool and takes up less room than a regular mouse. However, after two months of using it, I don't think it's more precise than a regular mouse or that it's any better for your wrist. I suggest people try it out before they buy it if they have never used a tracking ball type mouse before. Don't get me wrong; it's a good mouse, but I don't think it's the greatest thing in the world.
27 pretty cool
I bought this after I stepped on my earlier conventional mouse (don't ask why!). Now I don't think I can go back to mice as the world knows them. This is a very helpful product and is more comfortable, more accurate and requires lesser care than mice we are used to (though I would not recommend trampling it either). Easy on the wrist, because there is virtually no wrist movement. Scrolling function works pretty well for me using the combination of keys. Only thing is that it scrolls in jerks rather than smoothly. For this I blame the bundled software and my system-resource poor computer. Because of this, the software has stopped working on some occassions, especially the scroll function. This is the only reason for me not giving it 5 stars. Remember, it will spoil your mousing habits!
28 The search for the ideal pointing device ends here.
The Logitech Marble Mouse Trackball is possibly THE most intelligently designed pointing device for PCs and Macintosh personal computers. First of all, in spite of its name, it's a trackball, the superior successor to the computer mouse. Unlike a mouse, it sits in one place and your fingers guide the pointer. You click on menu selections, icons and such with your thumb. It takes mere minutes to get used to this method of moving around the screen but after you do, using a mouse will seem cumbersome and quaint (which it is).
Beneath that black-dotted burgundy ball lies the secret of the Marble Mouse's responsiveness, longevity and reliability. An infrared emitter and optical pickup track the movement of the ball, not mechanical rollers which quickly become gunked up with skin oils and dust. You'd have to let a really thick layer of crud accumulate on the ball before you'll see an impact on the Marble Mouse's performance. Small enough to tuck into your notebook, laptop or PowerBook's carrying case, the Marble Mouse is pure computing bliss compared to jittery trackpads, wobbly finger sticks and erratic rollerballs.
PC users running Windows XP and earlier can simply install the PS/2 adapter and plug the Marble Mouse into the PS/2 mouse port without installing any software. With Windows 98 and later, you can pop off the PS/2 adapter and plug the Marble Mouse into a USB port. Macintosh owners running Mac OS 8.6 or higher will need to install MouseWare from the included CD-ROM and disable the Macintosh Mouse control panel in the Mac OS Extension Manager.
Unlike its more expensive TrackMan siblings, the Marble Mouse is fully ambidextrous, with equal-sized buttons on both sides. The included Logitech MouseWare (also downloadable at www.logitech.com) makes the Marble Mouse behave like a 3-button mouse on PCs (you press BOTH buttons together to access the functions of a third button) while giving Macintosh users one-finger, one-click access to content menus (shades of Windows, eh? :) ). Windows users also benefit from the new page up/page down buttons located just above the main buttons.
Finally, though the price might seem steep compared to a $5 mouse you could pick up at Best Buy or CompUSA, recall how many of those cheap little rodents you've owned and thrown away in the course of a single year.
29 Marble Mouse rocks!!
I have worn out one of these (after 5 or 6 years), use another one at home, and just got a new one (the 5 button model shown here) at work. I love it!! It's very comfortable to rest my hand on, with less hand & arm fatigue.
It also requires much less desktop space than a conventional mouse, and less cleaning. Cleaning, when needed, is a 10 second deal. The ball pops out with a gentle pull, clean the dust off of the three contact points, and snap the ball back into place.
30 The best mouse ever
I bought one of these for my old computer because of the one my brother uses at work (he is on a computer all the time with no problems). I loved it. When I got my new computer, I installed it on that. Again, no problems. Unfortunally, my trackerball mouse died and I am having problems finding this particualar one. I have looked at others and tried them in the stores, but they don't feel as good as the Logitect Marble Mouse. Now I am waiting for them to be back in stock so that I can go back to it from a regular PS/2 mouse.
31 Great Little Trackball-Mouse
My trackball-mouse at work squeaked its last squeak, and I needed to request a replacement from our IT department. I have an older Logitech optical trackball at home, so I ran a search on Amazon and found the Logitech Optical Marble Mouse. It looked compact and easy to use, and I've been pleased with the optical technology in my home trackball, so I made my request to IT very specific. I also knew the price was attractive. Well, I got what I asked for, and it's not only better than my old work-trackball, but it's also better than my optical trackball at home. The Marble Mouse is compact, very easy to use, interesting-looking (not a high priority in a trackball or mouse, but it doesn't hurt), and inexpensive. When it comes time to replace the trackball at home, I certainly know the trackball-mouse I'll be getting.
