Thumb-operated TrackMan Wheel combines reliable optical technology with an innovative scroll wheel that provides easy scrolling access to your favorite web sites.
Get superior precision and reduced wear while eliminating the need for cleaning. TrackMan Wheel also saves desk space. Work with PCs and USB-port Macintosh systems.
Comfortable scrolling and performance- High-precision, low-maintenance Marble advantage. Patented optical Marble technology delivers superior precision, reduced wear and smooth tracking, even if the trackball gets dirty. Because it records motion optically instead of with mechanical parts, there's no need for regular cleaning.
- Precise thumb control
- Feel the difference. Touch the gentle curves, roll the trackball, and you'll appreciate the comfort and smooth motion.
- WebWheel™ provides convenient scrolling and fast, easy Internet access
- Built to last. Made with the quality of Logitech, the world's largest manufacturer of mice and trackballs.
Reliable optical technology combined with an innovative scroll wheel that acts as a third button sets Logitech's 904353-0403 Trackman Wheel Optical apart from ordinary trackball mice. Patented optical technology provides superior precision, reduced wear, and smooth motion, and eliminates the need for regular cleaning. The scroll wheel provides easy scrolling and the added convenience of an extra mouse button, enabling you to jump easily to your favorite Web sites. The ball is ideally positioned for thumb operation, and the comfortable shape of the mouse allows for strain-free extended use. Its smaller size also saves desk space, reduces hand and wrist movement, and plugs very easily into your system's USB or PS/2 port. Compatible with both Windows and Macintosh systems.
1 Have been using this for over two years...
It has worked flawlessly and and efficiently. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has limited space, or anyone for that matter.
2 Comfortable alternative to a mouse
I bought a trackball to give myself a more space-efficient alternative to a mouse. After deciding against most of Kensington's trackballs because of cost and against a Microsft trackball because of my smaller hand size, I settled on the Logitech Trackman.
I had never used a trackball for even a short amount of time, so adjusting to the feel of the Trackman took several days but was definitely worth it.
-Ball movement. The ball glides smoothly on several mini ball bearings and is a comfortable size for me to operate with my thumb. Plus, it is also optical and thus has less parts to clean.
-Familiar mouse-like shape. The Logitech Trackman is more mouse-shaped than many trackballs, and the buttons/scroll wheel can be used with the usual fingers. Unlike a mouse, of course, you don't have to worry much about desktop space and don't need to move the entire device around.
-Simple buttons. If you don't like mice/trackballs that are loaded with buttons, this is for you. This trackball only has the standard left/right buttons, plus a clickable scroll wheel. The main buttons aren't too stiff, and the wheel moves easily and has a muted click when you scroll (pretty much the same as a Logitech optical mouse).
-Curves. The entire device is curved to fit the right hand. There are grooves on the two "mouse" buttons to give your fingers a place to rest, and there are additional grooves for your ring and little fingers to rest on. There's also a bit of rubber along the right edge, presumably for comfort reasons.
-Size. One of the reasons I've bought Logitech mice instead of the equivalent Microsoft products is that the MS mice feel large, chunky and unwieldy in my hand. This trackball is no exception; my palm, thumb, and fingers rest exactly where they should be. If you like the size of Logitech's optical scroll mice, you will probably like this trackball as well; if you have larger hands or generally prefer the larger size of Microsoft's mice, it would be a good idea to try this out in a store before buying.
-Long cord. If your only free USB ports are several feet away, under a desk, etc., hooking the Trackman up shouldn't be a problem. It's a bit more cumbersome if you have it plugged directly into your keyboard and have lots of extra cord left over, but it's nothing a simple twist tie can't fix.
-Construction. The Trackman is available for less than $30, but it has the usual Logitech quality. Three rubber feet keep the Trackman from slipping around. The bottom is held together with four screws and can easily be opened using a Philips head screwdriver if necessary; the ball can be popped out from above by grabbing it between your thumb/forefinger and giving it a good tug. All in all, much easier to open up and clean than, for instance, an Apple peripheral, but at the same time it won't come apart by accident during regular use.
-OS X compatibility. The two mouse buttons and scroll wheel work fine without any Logitech drivers installed, though the trackball is a bit slow. Installing the Logitech Control Center allows you to bump the tracking speed up further and program the middle (scroll wheel) button, among other things. If you already have installed it (for use with a Logitech keyboard or mouse, for example), the Control Center should detect the Trackman and allow you to program it without installing any trackball-specific software (you can even leave your mouse connected without any real problems).
