And, of course, it’s no longer available. This device is just one of the many items whose demand appears strong regardless of the fact that their manufacturers have inexplicably decided to discontinue making them. A quick search on eBay produces a handful of Trackball Explorers, each fetching at least $100 (often a lot more; recently even several hundred dollars!) That’s pretty good for a device that one could pick up from a local computer retailer, or from the web for $39.95 few years back!
Today the mainstream trackball alternatives include Logitech and Kensington models (plus some more industrial, or “80’s looking” trackballs by ITAC and Evergreen Systems). None of the currently available models come anywhere close to the ergonomy of Microsoft’s Trackball Explorer, and this sentiment is echoed on countless hardware review forums on the web.
Was the demand really so minimal for the trackballs that it wasn’t worth it for Microsoft to continue manufacturing it? Perhaps the sales weren’t as strong as they’re “supposed” to be for this kind of a device—perhaps when compared to the sales figures of mouses. But my guess is there are quite a few people out there who would be more than happy to pay, say, $69.95 for the (perhaps even slighly improved) device rather than scouring the dwindling sources for the trackball, or settle for another manufacturer’s best model that the “late” MS Trackball Explorer beat hands down. Today Microsoft offers just mouses for pointing devices — but a mouse won’t always do. Oftentimes the available desk-space is limited — there is no space to move the mouse around (whereas, of course, a trackball is stationary). And more importantly—especially when using 3D or CAD applications—mouse is less accurate. When you’ve placed the cursor on the exact pixel you want it to be on, with trackball you can then remove your finger from the ball before releasing the button to get a positively accurate placement. With a mouse the action of releasing the depressed button moves the mouse enough so that the cursor is moved a pixel or two before the ‘drop’ action occurs.
I have written Microsoft a few times regarding this issue, and it’s likely few other people have done so, too. There has never been a response, probably because their trackballs are gone, period. If Microsoft is not going to bring it back, it would be a great business idea for someone to revive a truely ergonomic trackball… there would be many users who would be glad to pay, say, the aforementioned $69.95 for a well designed, professional trackball, the “Trackball Explorer 2.0″.
To get an update on TBE I contacted Edelman | Seattle yesterday. The original contact, Kerry Gentes, was no longer with the company and I spoke with Brittany Turner instead. According to her Microsoft’s stance on the issue has not changed; they are still not listening to what their customers want (she didn’t use those words exactly, but that’s basically what it boils down to).
Microsoft is also not willing to license the device at this time.
This puzzles me. Microsoft bases their decision not to continue manufacturing and marketing the device on a “strategic decision” to concentrate on mouse devices because the market share trackballs hold is “insignificant”. I’m sure the sales figures for mouses are greater than for trackballs, but it’s the same situation between any consumer and “pro” product. Most people who go to buy a computer at Fry’s or Best Buy automatically buy a mouse as the computer comes with one. In many cases it’s a Microsoft mouse, so naturally Microsoft sells a lot of them. However, unlike many other devices, there is no viable alternative for the Trackball Explorer, and the “strategic decision” to not sell them makes a significant number of users rather unhappy. If you go to a computer or office supply store they may carry a Logitech or Kensington model or two whose ergonomics simply have nothing on the TBE. Microsoft could easily hold that shelf-space instead simply by resuming the manufacture of the already existing product which even has up-to-date drivers (Vista compatible, etc.)
If Microsoft doesn’t feel like investing more R&D funds to the TBE at this point, they could use the exact same design as TBE 1.0. They might change its colors slightly to match the current product line and slap on a price tag equivalent to that of Kensington Expert Mouse ($99.99, or perhaps a little more competitively at $74.95) and it would sell like hot cakes. It would still sell fairly strongly even if the price tag was $149.99, just as long as it would be available (recent prices for functional units sold on eBay have fetched $400+). Surely the sales figures would not reach those of mouses, but then Microsoft also sells many more of the consumer licenses than professional licenses to its operating systems for the same exact reason – most computers sold come readily with “Windows Vista Home” installed. Yet lower sales figures for the “Pro” versions of the operating system products, for example, don’t result in pulling a product from the market.