32 Great mouse replacement and wrist-saver
I bought a Logitech Marble Mouse about 3 or 4 years ago in an attempt to stave off RSI. My mouse was causing wrist strain, partly because I didn't have room for it on my keyboard drawer and was having to reach up onto the desktop for it.
The marble mouse solved both my wrist pain and space problems -- it's slightly bigger than your average mouse, but since it stays in one place it doesn't need nearly as much room, and the index-finger ball is very intuitive. It took me maybe two minutes to adjust, and the movement is smoother than my mouse ever was. The Marble Mouse is extremely durable and has given me no problems in the almost 4 years I've owned it. It outlasted the first computer I used it with and will probably outlast the current one too. I use it for everything from web-surfing to drawing, and I like it so much I'm buying a new one to use at work.
33 Nice product
This mouse is the best I have used. I have one on the left side of one computer and on the right side of another and have no trouble going back and forth. The ball is large and easy to move... smooth operation. Having four buttons makes programming them for various tasks very useful as is the USB/PS2 option. Highly recommended.
34 I own two and would never go back to a regular mouse!
These are one of the best inventions since the Internet!
They have looks and intelligence. With the trackerball being moved by my fingertips I get less wrist and hand fatigue from longterm use of the mouse. I use one at work too and it does cause curious stares and questions but once you use one and give it a fair try you will be impressed with the agility. It is easy to clean and doesn't get gunked up like a regular mouse does. The price is definitely right too!
35 Great mouse, my favorite so far
Although, this is the first trackball I ever used, it seems to be the best mouse I ever used.
I thought I was going to stick with my light mouse, even after my mom got this track ball.
I decided to give the trackball a try.
Quite the difference! At least for me, it was very quick and easy to get the hang of it. Some may think it'd be hard to click on things, moving the ball and not the mouse, but this is quite simple to control. It's great with games as well, aimming better.
Instead of moving the mouse back and forth a lot to move yourself in a game, use your fingers to move you around.
Plus, you can leave stuff around the mouse and not feel like you're going to spill, because the mouse part doesn't move.
Strange though, I found out on Descent 3, there's one button you can't use.
Other than that, using it for windows or whatever, and having two other buttons for selected uses, using the back and forward for internet, or scrolling up and down, etc.
36 Never missed a click
My Logitech trackball is a couple years old - and is white, with white buttons and red ball - but I think it is essentially the same as pictured above.
I started with a $100 4-button t-ball years ago. After it finally died, I found the 2-button Logitech T-Ball for $30.
Love it! It has never missed a click. Bought one for work, too.
If you are still using a conventional mouse, do yourself a favor and get a t-ball. Takes a day or so to get used to - but you'll wonder why you didn't do it before.
37 Fantastic value, not quite as refined as Trackball Explorer
Overall this is a solid, optical trackball at an awesome price.
Its not as refined as the Microsoft Trackball Explorer, but not nearly as expensive.
Good
----
- Incredible value
- Pretty comfortable design
- Excellent control
Bad
---
- The ball falls out very easily. This is VERY annoying if you plan to use this with a laptop, as if you tilt the trackball it'll go rolling away...
- The buttons aren't quite as well placed or as comfortable as the Trackball Explorer's
- I miss Microsoft's glowing optical light; it may be a little cheesy but it re-enforces the fact that its an optical
Overall
-------
Hey, it may not be the best if money-is-no-object, but for $20 its great!
38 A great trackball to make the switch from a mouse
Because of the way you drap your hand on this trackball, it feels very familier and natural for mice users. But, unlike mice, this requires no side-to-side movements of the wrist and therefore, is SO MUCH BETTER on your hands, wrists and arms.
About five years ago, I was having all kinds of problems with my wrist. I looked up some info and picked up one of these. It was the best - and most inexpensive! - solution. Though it does have a slightl learning curve, it's really a lot less then you'd think. It's very comfortable and right away I noticed that my wrists never hurt anymore.