**If you use OS 10.3, download the latest drivers! Earlier Logitech drivers (such as the one included in the box) caused several kernel panics on my Mac when used under recent versions of OS 10.3.**
3 Works Like it Should
I recently purchased and then returned a couple of Microsoft trackball units similar to this Logitech product (see my review). Thankfully the Logitech model works the right way - the shape fits my hand nicely and the ball rolls smoothly. The cursor responds instantly when you roll the ball and it goes where you want it to go - no sticking, no hesitation, no flying awry all over the screen. I feel like I am in control. Not so when I used the Microsoft version - that one stuck, I would roll the ball and the cursor would stay put, and it felt like the ball had some sort of film on it that prevented it from turning smoothly. This Logitech Trackman is wayyyyyyy better! It's a few dollars more but worth it - the difference in quality and operation is obvious and I'm keeping these two that I bought in place of the Microsoft units. There really is no comparision.
4 Not used to it at first, but like it very much now
I am a heavy computer user and those regular mice, no matter how fancy they look, make my hand/wrist/arm uncomfortable. I read a lot online and decided to try this Logitech trackman. I compared it to the Microsoft competitor in a local store, I believe this matches the size of my hand better.
When I got it from amazon, I didn't like it at first. As someone mentioned earlier, when you click you thumb could move slightly down and drag the pointer off the target. I wanted to send it back but amazon would charge me shipping, so I didn't.
Since I paid 20+ bucks for it, I wouldn't let it sleep there and collect dust. I used it at home while using a mouse at work. After a few days I found that I became more used to it. Now it's been two weeks, and I like this trackball very much. I suggest you alternately use a trackball and a mouse, and exercise your left hand (suppose you are right-handed) occasionally to give your right hand a break. You will suffer less when you become old.
5 Not for the long haul...
I bought this trackball after my Microsoft Explorer Mouse went bad about two months ago. My wife wanted to try a trackball and I had always been curious.
I liked it at first but I found I had trouble clicking on buttons. When I would push the primary button I would almost always pull my thumb over at the same time and roll the cursor off the button.
Then I started noticing the little 'hitches' in the ball movement--especially when moving to the left. Those hitches became more and more obvious, until it became almost a constant drag. Eventually, the ball became too difficult to move without strain.
I ended up hating this mouse and now I love my new Microsoft Explorer Mouse.
Add to that Logitech's almost non-existent support and you have my review.
6 My favorite mouse/trackball
I love this trackball! The ball motion is smooth and quick. It is great for gaming. The motion is not as precise for making tiny movements as a non-optical mouse/ball, so it's not as good for graphics or CAD. But I'll gladly deal with that for the increased comfort it provides.
I used the older Trackman (the white one) also. I like the new silver one better because the ball almost never needs cleaning and it fits my hand and my wife's hand better. There's a hole in the bottom for dust to fall out, and to help remove the ball for rare cleanings.
7 Smooth and comfortable
Just picked up my second Trackman Wheel Optical so I won't need to constantly be switching out the mouse at work. These little guys are addictive!
While I'd welcome a couple extra buttons (perhaps down where one's pinky finger rests?), I don't consider the lack of extra buttons a drawback. 2 physical buttons and the wheel (which doubles as a third button - standard procedure nowadays) works out just fine..
The trackball itself is small, and rests under the thumb. If you're used to a finger or palm-driven trackball, it'll probably take some getting used to. It also takes about 3-5 days of use to "break in". Out-of-the-box, the ball can be a bit on the stiff side. Rest assured that this goes away after a few days of use, and the action becomes *very* smooth.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good trackball. You can't go wrong with this one for the price.
8 Excellent design!
I've had one of these for over 3 years, and I love the thing. So much, in fact, that I just bought a second one for work. Working with a mouse all day was making my wrist a little sore... a day with the Trackman and it feels better already.
Logitech got this one right - the shape fits absolutely perfectly in my hand, and my fingers fall right over the buttons, resting in the little scallops thoughtfully provided. With Logitech's mouse-management software, I can dial-in speed and acceleration to give precision for computer drafting, yet scoot all the way across the screen diagonally if moved agressively. Definitely reliable - the 3-year-old one works as well as the one I bought today. Some competing products (i.e. Microsoft) provide extra buttons, but I've found that 1) I rarely use extra buttons anyway and 2) extra buttons almost invariably interfere with the ones I use all the time. I didn't even consider the cordless version; it's not like I'm going to walk around the room while using the computer, so to me their need for batteries is a failure waiting to happen.