Microsoft’s unreachability and inertness regarding this issue is very frustrating. You’d have to look hard for a product that so many users feel so strongly about (just read the comments in this blog for a small sampling of TBE users who have searched the web, come across this blog, and decided to post!) If Microsoft discontinued a particular mouse, nobody would think twice of it – they’d just pick up a newer (or, perhaps, a competitor’s) model. Same goes for most anything I can think of – there’re always alternatives. In most cases a new, improved versions of the older products are made available by the same manufacturer. Unfortunately the situation with the TBE serves to illustrate the way Microsoft is going: business decisions are made internally without paying too much (or any) attention to the customer feedback. This, also, is why the agile younger companies like Google are gradually eating away Microsoft’s market share in many areas of business. When the time comes to make a choice between a Microsoft product that does have competitive alternatives – and most do – users who were shorted by Microsoft previously are more likely to choose a competitor’s product, especially if the competitor appears more responsive to customer feedback.
Microsoft Trackball Explorer
#1 by Eric on 26 December 2008 - 02:28
They always seem to be fruitless to me, but I thought why not start a petition to send to Microsoft to show there is still demand for these devices. Maybe somebody will listen and give us a small production run on them. Read it and give me feedback on it, and sign it.
http://trackballexplorer.freeforums.org/official-tbe-tbo-petition-thread-t5.html
#2 by IH8FMS on 26 December 2008 - 21:02
Very good, Eric!
Now how do I sign it?
#3 by Eric on 28 December 2008 - 23:03
Reply to it?
#4 by NeoCorpse on 29 December 2008 - 10:17
I love my TBE, I’ve had it for almost 8 years. I still use it and it’s outlasted a kensington expert trackball (pure garbage) AND a Logitech cordless optical trackman (left click died after 2 months). I for one, am VERY disappointed Microsoft no longer offers this product. In my personal opinion it’s THE best trackball I’ve ever owned, and it seems as though it’ll be the best period. What a shame such an excellent device fell into the hands of the marketing “geniuses” of the world.
On a side note, these people all need to be fired. They think that looking at numbers will give them accurate customer feedback. They have no earthly idea what consumers want, need, or are happy with.
In conclusion I’d just like to say…..BRING IT BACK!
#5 by Van_Helsing_666 on 31 December 2008 - 08:36
Its gone man<—— Let it go!
MOVE ON
Sell what you own on eBay, make a few bucks
and
Get use to a Logitech TrackBall!
Logitech can make a ROCKIN 4/5 Button TrackBall
and
They will, if every1 write to Logitech
instead of
Microsoft.
Happy New Year 2009!!!
#6 by Ville Walveranta on 31 December 2008 - 11:24
Yeah, it’s gone. That’s why this is an appeal. I personally will move to Kensington Expert Mouse as I mentioned few pages up when last of my TBEs finally gives up the ghost one day in the future (assuming there’s nothing better available at that time). Though far from optimal, its large ball and sort of a scroll wheel make it the best candidate to keep on trackballing.
#7 by IH8FMS on 01 January 2009 - 13:14
Hey, Van_Helsing_666… I’m afraid I can’t agree with your “Its gone man<—— Let it go!” ideation. Perhaps because I’m a stubborn old woman, or maybe because I think that there are some things that are just too good to let go without- well, not a fight, really, but certainly taking a stand.
And, to parrot what I wrote on the petition at the forum… there IS one another thing to consider, and that is if the good folks at Microsoft were to see fit to bring back the Trackball Explorer, the resulting publicity would be a very positive thing for Microsoft too! Imagine the nice publicity, all over the internet… a company that actually listens to its customers!
I would certainly let it be known what dear sweet wonderful folks they were at Microsoft to do this. I’m certainly not above a bit of sucking up for a good cause.