I used this trackball happily at both home and work for five years (it lasted that long as well before it finally started to wear out). This year, I decided to upgrade to the slightly more complex Cordless Optical Trackman, but the Marble Mouse is still a GREAT input device.
* It's small, doesn't take up desk space and doesn't require a mouse pad.
* It's optical, so the ball is lightweight and sails easily with the slightest touch of your fingers. (You can control with software the speed of the cursor if you don't want it to move quite as zippy as perhaps I like it to go).
* It's a very logical step up from a normal mouse and still gives the benefits of being ergonomic and comfortable.
* It's a great laptop addition since it can be used on a lap or other small surface without the problems of a mouse.
* It also has the benefit of being 100% right OR LEFT HAND usable. It's utterly neutral and can be used by either.
I've always liked Logitech's trackballs and find them to be far superior to other ones on the market. I prefer the finger-controlled ball rather then the thumb-controlled ball since the thumb one caused a LOT of fatigue and actual pain in my thumb. It wasn't nearly as natural as this one is. Try it, give it a few days and you'll wonder how you ever got by with a regular mouse.
39 Superior trackball design
I've used many different types of trackballs, and this is one of the best. You use your index or middle finger to guide the trackball, which allows more fine motor control than using your thumb. Also, the optical sensor is very responsive. Most importantly, the ambidextrous design means that you can switch between right and left hand as needed. Other trackball designs are mainly for right-handed use, which is very limiting. The Logitech driver software is not really necessary, as the Windows XP driver seems to work fine and doesn't sit in your system tray taking up resources.
40 very comfy
this is a very comfortable, in-the-hand, slick and smooth mouse. It makes a great upgrade; I bought it for use with a Dell laptop that has only the trackpad, and personally I consider this mouse an essential add-on for it.
Great product, and the price is right.
41 Works well on my iBook
I used this to replace the ergonomically-challenged trackpad on my iBook. It was much easier to use and I was pleased with it overall. The only reason I don't give it five stars is that if you have big hands (as I do) it is not completely comfortable - but I have the same problem with just about any pointing device I have ever tried. If your hands are normal-sized to small I think you'll like this very much. My colleague down the hall loves hers (she uses a desktop PC).
42 Returned it; couldn't get used to index finger trackball
I had this less than a day when I returned the product and went back to a traditional thumb-based trackball. I couldn't get used to the placement of the ball under the index finger and just couldn't get the kind of pointer precision I needed. Plus it felt uncomfortable. A lot of reviewers love this item but any individual should try it out first in an actual work environment to see if it is right or wrong for them.
43 My favorite mouse
Needs little desk space, never sticks, and my cat likes to chase the ball. Doesn't need mouseware to run, but install it anyway, it helps. Clean fuzz off three spots under the ball once in awhile.
44 No Fatigue, User Friendly, Very Mac Compatible
I will never use a traditional mouse again. I never liked using a mouse and have used trackpads for a few years. I like the Marble Mouse so much, that I now have 2 of them. I use a 500 ibook and an 800 ibook and the Marble Mouse works flawlessly (yes it does need occasional cleaning but not a problem at all... the marble lifts right out). Programming is easy and very functional (be sure to go to Logitech website for the latest update). The small scroll buttons are very cool. Just place the cursor anywhere in the window you are working on and you can scroll up and down with ease.
Works great with Jaguar. I also have 2 Logitech Internet Navigator Keyboards that are fantastic. Same software is used for Marble and Keyboard. I am glad that Logitech supports Mac users in such an excellent manner.
45 4 years and no turning back
I am at a computer almost all day long and about 4 years ago, I decided to try out the Logitech Optical Marble Mouse, because my arm and wrist were getting too tired from the old mouse.
It took about 1 week to get used to it, but after that learning curve was through, I was so convinced, that I haven't used a mouse extensively since. In fact, when I started a new job, the first thing I did, was buy another Marble Mouse, so that I wouldn't have to struggle with a regular mouse at my workplace.
Except in extreme situations, hand fatigue is a thing of the past for me and the marble mouse I bought four years ago is still working perfectly.
One trick is to set it up so that the right button is the main button and the left button is the context button. In use, I press the right button with any combination of my pinkie, ring finger or middle finger. By distributing the clicking duties between three fingers, the muscle usage is more evenly distributed and repetative motion problems are not a problem.