In short, everything you need, and nothing you don't, in a very well thought-out package.
I tried the Microsoft equivalent and returned it immediately in favor of the second Trackman. It wasn't as comfortable, the controls weren't so intuitively located, and the additional buttons were merely in the way.
If you're right-handed (unfortunately, no lefty version is available) and want a trackball, in my opinion this one can't be beat.
9 New smaller trackball got too small!!
I have been using the "white" optical trackball since they came out, I think in 1998 or so. The "old" size was a perfect fit for the hand, but the new size is just too small. My hand cramps up after about an hour of use; I would actually rather use a mouse than this little thing. Also, the trackball does not appear to be removable for cleaning as the white one was (and it needs it about once a week). If you are thinking of replacing your old white one with one of these think twice, I was sure disappointed and am hunting down old white ones..
Scott Lee
CAD engineer
10 Nothing but Logitech!
I have been a Logitech fan for years... and have purchased the Trackman Marbles through all of their different phases. When I first purchased this model I wasn't all that keen on losing the middle mouse button that was on the older model.. plus it is smaller so feels odd in your palm at first.
After a couple of weeks of use however, I could safely say that I didn't want my older model back! My wife still uses an older model and when I have to do anything on her computer, it is very uncomfortable!
This mouse is easier to clean too! It's been running flawlessly for the past 5 years now.. and we're getting ready to purchase another one to replace my wife's.
I am thoroughly satisified with the performance, durability, and most important RELIABILITY of this mouse!!
11 Great mouse
I've been using this mouse for a little over the last 3 years. It has worked well without any problems until recently. I think due to excessive use the left button is starting to fail.
I would like to add that I completely disagree svtman21 about this mouse (and trackballs in general) not being good for gaming. I've been gaming successfully with trackballs for the last 6 years and would never consider going back. I consider myself quite competitive in online games and have competed in CAL-O and CAL-I for SoF2 for just under 2 years.
I admit that at first I noticed a little bit of thumb fatigue with excessive gaming but that subsided after repeated use. I find that trackballs offer increased precision in online FPS games like Q3A (RA3), SoF2, BF:V, UT2Kx and others.
Trackballs certainly take sometime to get used to (a few months) but after that you will notice the enhanced control and precision a trackball provides.
This mouse also performs well at mundane usage such as programming, document and picture editing, etc. Not to mention it is so much easier on the wrist!
I highly recommend this mouse for general desktop use and gaming a like.
12 At last... relief for CTS and Wrist Rest Syndrome!
I've been using the optical Trackman Wheel in it's many forms, from before the scroll button was popular! As a person who's constantly on the computer and one who has experienced a lot of wrist/arm pain from mouses, I swear by this trackball.
Unlike other trackball devices (which also gave me wrist pain), this one is controlled by your thumb. Although this takes a little bit of time in getting used to, it takes all the pressure off your wrist and your hand. It's perfectly form-fitting to your hand, so you can surf or work in comfort.
I have one at home and at work, and refuse to go back to using a mouse. It's also a great space-saver since you don't have to have all the room you'd need to operate a mouse. It never leaves its spot since you control it all with your thumb.
A worthwhile investment if you've been experiencing wrist pain at your computer.
13 This mouse is the cat's meow!
Absolutely the most comfortable, ergonomic, and easy to use trackball available today.
14 Still the best, but not as good as it used to be
Unlike "most Logitech trackball users", I'm not new to trackballs. Prior to this one, I've had two Trackman Wheels over the course of about 6 years or so.
The old white one was great in that it was very comfortable on the hand. It fit what I'd call the "3 finger" style of button pushing where the middle three fingers never moved horizontally. The ring finger rests on the right button and stays there, while the middle finger rests on the wheel and stays there. This new style one seems to stray from that feel and cramps things up. It seems to assume more of a "roaming middle finger" style where the middle finger handles both right-click and wheel duties. My hands are quite small, and I still have a hard time holding it in a three finger style on this thing.
I don't know, it just seems most mice, as well as the old Trackman and the MS counterpart to this, all feel pretty comfortable in the three finger style.
Positives:
-Thumb trackball moves well under most conditions unlike the Microsoft version.
