Balls!

T

TJ99

Honorary Master
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As in Track-

Is anyone out there using a trackball? What the hell happened, why are they so rare these days? They're almost collector's items. I mean I obviously wouldn't want to try and play games with one, but for office work a nice, finger-type trackball is way more comfortable to operate than a mouse, if you use it all day. It also takes a lot less space on your table. So why are they so scarce, and why are the only types you do still find the thumb type? Surely there must still be a market for them.
 
Well if they don't get sold i would assume there is no market.

What do you use the trackball for at work?
 
Logitech still make them, I used one for years due to RSI (even for gaming) found it much more responsive than a mouse, but that was in the days when they had balls too :D

This is what I used, Trackman Marble FX, still lying in a box somewhere I think

Trackman_Marble_FX.jpg
 
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Me... me... me... I use one. Could not imagine computing life without it. No RSI complaints in over 15 years... can use it forever without fatigue.

I even have my 1st logitech trackman...

oldtrackmen0.jpg


Tried them all... even a Kensington index finger one... but thumb-drive opticals rule... using the Microsoft Trackball optical now...

msto.jpeg


had it for 6 years and it still is perfect... only the cable at the USB connection is getting a little wobbly.
I have looked and not been able to find another anywhere, except on WantItAll for R4500 - R6000.

EDIT: The early non-optical trackballs used to have a build up of gunk on their rollers and required monthly unplucking, the trackballs also had to be cleaned too. The opticals are maintenance free... a wipe every now and again and they are good to go.
 
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killadoob said:
Well if they don't get sold i would assume there is no market.

What do you use the trackball for at work?
Click to expand...

Normal stuff, browsing, spreadsheets, just basically operating Windows. It's just a lot more comfortable.
 
kilobits said:
Me... me... me... I use one. Could not imagine computing life without it. No RSI complaints in over 15 years... can use it forever without fatigue.

I even have my 1st logitech trackman...

logitechtrackman.jpeg


Tried them all... even a Kensington index finger one... but thumb-drive opticals rule... using the Microsoft Trackball optical now...

msto.jpeg


had it for 6 years and it still is perfect... only the cable at the USB connection is getting a little wobbly.
I have looked and not been able to find another anywhere, except on WantItAll for R4500 - R6000.

EDIT: The early non-optical trackballs used to have a build up of gunk on their rollers and required monthly unplucking, the trackballs also had to be cleaned too. The opticals are maintenance free... a wipe every now and again and they are good to go.
Click to expand...

I have a Logitech Trackman Optical wireless. Great hand position and yes only the ball needs wiping for dust if I haven't used it in a while. I was looking for a second one for my laptop, but was surprised to see no Bluetooth versions.. My one's receiver is a bit huge. But it only cost like R380, much cheaper than the prices mentioned here.

Edit: Picture added for great justice.

MLOTMW.jpg
 
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Heheheh... WantItall want you to spend R 7,562.00 for your Trackman... you could find the box and give it to me if you feel up to it :D

OMB said:
Logitech still make them, I used one for years due to RSI (even for gaming) found it much more responsive than a mouse, but that was in the days when they had balls too :D

This is what I used, Trackman Marble FX, still lying in a box somewhere I think

Trackman_Marble_FX.jpg
Click to expand...
 
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