In fact the beauty of this design is that it is so simple that one is able to use it however you want to. Other trackballs that are overly molded to fit your hand end up causing problems because they force your hand to be in a particular position all day long.
It is also easy to switch between left and right hand use -- though I almost always use right hand.
I do have to clean it during the day, but this is extremely easy. Basically I just pick the ball out of its socket and flick away any dirt that has built up. It takes about 15 seconds and no special cleaning solutions or anything.
If I was running a company, I would make everyone try one of these out for a week. They are amazing computing tools and would be standard issue for all computers if I ran the world.
46 Would buy another if this ever failed.
I have used an older version of this model for over five years. I love not having to have a mouse pad any longer, and that it doesn't roll around on my desk. I put it where it is comfortable for my arm and it stays. I don't have to move my whole arm around any longer. I would say the only drawback is that my daughter wanted to play with the ball, but that was easily corrected.
47 Jittery when it comes to precision work
For the most part, this mouse works great. But whenever I try to move the mouse slowly, it bounces all around. This could be due to the fact that you have to clean this mouse more often that you would think. Unless you wash your hands everytime before using it, expect to flick out the dirt at least once everyday. It's a minor nuisance, but it does get irritating. The software is also rather user-unfriendly, I've had to reinstall it several times.
48 A whole new computing experience
Once you use the Logitech Marble Mouse, you'll never want to go back. The feel is unbelievably smooth, the control graceful and responsive. With a little flick of my finger I'm sailing across the desktop, popping open menus, and zipping through webpages. If you have any doubts about whether a trackball is for you, put them aside and try the Logitech Marble Mouse NOW. I assure you it'll blow you away and make you want to give your sorry old mouse to Goodwill. I've been using computers for years and years and never before has the simple act of using an input device been so much of a pleasure. I LOVE IT!
49 The best mouse I have ever used
Driver installation is a snap, mechanical functions are silky flawless, and the shape is PERFECT for either hand - no annoyance factor or fatigue after FOUR YEARS of daily use. My only gripe is the cord strands broke from metal fatigue recently, but nothing's perfect (except some fools).
50 Smooth ball, but the software and shape is for the birds!
I was used to using a Kensington Orbit - maybe I'm spoiled - but it seems crazy that this Marble Mouse doesn't let you assign a separate command for the pressing of 2 buttons at once. It's also crazy that you can't have different button configurations for different applications. Having to choose between 1X, 2X, or 4X mouse speed was kind of silly too, since even Apple's standard mouse driver gives you more options than that. Maybe the software is better for Windows and that's why people keep using these? I returned it the day after I bought it and bought another Orbit (which is also much more hand-shaped than this odd tall design). The Orbit feels like you are resting your hand on your knee - this feels more like youre resting your hand on a shaved rat with rigormortis.
51 Excellent!
This mouse is easy to use and because you are not constantly bending your wrist and moving around the mouse pad you don't get that ache in your wrist if you are a constant user. Ever since purchasing this product I have recommended it to my co-workers with great satisfaction. It takes a bit to get used to if you are used to the regular style mouse. But once you do you'll never go back to the other. I have a five year old and ten year old who easily use this mouse as well.
52 Unbelievably Impressive
I love my Logitech Optical Marble Mouse. Working many hours at the PC each day, my index finger used to ache from clicking and dragging all day. So I went to a mechanical trackball type mouse for about a year. The pain sent away very quickly, but that doggone trackball would get stuck now and then, even from the very beginning. I would pop out the old ball and clean it out with a paperclip or a ballpoint pen, but it was only a matter of time until it would be clogged up again with ultra fine lint of some sort. When I tried to clean it the last time, I used compressed air, which comes out very cold, and I actually froze something inside the trackball assembly. When I was trying to dislodge it, I wound up breaking it completely. Good job, Mikey. So I bought this Logitech Marble Mouse... and Wow! The first five minutes felt a little stiff, but then the trackball freed up and it works great! Smooth, reliable, and no hang-ups. The buttons are perfectly placed for right and left clicking with your ring finger and thumb. Plus, it's symmetric, so right or left-handers can use it equally as well. The final bonus is that it looks like it's out of Star Trek. Whenever someone comes into my office, they look at it as if to say "What the heck is that crazy thing?" I highly recommend this product. It's the bomb!