-Still curvier than MS's, which conform well to the curvature of my hand in a resting position.
-Seems more accurate and less flimsy than Microsoft's thumb trackball.
-No wrist movement whatsoever. And, IMHO, my thumb seems to be able to work trackballs better than my finger on the finger trackballs from Kensington and Logitech. Plus, those non-thumb trackballs are totally different than any mouse out there. They just seem very tough to use for precision work like Photoshop. I feel like I should be playing Missile Command or Marble Madness with them!
-And seriously, it's just as easy to play games once you're used to it. No problems with getting smoked in Call of Duty or other shooters and RTS games!
Negatives:
-You need "piano fingers" to do a three finger style of clicking around. Otherwise, people with double duty middle fingers will feel very comfortable with this one.
-Would love at least one more little button somewhere, for double-clicking or whatever, to relieve wear on the left button. Microsoft has two extra buttons. Most Logitech mice have extra buttons.
15 Smooth mouse that's precise and easy on the wrist
I'm a computer nut. Between work and being online at home I'm probably on a computer 15 hours each day. As you can imagine that takes quite a toll on your wrists after a while. While I love the old-style roller-ball mice, moving that mouse all day pretty much paralyzes my wrist. To address this problem I bought nearly every mouse on the market to test them out, and ended up returning all but one. The Logitech Trackman Wheel optical mouse was the only one I kept.
This mouse is very easy on the wrist due to it's fixed position. The ergonomic design is extremely comfortable. The trackball, operated by using your thumb, takes some getting used to but is super smooth and ultra precise. The mouse buttons are also comfortable to use and the scroll wheel glides like butter. This mouse really enhances the computing experience, in my opinion.
Aside from the steep learning curve involved in using the thumb-mounted trackball, the only other caveat to this mouse is that it makes playing games a bit difficult. If you are a hardcore PC gamer good luck using this mouse, it is very awkward. I tried it for awhile and got slaughtered in every game I played. Now when I want to play a game I always switch back to my old roller-ball mouse. Once I'm done gaming I switch back to the Logitech Wheelman for relaxed wrist-healing mousing. All in all I wouldn't give up my Logitech Wheelman for anything.
16 Wonderful for Arthritis
When I got a computer I managed to use a mouse for the first three years, though I had frequent pain from my arthritis after long sessions. Finally my hand, wrist and shoulder say "No More, Period." I did some research and got the predecessor of this trackball. It relieved my pain immediately. Took me about a week to get used to it, then it just became natural to me. When I bought my new computer a year ago I didn't want to deal with software updates, so I bought this model. Same wonderful service for a year now--except it's a little easier to clean than the old one. The old one is still in service on the older computer, where my husband uses it to play games and I use it as a back-up when this computer requires service. My arthritis is the rheumatoid type and I've had it for 25 years now. The fact that this device stopped my pain from using the mouse is high praise.
17 Great, almost maintenance-free device
After having my trackman marble wheel for almost four years, I finally had to clean it today. The left button didn't always work. All it took to fix it was removing the bottom (with the mouse unplugged) and blowing some canned air around the button - good as new.
I started in 1994 with the old mechanical trackman and loved it. That is, with the exception of having to clean it out constantly. I finally got an optical then immediately purchased a second for my workstation at work.
Now, I wish I would have put up the extra ten bucks for the cordless.
18 Why my review was removed?
This is much better than the Optical Marble trackball.
However, the form is not as good as those from the Kensington.
To be more comfortable, the finger portion should be less cursive.
I think Logitech is not good at making comfortable trackball.
Most Logitech trackball lovers seem to be new users of trackball.
If you compare it with Kensingtons', then you will find out what are better.
The software for this is not good. With Kensington's software, the buttons can be used as usual and be used with modifier keys. Well, the Logitech's software seems to work like that at first, but it's not really. (With Mac version )
The advanced click mode for using the buttons with modifier keys just let you use it with modifier keys and as a predefined simulated buttons, like 1 ~ 5.
But you can't assign that button 1~5 what they should do.
This H/W itself is good. But the s/w is not.
I recommend Kensington's Orbit trackball for its ergonomic design, good H/W, and better S/W.
Don't erase my post, administrator.
People need more frank review. Not "Evey prodducts are good."
19 Better than Logitech Optical Marble trackball, but..
Well, most reviewers of Logitech trackballs seem to be new trackball users.