A total win/win situation!
So it would be good for them as well as for all of us bereft users!
#8 by IH8FMS on 01 January 2009 - 14:56
Can you tell that “Trying to think positive more often” is on my list of New Year’s Resolutions?
Happy New Year, everyone.
#9 by Holden Caulfield on 02 January 2009 - 10:55
Add my name to the list. I wrote Microsoft and had the most absurd conversation with someone who obviously was not conversant in English. I told him that I had just paid over $150 (two years ago) for a T/E, and that the current Ebay prices were approaching $300.
And this clown say, “I understand that your complaint is that $300 is a high cost for a trackball. Microsoft makes it’s prices as competitive as possible while still making our products profitable”.
Gotta love Bangalore.
About four years ago, there was an Ebay listing for 3 trackball explorers for about $130….if I had only known then.
is the Trackball Explorer the GM EV-1 of the computer industry?
I hope this movement gets some attention, because I’ve already broken one and the other won’t last forever. You’re the only person with a public platform that pointed out how to take your fingers off the ball and click the button to avoid mouse drift….and it’s tragically unfortunate how when I explain that to other people who tell me a trackball is “too hard to use” their eyes glaze over. How few remember that Solitaire was created so they could learn how to use a mouse, which at one time they found as hard to use then as they claim the trackball is now.
I’m crushed. As always, us one-percenters are left with nothing, and the mob rules even when it’s clueless and wrong.
TRACKBALL! TRACKBALL! TRACKBALL!
#10 by Dan on 04 January 2009 - 16:37
Quick updated link for those who’d want one
http://wantitnow.ebay.com/Microsoft-Trackball-Explorer_W0QQadidZ320311283955
Also, I bidded on one too many in december and got stuck with 4 winning bids :S I’ll only be needing 3 + the 2 I already had…
Last one that got here I paid 122.50 USD for, I’d be willing to sell it to this community if anyone want it for the same price I paid + shipping (I’ll have to check with your area code to know the shipping cost)
Here’s the ebay link :
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280291223561&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=018
In 1 week, if noone here wants it, I’ll put it on ebay again
#11 by Ville Walveranta on 04 January 2009 - 17:02
Dan, the link of the original auction is no longer working..
#12 by Dan on 05 January 2009 - 01:10
ha ok, I can see it prolly because I’m the winner; just wanted to give peeps proof of the price I paid hehe
#13 by Dan on 05 January 2009 - 20:56
Someone was looking for a ball on a TBE
Here’s one for sale !!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Trackball-Explorer-Replacement-Ball-for-Mouse_W0QQitemZ180318491131QQcategoryZ11193QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWINQ3aPOST0Q3aRECOQ3aBIDQQcmdZViewItem
#14 by Jamie Scott Lewis on 06 January 2009 - 11:23
Well it’s pretty obvious, Microsoft had to stop manufacturing the trackball explorer, it was liable to to kill their reputation of ONLY producing total crap!
Like Frank from Germany above, I too have used a trackball explorer for many years, I have one at home and at work I have one and alongside a regular scroll wheel mouse for the vast majority of people who simply can’t use a trackball! It’s unbelievable to see some people struggle to control the cursor with a trackball. Personally I can only use a mouse for a short while and my hand cramps up. I used to use a Logitech Trackman Marble both at home and at work, but intensive use of this for long periods gave me RSI in my thumb, no such problems with the TBE! I just wish somebody would make a bluetooth version!
Scott,
UK of GB
#15 by Eric on 09 January 2009 - 01:26
http://i.gizmodo.com/5125543/kensington-slimblade-trackball-built-to-handle-digital-content
Recent CEA research shows that over 70% of the applications used in the home are centered on entertainment, music and media. Trackballs have long been used in the workplace, but as digitally-savvy families are taking advantage of the broad range of Internet-based sharing and entertainment capabilities and increasing the quantity of home computing activities, early Kensington research shows that the trackball is about to become the device of choice for personal use.