53 A high quality ergonomic choice
I bought this product because I needed something more ergonomic - I was having pain in my mouse hand. This mouse changed all that. I work with computers, and I insist on using one of these at work. It has the following benefits:
1. Because it's a trackball, you don't have to move your wrist as much as you would with a mouse.
2. The buttons are placed so that you can click with your thumb, which after all, is stronger (less likely to get injured) than your index finger.
3. It's symmetrical, so you can switch back and forth from using it with your right hand or left hand - that gives your mouse hand a rest.
I echo the comments of others that the optical trackball works great, and almost never needs cleaning. Also, I agree that it stays put nicely on the desk. Yes, this mouse was very different when I first started using it, but very very much worth getting used to it.
54 Disappointing
Compared to the Microsoft Trackball Explorer I was disappointed with this mouse. First of all the ball does not turn as freely so it takes more effort. It doesn't have a scolling wheel. And thirdly the buttons seem to be in an unnatural position when your hand is in position to use the ball.
55 I'll never go back to the old mouse !!
Comfort, productivity, flexibility and low maintenance.
Beats traditional 'mouses' all to heck. You never have to clean the ball; it's easily programmable to use right or left handed; it needs little desk space (and you don't need a mouse pad) as it stays in one place; it's faster than the old 'mouses' as you don't have to move your whole arm; and the coup d'etat is that you don't tire youself out using it.
Anyone looking for a more comfortable mouse should give this a try. The added speed/control/productivity is a bonus. I am now much more able to combine mouse and keyboard commands (keyboard commands are often faster than mouse movements).
Companies trying to control down time should definitely look at this.
Yes, there's a learning curve but it's surprisingly low. I will never go back.
56 Excellent
I have two of these (one at work and one at home). I like that it takes up little space and it has reduced strain on my wrist and elbow. I've been using the marble mouse for years now and I rate it as an exellent product.
57 The best Trackball out there
I have long been a fan of Logitech products, and once again they have raised the bar! I don't know why anyone still uses a mouse. I prefer using a trackball because it fits in a small space on the desktop and it does not cause the fatigue that you get using a traditional mouse. I use this device extensively for fine graphics work, as well as major surf time.
I used to use a Kensington Trackball, because at the time, it was the only one designed to be manipulated with your fingers, instead of your thumb. The optical marble mouse does the Kensington one better. The "optical" part of the title says it all. There are no rollers or little crevices for hair and gunk to get caught up in under the ball. I spent more time cleaning my previous mice and trackballs than anything else! Whenever that cursor starting jumping around the screen and skipping over the places I wanted it to go--I knew it was time to ditch the mouse and get a new one. This optical marble mouse has no rollers. It is very easy to keep clean--and so far (8months) I have had none of the problems of my previous mice. The accompanying software for this trackball also has some nice shortcut features. I have one button programmed to instantly "minimize all open windows." A really nifty trick if you have to blank your monitor quickly.....like when the boss is coming around :)
58 The best trackball short of wireless...
I've used trackballs for most of the last 10 years, and this one has the best feel and response of any I've tried. I now have two and am about to buy a third. The only way to improve it is to make it wireless....
59 Best input devics short of a pen and paper
Minimizes arm/wrist movement, cutting down on carpal tunnel problems. Allows the most precise control for first-person shooter games. Is the most natural input device short of a pen on paper. If I have to use a mouse, this is the only one I want. I even purchased one to hook to my PC at work (it has the added advantage of making my workstation vitually unusable by snoopy coworkers). Allows great customization of the buttons--I have it set up so the left button performs "right click" functions (I use my thumb on that side), while the right button performs those multitude of "left click" tasks (for which I use my ring finger). .... well worth the price. Buy it, love it.
60 I love the Marble Mouse!
I'm about to get my third Marble Mouse - 1 at work, 1 at home, and now we've got a new computer. My wife and I had a small disagreement (she didn't want the cheap mouse for her old computer, and I wanted the Marble Mouse for the new one) and she won. I'm about to buy another. I mouse left-handed, and this is one of the few trackballs that can be used lefthanded. I've tried Kensington's and Mouse System trackballs in the past, but the Logitech Marble Mouse is the best I've ever tried. It rolls smoothly and it is easily cleaned. If you are short on desktop real estate, or are sick of running out of mouse pad, I highly recommend the Marble Mouse!