I've used kensington's large ball trackballs, and orbit ( mechanical ) trackballs.
So, IMHO, I think my opinion can be more accurate than others.
Before reviewing this device, I'd like to state that trackballs are, unlike mice, should fit your hand. If not, a trackball which is very comfortable to one's hand, can be inconvenient to others' hands.
And I'm not biased to any companies.
Trackman wheel optical mouse is more comfortable than its optical marble trackball. The problem of the marble trackball is that it's too nannow, and the buttons are located higher position than it should be. Probably people with small hand, for example, kids, can be satisfied with the trackball, but to others, it may not be. I don't have big hands, but my thumbs located comfortably on the lower portion of the left button and far right side of the right button.
However, this trackball, trackman wheel optical, is different.
It's more comfortable.
However this also has some defects.
First, it's too much curved. To be comfortable, the curve should be lesser when it approaches to the end of fingers. it should be more rounded on the palm side and less on the finger portion. However it's too much curved on the finger portion.
Most comfortable one is just to put your hand relaxed. However this trackball doesn't allow it.
Second, the mouse control panel software is another problem.
It doesn't allow pressing two button at the same time.
For example, Kensington's one allows it. So, you can set left and right buttons as usual. And pressing two buttons can work as click-and-lock. However with Logitech's program, you can assign it only with left or right button.
So, you should give up one of the two buttons if you want to use
"click-and-lock" feature.
OK. You can use the scroll wheel as a thrid button, though.
However, it's not so convenient.
With trackballs, click-and-lock is very important, I think.
It's a little harder to click and move mouse cursor than you do
with mice. So, good "click-and-lock" feature is a must, IMHO.
And I doubt if the scroll wheel is convenient. As I said above, it's too rounded on the finger portion. So, scrolling is not so convenient.
Some people mentioned that Kensington's trackball doesn't have scroll whell.
However, you know, the trackball itself can work as a wheel, and it's more convenient. With kensington's software, the trackball itself can work as a scroll wheel very conveniently.
I've also read that the Kensington's Optical orbit is not so resistant to dirt.
So, I can't judge how convenient it is.
However its orbit mouse ( not optical ) is much better choice than any trackballs from the Logitech. ( I'm sorry. Logitech's mices are great, but their trackball is not so good as Kensington's. )
Well, problem with Kensingon is that their products are somewhat expensive, and is not as widely available as Logitech's. Most retail stores have Logitech's but not Kensington's.
I recommend this Logitech's trackball more than its marble trackbal.
And if you are more more hardcore user of a trackball, the Kensington's one will be yours.
20 Best mouse EVER!
I have been using this mouse from Logitech for years and surprised my sweetheart with one last year--I hate the traditional ones. I'm about to buy two more and surprise my boys who struggle with their traditional ones. It is SO COMFORTABLE and SO NATURAL to use! I never have any problems with it and have had it for years. My hand just doesn't feel right at a computer unless it's with this mouse! GET IT, you won't regret it!
21 I looooooooove my trackman :)
I used to have a lot of wrist and shoulder pain with a regular mouse, but the trackman has changed all that for me. I can use the trackman while it is on my lap and on a variety of surfaces. My only difficulty is that visitors have a very hard time using it--it takes 2 or 3 days to really get the feel of it.
22 Nicest Trackball
I have always thought trackballs to be bulky and awkward, until I bought this one. My Belkin optical mouse would not work on my IBM Thinkpad via USB; the laptop does not have a PS2 port. So, back to Logitech who has never sold me a bad product.
I was not disappointed. I plugged the trackball into the USB port and it worked flawlessly without installing any software. It behaves wonderfully with both the touchpad and touchstick still enabled. The scroll wheel works very well with both Netscape and MIE, again without installing any of the Logitech software. Nice, painless and worked right out of the box. I am thinking of upgrading all my mice to this one.
23 Not Good! My Hand goes to sleep!
I have trackballs on every computer in the house. They aren't optical like this one, but I wish they were. No more cleaning!
But I can't for the life of me operate this one like the others. I am used to the index finger moving the ball and the thumb doing the clicking, so I am constantly fighting this thing! Plus my thumb doesn't have the range of motion that my finger does, so it isn't as easy or as quick to move as the other kind!
The part that really gets me though, is that my little finger and ring finger goes to sleep and then I get pins and needles!