“Our Kensington SlimBlade Trackball is a true standout that should become a ‘must have’ for today’s digital lifestyle-savvy consumers,” said Juan Rodriguez, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. “We have been known for our trackball leadership for 25 years, so it is only natural that we would be the ones to accomplish this breakthrough user interface, where ‘now, the ball does it all’. And it fits perfectly into our award-winning smart made simple SlimBlade Collection. This product is going to set a new standard for the computer/user relationship from the moment it comes to market.”
Retail price: $129.99 (ouch)
I already have a slimblade mouse from them and I love it, but this looks like it could be the next great one. Kensington was the first trackball I ever owned (the old blue orbit) and they’re the reason I bought my first TBE after I wore the Orbit completely out. I particularly like the end of the first paragraph. Duh? We’ve been saying that for years.
#16 by Eric on 09 January 2009 - 01:29
And you can discuss this trackball and any other trackball/mouse over on the new Trackball forums.
http://trackballexplorer.freeforums.org/
#17 by Ville Walveranta on 09 January 2009 - 01:49
Eric, great news, thanks! It’s great to see that someone is working on the new trackball designs. The new Kensington certainly looks cool, but it’ll be interesting to see how ergonomic it is. I usually rest the lower left quarter of my palm on the TBE’s “body” which allows the fingers to “float” over the trackball and the buttons with the wrist almost exactly straight. The tallest point on the new Kensington is by far the trackball so it seems the user would easily bend her fingers and the wrist upwards. But it’s hard to say for sure without trying it out.
#18 by Eric on 09 January 2009 - 11:07
Yeah. Kensington certainly thinks that design is the best they can do. Ball in the middle with 4 buttons around it. I’m just happy that somebody is still developing new ideas in this market. And at least Kensington still believes in us. Maybe we can appeal to them to design an ergonomic trackball via the TBE or Logitech Marble or something similar.
#19 by MS TBE Lover on 14 January 2009 - 01:35
PLEASE CONTINUE TO manufactur TBE, I cannot imagine working with computer if my existing TBE stops working.
TRUST ME, I tried atleast 10 different trackball mouses apart from MS TBE, they all SUCK, the worst part is no one else is thinking like MS, who did it ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.
Anyone please push my request, all TBE LOVERS, please find a way to re-initiate this request.
#20 by Eric on 15 January 2009 - 00:41
I have a couple contacts at Microsoft who are looking into whether or not there are extra TBEs stashed away. I figure that since they’re saying there was a low demand for them there must be a stockpile of them that went unsold. If I can get my hands on any, I will post the price and the availability on the forum.
#21 by Ville Walveranta on 15 January 2009 - 00:48
That’s interesting, though often companies unload discontinued merchandise at discount retailers like Overstock.com. And, in fact, after the TBE was discontinued I recall seeing some fairly large lots of them (several hundred units) at some discount retailer’s website. I think they were about $40 a piece at that time. And, ah, I didn’t buy any…
#22 by Randy on 16 January 2009 - 05:50
I live in Japan and TBE also go for over 200 dollars over here. I’ve also sent Microsoft an email just like everybody else.
One thing I can say is the Sanwa Supply TBE imitation SUCKS. They totally messed up on the design of that thing. The sensor is located in the worst place possible and it won’t read the trackball when going sideways. The DPI is messed up on it and is just crap so anyone looking for hope in Sanwa Supply’s imitation should just give up because it isn’t worth the money. I’d send it out to ya if it was even a decent replacement but it’s just too bad. The only decent trackball that Sanwa Supply has is the “spaceship looking” FORCE trackball. This trackball I’ve used and although probably not for everybody, this trackball is smooth and comes with a scroll on the side. The trackball glides on three metalic balls. link below.
