Wireless Optical TrackMan Trackball

After reading the other Amazon reviews, I thought I would respond to some of the issues other reviewers raise from a Mac user's perspective. I run a new PowerBook 15" with OS X 10.3.2. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't notice any directional/orientation problems--the cursor follows the ball movement very well, even before installing the included Logitech software. Perhaps the necessary drivers are now universally available, or perhaps the Mac version is just better. Also, the "finger layout" has not proven to be an issue for me--I can use any or all of my fingers to control the ball without any cursor-direction problems. The wireless function has proven flawless on my Mac. The reciever is a couple feet away and actually off the desk (no line of sight) and works fine. It was essentially plug-and-play on the Mac--I didn't even have to push the 'Connect' buttons to establish a signal, it just worked. The software is necessary, however, to re-assign new functions to the several buttons on this model. As a former PC user, I can't go without a right-click button (one of the reasons I bought an external device for my notebook at all). The Mac software is very easy to use, and one can re-program all of the buttons and the wheel if one so desires. You can set a button to automatically double- or triple-click, or select keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Command and W to close the current window). Very easy, and quite useful--I use buttons to close windows, quit programs, delete files, and still have a handy web-browsing 'Back' button. The only possible drawback to the Mac software is that one cannot "train" the ball's orientation (from what I can gather from other reviews, this option is not available on PC either). This really only matters if you know you hold trackballs at a different angle than most people do. Please note that the software I'm reviewing is for Mac OS X only; the program for those running OS 8.6-9.2 is a different piece of software, which is also included in the package. Those are all the Mac-specific comments I can think of at this point; if you're a Mac-user you're probably used to things "just working," and this device is no exception. I'll also comment on some of the more universal issues raised by other reviews: Ergonomically, there is a period of adjustment--anyone moving from a conventional mouse to any trackball or from one trackball to another should expect that. It's never a bad idea to try one out in-store to see how they feel, especially since trackball models vary from one to another much more than mice do. This is not, as some have termed it, a 'disadvantage'--all new things take some time to get used to. If you've never used a trackball, it's weird for a while; it's also ergonomically superior/healthier in the long term. Also, I use trackballs for computer drafting/design, and find superior control to mice--finger-control is just more precise than either thumb-controlled trackballs or wrist/arm-controlled mice. The optical ball-tracking technology requires almost no cleaning, and there are zero moving parts to clean. Just pop the ball out and blow any collected lint out of the socket if necessary--which very rarely is. For any pointing device that's wireless, optical, and has this many buttons, this price is pretty decent--lower, I think, than my previous trackball that was wired and lacked the wheel. As for Logitech's reputation/reliability, I have had good experiences. My first trackball had to be replaced during the warranty period, but its replacement has lasted the four years since--I only replaced it now because it wasn't Mac-compatible. Now Mac-users can rejoice with a high-performance trackball that works seamlessly in OS X.

I use Windows 7 Premium 64bit and I also run Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit in VMware workstation for work. All buttons and functions work properly in both the host an the guest machines. This trackball is solid Logitech. It feels substantial and the buttons and track back are well made. Cleaning the trackball is a snap. Just pop it out, give it a wipe, and done. The software is also very easy to use and to customize the buttons to your liking. I am not a huge fan of the external USB radio transmitter that is used and that alone might have stopped me from buying this). It does not use the Logitech USB receiver other mice use, so I wouldn't recommend trying to travel with it. The programmable buttons are great. I like the default assignments, but I programmed the scroll lock button to send "Enter" instead. I have set-up Windows to move the mouse to the default button when a dialog appears, so I can just hit that key rather then moving the mouse or moving my hand back to the keyboard. It's a little thing, but it's productive. A note about fit. I did not ding the score for fit since fit is very personal. What I like may not be what you like. But here is my $.02. If you can get to a store to try it out, do so. I have average sized hands for someone who is 5' 9" tall. The Trackman is a little bit big to easily get to all the buttons. I tend to rest the side of my hand on the desk which means I can easily get my index and ring fingers on the ball, my ring finger on the right mouse key, and thumb on the left mouse button and the forward/back buttons above the left click. The other buttons along the top ridge are out of reach. I have to shift my hand. Not a huge deal until you consider my hand is now out of place with respect to the trackball and buttons so I have to shift back and forth. It's an annoyance for me. I have tried moving my hand up to rest more on the ample real estate on the back of the body, but that is more uncomfortable. I also tried floating my hand over the unit. That hasn't stopped me from using the Trackman, but I am not likely to buy another one these models. However, if you find it fits your hand, then this I highly recommend this trackball.

I've been using trackballs for most of my life and this is definitely one of the best. It fits your hand perfectly and has a good number of buttons you can customize to your need. I use this at home and since I bought it for my work environment I have no more pain in my right palm due to the constant mouse usage. If you're having hand problems due to excessive computer work I recommend you to test this device. It comes with Logitech software which can further help you customize it to your needs. I give it a 5 star rating because it's the best "mouse" ever but there are people for who this device just doesn't click so if you have an option try it in your hand before buying.

Cette sourie est parfaite pour surfer le net et copier/coller des dossiers. La main ne bouge pas et la précision de la boule est excellente. Je suis vraiment triste que le fabriquant est cesser la fabrication, c'est la meilleur sourie que j'ai jamais eu... Et je ne suis pas un ''gamer''

Excellent produit pour ceux qui ont des problèmes d'épaules. Je possède ce trackman depuis 2007, dommage qu'il soit programmé pour mourir à ses 5 ans.... d'où mon nouvel achat.

aucun problème, livraison rapide, produit correspondant aux attentes a recommander pour tout usage en remplacement d'une souris "classique" quand on a des problème de poignet

My Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Or as I call it my mouse, is my favorite mouse and I have tried the alternatives including the one on my laptop.The best quality for me is you don't have to move it to achieve,simply roll the ball.Sit it on the arm of the chesterfield or even on your lap.Relax with no bending forward.I sure hope you continue to carry these,Thanks for producing them,although I bought two just in case.. Marilyn .