Maybe you can get used to it, but I won't! Will be replacing this thing ASAP.
24 Performs as described
No complaints on it.
I purchased it as a replacement for a previous Logitech trackman Wheel, that had given up after a few years of service.
It performed as described, right out of the box, and into my Dell Inspiron laptop. No problems or glitches on Windows XP
It looks like a good value for the price
25 Can't live without it
Well, I'm buying yet another one of these.
No, they don't fail - I simply must have one at every computer that I work with. This little gem stays put on your desktop and allows your hand to rest naturally over the buttons and permits your thumb full control over the trackball. I have been a fan of trackballs for years and I've used just about all of the variations...everything from the cue-ball size monsters to the pinch between the thumb and forefinger beasts and nothing else quite works as well for me.
I have large hands (size 9.5 surgical glove) and the start of the bane of arthritis. . .but this little tool does not cause me to cramp or otherwise suffer any problems with long hours of use.
What else could I ask for? How about a BlueTooth enabled model so that I can carry one in my laptop case and have my favorite "mouse" everywhere?
26 Nice alternative, takes a while to get used to.
Nice product. I'm not sure why everyone recommended it over the Microsoft version, but it's perfect for a notebook computer when you are using a small table (bookstore). It definitely takes awhile to get used to.
27 Always on Track...
My first pointing device was the original Logitech TrackMan--a product that still serves me well on a VERY OLD computer in my home. To this day, I still hate the "traditional" mouse pointing device, and all of our home computers are equipped with at least one Logitech TrackMan device.
As has been mentioned by another individual, I do prefer the previous incarnations of the TrackMan Marble Wheel (M/N: T-CH11, P/N: 804122-3000 and M/N: T-BB13, P/N: 804335-0000) pointing devices; however, there isn't anything that makes this particular model (M/N: T-BB18, P/N: 804360-0000) inferior to the quality products normally sold by Logitech.
My preference is merely a matter of style and color.
Software/driver (MouseWare) support for win-whatever platforms is excellent, and the device is solidly supported under recent and contemporary iterations of Linux distros--across the board. Personally, I don't care for the WebWheel software component (for win platforms) at all, but it can be removed if you so desire.
The device is wired for USB interface, but comes with a USB to PS/2 adapter. This allows one to use two pointing devices on the same computer; one with minimum sensitivity and acceleration characteristics--perfect for precision graphics editing--and one with "normal" sensitivity and acceleration characteristics--more appropriate for text editing and pushing icons around in a GUI environment. The convenience is worth more than the purchase price of two TrackMan Wheel devices.
All in all, this is a solid and value-priced product, built for years of service. No computer should be without one.
28 Simply the best trackball ever made
I have used a Logitech Trackman Marble (this product's predecessor) since it was released in 1995. I still use that original one at home. (When was the last time you used a computer product for eight years?) I enough that I can feel the difference between the muscles on my right thumb verus my left. I love it so much I have gone so far as use my soldering iron to replace the worn-out button switches. (They happen to use the exact same switch as the ubiquitous MS mice.)
This device fits my hand like a glove, and saves desk space since it never needs to move. The lack of rollers isn't such a big plus since the advent of optical mice, but it is still nice.
While this is a stupendous product, you should never buy a pointing device or keyboard for the first time via mail-order. The only way you will know if it fits your hand is to go to a physical store and try it out. It may fit my hand like a glove, but it may not fit yours.
29 Say goodbye to wrist cramps.
I have had this product for well over a year now. I am a heavy computer user and using a mouse was just putting a huge strain on my wrist, so I decided that maybe I should look into mouse alternatives.
Well, my first choice was the Kensington Orbit trackball, based on reviews on this site. All-in-all, it is a great product, but it has 1 tragic flaw which killed it for me - it gunks up incredibly quickly; I am talking on the order of every hour or two. I returned it to the store from whence it was purchased (hint: the one with a big yellow tag). Strike one.
My next choice was what is essentially a corded version of the Logitech Cordless Trackman FX Optical Trackball, which was probably simply called the same thing, minus the "Cordless". The up side - it has several buttons; this device did nothing about my wrist cramp problem, however. Strike two. (Side note: I don't really see the point of getting a cordless trackball or keyboard, unless you are just dying to have more battery-powered things.)
Choice number three: the Logitech Marble Mouse (which is a trackball, despite its name). I just plain could not get used to the feel of it and it did very little to ease strain anyhow. A lot of people on this site have good things to say about it. I, however, do not. Guess the third time is not always a charm.