MA-TB35DS
http://www.sanwa.co.jp/product/syohin.asp?code=MA-TB35DS
Sorry it’s in japanese :/
I’m new to this forum by the way. I’ll be updating you from the Japanese Market
#23 by Drottie on 17 January 2009 - 03:40
I too can’t figure out why companies “get it right” and then deside to change or even worse (as in this case) discontinue a great product. The TBE, mine being 4+ years and three computers later, still is by far the best input devise I’ve ever came across. Such a shame. You would think a simple search on Ebay would show Microsoft what kind of demand there still is for this product.
#24 by Ville Walveranta on 17 January 2009 - 06:21
You would think so, wouldn’t you. That’s why their decision to discontinue the product was a “strategic” one (i.e. “it doesn’t make any sense but they think it does”).
#25 by John on 17 January 2009 - 21:36
Randy, Thanks for the review on the Sanwa. Scratch another possibility.
#26 by Kris on 17 January 2009 - 23:58
So, I am not alone in my love for the TEB? What a relief!
I have had mine for years and have put uncountable hours on my TBE, it still works like a champ, even though the pins have worn to little nubs. I should have bought them up while they were cheap…now going between $200-$400+ online.
I have searched endlessly for a suitable replacement and begged MS to bring in a replacement, to no avail. Hopefully one will finally come out before mine stops working.
I have tried to use mice and other trackballs, if they don’t come up with a similar device, I swear I will stop using computers the day mine dies
Isn’t there a company out there that can produce these on a small scale???
#27 by Randy on 19 January 2009 - 07:33
your welcome John. Tell me if you need me to review any more japanese products
#28 by Jonathan on 22 January 2009 - 14:20
Microsoft are a pig headed company who deserve a lot less than they get.
When they are on hard times some one will say “What if we listen to our customers… they will tell us what they want and we will sell loads!”
Untill then we will be without our new TBE’s
I wonder how long it will be before some one sues MS for RSI that Mice give you?? Let alone the callus you get on the hhel of your hand.
Liten and learn Microsoft! (BILL!)
Rant over.
Happy New Year.
#29 by Mark on 24 January 2009 - 17:15
No one posting here actually knows the reason why Microsoft stopped making this product, yet they assume they are just idiots or greedy. Corporations are supposed to make a profit, at this time there are 277 comments, let’s assume that is 5% of the people who would buy a new one the first year Microsoft started making it again, that’s only 5540 units. Let’s be generous and say 1%, that’s still only 27,700 units, probably less than $200K in profit, sales would probably slow down again after all the fans bought some. I’m guessing it’s not worth the effort for a company that size. Microsoft exists to make a proift and make money for shareholders, not please every small niche market thsat might say mean things if they don’t get their way. And that’s assuming it was low sales, maybe they got some reports of bad ergonomics or lead paint and didn’t want to end up like Steve Martin in The Jerk, writing out a million settlement checks for a class action lawsuit
I love the TBE just as much as anyone, I use 3 and have one as a spare. But I find it comical the emotions that people are feeling because they can’t buy their favorite trackball. Millions don’t even have a computer, some don’t even have a house with electricity & water, and we start getting upset because we have to use a different kind of trackball/mouse. Don’t forget to keep your “problems” in check with reality.
#30 by Ville Walveranta on 24 January 2009 - 17:53
Certainly it’s a profitability decision to Microsoft, or at least a decision based on the fact that maintaining a device different enough from the mouse line would consume more R&D/marketing funds than what it would be worth.
However, not all products are maintained because of straightforward profitability. Customer satisfaction also figures in some.
And then there are companies like Kensington or Logitech for whom it does seem economically feasible to continue offering their inferior (to TBE) trackball models. More than the fact that Microsoft discontinued the TBE I find it strange that none of the manufacturers that continue offering trackballs haven’t managed to create a bit more ergonomic design than the current models from Kensington or Logitech. It shouldn’t be that difficult — they could just copy the TBE shape if they can’t think of anything better.
#31 by John on 25 January 2009 - 17:32
Ville,
Microsoft has a patent,6,556,150 B1 issued April 29, 2003 by U.S. Patent Office.
This can be found by doing a patent search on the Internet.
The one thing I would change is the thumbwheel. Rotate it 90 degrees so the thumb moves up and down rather than front to back. What do you think of this idea?
#32 by Ville Walveranta on 25 January 2009 - 18:30
John, yes, I would expect Microsoft to hold a patent for it which makes it doubly strange that they neither offer the device nor allow anyone else manufacture it on a license. They specifically stated that [the TBE] “is not on the licensable devices list at this time”. Sounds like a consipiracy to leave everybody crippled with CTS/RSI!
Rotating the thumbwheel 90° is a great idea! It feels a bit weird to think the wheeling motion would be sideways, but I think it would be easy to get adjusted to as the sideways motion would be more natural. It would also seem that not having to push/pull the thumb would put less strain on thumb’s joints. Now where can we submit feature suggestions?
#33 by John on 26 January 2009 - 09:22
Perhaps a few more good suggestions would change things/attitudes??? I would like to see the heel of the hand higher than the fingers. I glued a door stop to the bottom of my TBE. Works fine, more comfortable. This is an issue of relative elevation between chair and keyboard/TBE height. I have my setup such that my arm and wrist don’t move, only the fingers. Less stress. Wireless would be another improvement.
#34 by I.M.Impending on 27 January 2009 - 04:42
I am at it again. Trying to get one of these blogs to reach MS for us.
I wrote this to them.
I’ve always loved your blog: can you look at this situation please?
The Microsoft Trackball Explorer, the world’s most comfortable trackball (input device ever) has long been discontinued and I was wondering if you might have the clout to get MS to do something about returning it to the market.
I could go on however this site will show the tremendous support for it. http://my.galagzee.com/index.php/2007/07/03/microsoft-trackball-explorer/
ttp://www.engadget.com/contact/tips/
http://gizmodo.com/ Tip your editors:tips@gizmodo.com
#35 by Rainman on 29 January 2009 - 08:07
Just found this link. Looks like Microsoft had some legal trouble with the TBE. Read the complaint for yourself http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/illinois/ilndce/1:2007cv06511/214608/1/0.pdf
#36 by John on 29 January 2009 - 22:08
I don’t think this is relevent. The Microsoft patent is on the configuration of the mouse, i.e. shape and effect on fingers. The patent listed immediately above is about the ball and the reading of the markers on the ball as being movement to the on-screen arrow in the X and Y direction.
Also note the date of filing and compare this to discontinuance of TBE availability. This lack of availability came well before the lawsuit. Thought of differently, if this was a patent infringement, why not use what some others are using? If anything these two need each other due to their being complimentary instead of conflicting.
#37 by Kevin on 10 February 2009 - 18:17
Oh man do I worry that eventially my TBE will give up working. I have purchased 3 over the years and was shocked to see the price at over a hundred dollars a couple years ago. Wow I should have bought then, they are going for 4-5 hundred $ now. I actually fixed one of mine by changing the cord from one that didnt work.
Someday all the old TBE will be patched together from parts rather than giving up this best mouse on the planet. Like Cuba and the vintage cars everywhere that get fixed and fixed.
Count me in to be a regular customer of anyone that can duplicate the Microsoft Trackball Explorer.
#38 by Jon on 11 February 2009 - 14:26
Yet another vote to bring back the TBE. I have one on my home computer. Once I finally realized how awesome they were, they were out of production and fetching big prices on eBay. I will never give mine up. If Microsoft would re-release a version, I know I would buy several, some for safe keeping and some for all my computers.
I never found the thumb-ball trackballs very comfortable, I always seemed to prefer the finger-ball trackballs. Today I bought this Logitech (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104125&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Mouse-_-Logitech+Inc.-_-26104125). Hopefully it will fill the void here in my office.