Well, I finally ended up with (you guessed it) the Logitech Trackman Wheel Optical. While it takes some getting used to, once you get a feel for this, you will never even want to go near another mouse. It has two buttons and the scroll wheel which also doubles as a third button when pressed in, although I never find myself in need of this third "button" myself. This is probably the most ergonomic pointing device you can hope to get...that is, assuming you are right-handed. Sorry, lefties, looks like your choices are considerably more limited when it comes to trackballs.
While being an optical device, the ball bearings upon which the trackball itself rests do tend to need cleaned off once or twice a day, but this only takes a few seconds and is not nearly as time-consuming as cleaning off the roll bars on the non-optical Kensington Orbit, and these cleanings aren't nearly as frequent, either. I don't think you are going to be able to buy a trackball that doesn't need cleaned fairly often, and this one does a nice job of making it a relatively painless affair.
The software allows you to set the directional orientation (which way is "up"), among other things, though I have not even bothered installing the software since I started using Windows XP.
Bottom line: If you are right-handed and have your own computer, buy this. Just make sure you give yourself a day or so to adjust to using it. You shan't be dissapointed.
30 The solution to potential carpal tunnel...
As one who spends a lot of time (too much really...) on the computer, especially the Internet, I developed an extreme cramping in my right wrist and pinky finger. It was due to the ergonomic design of the 'old' mouses. It's not natural (neither are the original keyboards).
This mouse is more ergonomically natural and the tracking ball is great compared to moving the mouse around (which is also an agitation to the wrist).
It does take some getting used to but once you've made the switch, it's difficult to go back. It is much more comfortable and eases the pain in my wrist. I'd give this one a thumbs up, especially if you've developed the cramping symptoms that accompany too much repetitive use.
31 I only buy logitech
I still use a logitech mouse I bought, hm, I'd say about 8 years ago, and I just bought this new trackan to replace a 5 year old one. It was still working as well as the day I bought it until it was involved in an accident involving a long drop to the floor, and then an encounter with the full weight of my body. Everything still worked fine though, but the right click button sometimes needed to be pressed more than once for a response.
The new mouse is a bit more futuristic than I like, I really hate the new silver color they're making everything these days... But the product is still the same great trackball.
I can't stand mice anymore.
And for you people out there who think it's so weird... Give it a day. The rest your hand gets from not having to move that damned mouse all around is fabulous.
32 Logitech Trackball
I think this mouse is a very good mouse, it fits my hand perfectly, and it's very comfortable, never hurts my thumb.
33 Very Comfortable And Efficient . . . Only One Minor Flaw
As you progress through the learning curve and re-coordinate your reflexes, the TrackMan Wheel becomes very ergonomically friendly to use. The ball movement is extremely smooth. If the "Web Wheel" menu option is selected, a convenient navigation dial is displayed when the scroll wheel is depressed. The response to rapid scroll wheel movements is normal, but the response to paused 1-click movements is sporadic. The most recent driver download, selecting different menu options, and trying both USB and PS/2 port connections failed to correct this very minor flaw. A full one second pause between 1-click wheel movements is required for a uniform response.
12-24-02 Update: A recent download from the Logitech website (9.75 build 302) has eliminated the 1-click scroll wheel hesitation with Windows XP. It would be VERY awkward to go back to a conventional optical or ball mouse. Upgraded rating from 4 to 5 stars.
34 Logitech Trackman
This is my 2nd Trackman. This one has the additional feature of a scroll wheel. I ditched the mouse years ago. The
Trackman is so much nicer, smoother and operates on the most cluttered of desks. You'll never go back
35 Works fine with my Mac
I purchased this to replace the mouse that came with my Mac G4, since that mouse was constantly getting stuck and I needed something that was more comfortable for my hand and wrist.
The first day I used this, I wasn't too sure about the thumb trackball. My wrist was a bit sore using it. However, by day four, I'm sailing along and will NOT go back to my Apple Pro mouse. My wrist isn't sore at all from using it, and the trackball is incredibly smooth. This just zips along the screen and I have no accuracy problems. I still use my wrist rest with the Trackman, but don't need a separate mouse pad. For someone with carpal tunnel, I think this is a vast improvement.