#39 by Ville Walveranta on 11 February 2009 - 14:33
Perhaps that’s the plan at Microsoft… once the TBE is first withheld for few years and the loyalists made desperate, then it’s re-released and all of us rush to buy ten, twenty units at once!
#40 by Jimmi on 15 February 2009 - 04:12
I beg Microsoft to start the production of their sublime trackball line.
I miss my two MS Trackball Optical sooooooooo much I’d cry. :s
There’s no replacement for it out there.
Logitech’s thumb-operated trackball is utterly useless:
It’s way to small for my adult hand – MS’s Optical Trackball has way better ergonomic for my adult hand.
To make things even worse – Logitech’s thumb operated trackballs, are totally lacking the extra buttons the MS Trackball Optical has, which is a major draw back when gaming shooters etc.
#41 by Dan on 15 February 2009 - 14:47
I concur Jimmi, in the meantime, try your luck on EBAY
http://wantitnow.ebay.com/Microsoft-Trackball-Explorer_W0QQadidZ320311283955
I have this link running fora while and I see a lot selling
Try your luck to grab one 
#42 by Eva on 19 February 2009 - 14:31
My beloved Trackball Explorer is at least six or seven years old, probably more, and even in my animal-hair-filled house (two cats, one dog), it still works perfectly! The finish has rubbed off where the heel of my hand rests, but this is the best mouse I have ever owned, and I swear by it. It is disheartening to think about what I will do when it eventually gives up the ghost; I should really keep my eyes peeled for a spare.
#43 by Georgious on 20 February 2009 - 08:33
I own a Microsoft Optical Trackball (not the “Explorer”, but the one with the dark gray shell) for the last 7 years. I had it refurbished, i.e. opened it up and thoroughly cleaned it with pure alcohol and it still works fine. Last week a puppy I recently “adopted” short-circuited the Trackball. I managed to fix it and covered the “bites” with gopher tape and I am afraid it is going to stay that way, because some IT-technicians told me the cord could not be replaced. Aby ideas if that is true or if it is worth it to give it a try with another mouse’s cord?
Greetings from Athens – Greece.
#44 by kejki on 23 February 2009 - 15:22
Hello, http://a4tech.com/ennew/product.asp?cid=1&scid=11&id=79 nice.
#45 by Ville Walveranta on 23 February 2009 - 15:35
But that’s a… mouse!
To prepare for the inevitable I ordered Kensington Expert “Mouse” to compare it to the TBE, side-by-side, to see if it would be workable. There are few options and they all suck in some way or another.
#46 by Bring it Back on 26 February 2009 - 15:10
Bring it back MS. Please!
#47 by Cry Baby on 27 February 2009 - 15:25
I bought my trackball explorer in 2001 and use it at work. It is the only pointing device I can use that does not cause pain in my right hand. I have been using it so long it is like an extension of me.
Today it is starting to flake out. I guess something inside is starting to wear out. I wonder if anyone re-builds these?
Microsoft – Please bring back the Trackball Explorer!!!
#48 by Ville Walveranta on 04 March 2009 - 20:46
I found out today that Kensington has discontinued driver development for Expert Mouse and Orbit trackballs. They work with Vista and Windows 7 (down the line) with the operating systems’ generic mouse drivers, but none of the MouseWorks adjustments and settings are available. It seems that while Kensington still sells those products, they’re slated for eventual discontinuation. Except for their new very uncomfortable “blade” trackball (you turn the ball to scroll?!?). So Kensington is not likely going to come to TBE users’ rescue.
#49 by IH8FMS on 08 March 2009 - 03:34
Oooh, dang, i hope they don’t discontinue the Expert Mouse trackballs! I am holding that in the back of my mind to replace my TBE if/when it goes to that great BSOD in the sky!!
#50 by Ville Walveranta on 08 March 2009 - 03:36
Not yet, at least. Kensington’s response to my follow-up stated that their production continues. But no drivers are planned for Vista or Windows 7.