For Mac users: If you're using Mac OS 8.6 - 9.2, software is included that allows you to program the mouse buttons to complete specific functions. The software is still being developed for OS X and Logitech says on their site that it will be available for download there soon. However, if you're not planning to program your buttons, it doesn't matter. The Trackman is plug-and-play in your USB port and works just fine (I'm on OS 10.1.5 and have been using it with no problems at all.) I'll download the software when they have it available for OS X, but am more than happy in the meantime since I have no plans to program the buttons, etc.
36 I want my old style Logitech Marble Wheel
I went looking to buy another one of my old style white Trackman Marble Plus type of 2 button trackballs with roller like my 804335-000, the style of which is a few years old. What I found was that they now only sell the gray slightly smaller Trackman Wheel Optical #904353-0403 (and 804360-1000), and I dont like the design. The buttons are too close together, and the buttons are too close to the ball. The roller itself is also too close to the ball, and so the middle finger cannot easily manipulate the roller without arching the finger considerably more than with the older style. The buttons of the old design were a fingers width apart each, but on the new design, the buttons are less than a fingers width apart. It seems Logitech designed the new trackman to be used with 2 fingers instead of 3 fingers, even though they count the roller as a 3rd button.
The older trackball device overall was wider/longer and fit my hand better, the new trackball device seems to be made for small people, perhaps non-adults. The height of the old device was low and allowed the hand to not slip off easily, where as the new trackball has a steeper slope to its sides, and it takes more effort to keep ones hand on top. I actually fear I will succumb to carpal tunnel syndrome if I continue to use the new product. I agree with the other review that posted similar to mine, I love the old style, it was the best design out there. I would not buy the new style, I would tell others to try to find the older wider/longer white with red roller Trackman Marble Wheel or Trackman Marble Plus design for sale somewhere.
37 This is not really an optical mouse
The mouse works ok if you want a trackball - where you don't move the mouse to move the cursor, but move the thumb ball to navigate the screen. I was specifically in the market for an optical mouse - one that does not use a rollerball on a mouse pad, but uses reflected light under the mouse to navigate. Calling this an optical mouse is misleading - make sure a track-ball is what you want when you buy this.
38 Not as good as its predecessor
I purchased this trackball to finally replace my aging Logitech Trackman Marble with a newer one. I have a Trackman Marble+ (with a scroll wheel) at work, and I love it. The one I have at home does not have a scroll wheel, so I thought it was finally time to upgrade.
Unfortunately, this next generation of Logitech's ingenious thumb-operated trackball does not live up to the promise of its predecessor. They have made it both taller and narrower, neither of which are positive changes for people with anything but the smallest hands. And in an effort to keep up with the foolish decisions coming from Microsoft, they chose to provide translucent windows around the ball itself, allowing the red laser light to escape and light up the entire room.
Overall, I cannot recommend this device. I do however strongly recommend the earlier rendition, if you can find one.
39 Logitech Makes the Best
This is my third Logitech trackball. The trackball it replaces is a Logitech Trackman that I bought in 1995. Nothing attached to my computer was anywhere close to that old.
I finally got tired of cleaning the ball on the old Trackman. My wife has both an Logitech marble trackball and a Logitech optical cordless mouse, and I wanted the best, too.
While each new Microsoft OS has had problems with the older version of Mouseware software, in my experience, Logitech is always the first to have updated drivers available shortly after release of new OS's.
After using the trackball for about 5 months, I'm still thrilled. Sure, the gunk from my oily, sticky, food-covered hands still builds up on the ball, but unlike mechanical mice and trackballs, it doesn't cause sticking and jumping of the cursor. The action was still smooth. I had not even noticed that it was getting harder to move the ball until I popped the ball out, and gave the contact points a quick cleaning.
So even with five months of built-up grime, it was still working just fine.
Now not everyone likes trackballs. I use a mouse at work, and it's probably better for me to be moving my whole arm. But at home my desk is too messy. There's no room to move a mouse, and even if I were able to, I'd hit my elbow on something else.
Not for one minute have I regretted buying this trackball.
40 TrackBall
I use architctural drafting programs in a very small office, and my wrists began to ache with all the shifting and moving i had to do with a regular mouse. I decded for the TrackBall, and am very pleased with it. I have small hands but the shape contours very nicely, and the ball rolls very smoothly. It is reat since i do not have to flail around anymore to get from one point to another on my drafts, and also I no longer have contend with a mouse-ball that stalls, gets stuck, or randomly moves.
