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
i have had my trackball ever since release, i waited for it for three weeks till it finally hit the selves and thought it was something everyone wanted, now mine is dying bearing are worn almost to the plastic, ball cloudy,right side buttons dont work superglued on the inside so much that it probably is 80% superglue alone it as frail as my pop, he he, but it works still, ol skool style!! ive used this mouse so long i cant even use another mouse i draw on photoshop with it perfectly, im game mad and couldnt think off trying to use another type of mouse it will kill me. i have come to the conclusion we are all on a crusade for the holy grail of our day and was about to give up altogether till i came here and found i was not alone.
i have contacted microsoft repeatedly with no reply ive been a pc supporter all my life from the days of commodor 64. maybe we sould see if apple mac wants to cash in on it, they seem to care about their consumers.
HELP! My Trackball just died! It was working fine, kept clean and showing no signs of her age. Then all of a sudden I have NO power. I tried unplugging, cleaning all connections/ ball etc, but no luck. suggestions??? ANYONE??
thanks
My Trackball just died. I was cleaning it and the red lights went out. That was it.
It is as if my best friend passed away. My Trackball was like a part of my right hand.
I have never had any close attachment with any computer part as I have enjoyed with my Trackball. If a card fizzled, or if a drive crashed. OK, get a new one, no biggie. No love lost. I do feel a genuine sense of loss over my Trackball.
I purchased a Logitech Trackman, but it is not at all the same. First, it is just too small. My thumb still reaches for my Trackball keys and for my scroll wheel. It is close, but a poor substitute for the real thing.
Hey Microsoft, I am a stockholder. Don’t make me get this Trackball issue added to the annual meeting agenda! I want a new TRACKBALL!
Maybe check this out :
http://wantitnow.ebay.com/Microsoft-Trackball-Explorer_W0QQadidZ320311283955
I have used TBE for many years. Lately I have tried almost every alternate device. I am using Kensington Slimblade Trackball since 1 week. Although the driver needs improvements, this device is even better than the TBE !
Heresy!!
But seriously, how do you like the fact that Slimblade scrolling happens by twisting the ball? I’ve tried Kensington’s Expert Mouse and it’s a workable replacement, especially when used with ERGOrest arm rest (then the less-than-TBE-ergonomic shape of the Expert Mouse is not so much of an issue). Expert Mouse has the ring around the ball to scroll. It’s a bit weird, but works. But twisting the ball (on Expert Mouse to simulate the way Slimblade would work) seems more cumbersome. For example, two fingers are always needed for the ball-twisting action whereas with Expert Mouse or TBE you can scroll using just one finger. I get the impression that Slimblade was built more for the looks than with ergonomy in mind. But I don’t have first-hand experience with it yet.
Twisting the ball works surprisingly well. I am happy that I can finally say goodbye to my TBE’s. Thank you Kensington.
Thanks for the tip; seems like I’ll need to evaluate Slimblade.
I have an old Trackball that needs some repair. Is there somewhere I can send it to be renovated or repaired?
That guy here has been doing repairs for quite a bit :
http://cgi.ebay.com/Expert-REPAIR-SERVICE-for-Microsoft-Explorer-Trackballs_W0QQitemZ260370893324QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_Mice_Trackballs?hash=item260370893324&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262
You might want to contact him
My sister and I decided to use this tracball years ago and loved the feel of it – I use it from 3d to graphics to music and have not ever found anything comparable. My thumb button decided to start making a squeaking noise last year and I stumbled upon the horror that ms stopped making these gems and they were running for $400+ on the internet and almost fell over. The squeak noise comes and goes and I just hope that I die before this tracball does. They will take my TBE from me when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Sounds like an opportunity for some investors and engineers to come up with a product that is similar. I spend most of my time on the pc and would be willing to pay in the $100 to $150 arena for a brand-new similar product. HOWEVER, if I love it as much as this one, you can bet I’ll buy a lifetime supply before they discontinue the manufacturing of one.
I have worn out 5 of these trackballs. I do a lot of drafting/design work. They are the most user friendly units I have found. I am currently running a Logitech that cost around $70. and I would not trade one working Microsoft trackball Explorer for a truck load of them if the requirement was that I use the Logitech in place of the Explorer. I must admit that the Microsoft unit had one significant design fault. They used steel bearings to support the ball. The bearings wear down and the ball drags in the support cup. I have four of the five balls from the units I wore out just waiting for a unit missing the ball to come up on Ebay. I acutally spoke with a Microsoft rep. and he told me that the reason the units were discontinued was because people could not learn to use them. I guess that is why they are going for over $400. on Ebay now. People just love to buy things they have no inkling on how to use. Microsoft is a 600 lb. gorilla. You do it their way or else. It has worked so far. I am really surprised that some enterprising Pacific rim company has not started cloning these things. Patents seem to have little regard in China. Obviously the right people have not seen this niche market yet. I keep looking on the net. That is how I found this forum. I guess if I look long enough someone will step in and pick up where Microsoft fumbled the ball. (Trackball that is)
As I’ve posted before, my husband has a Kensington Expert Mouse Trackball. Since somehow over the years I’ve gotten stuck with the job of computer maintenance in our house, I use it as an opportunity to use it and try to get used to it just in case my TBE decides to buy the farm someday. It’s okay; I mean I could live with it if I had to, even though I think the price is totally out-phreakin-rageous!
But…
I still like my TBE the best!
Okay, I just found something interesting-looking in the way of an input device…
http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=29738
“A truly unique pointing device, the Swedish-designed Trackbar Emotion is designed to be centered with your keyboard to reduce the repetitive strain of reaching for a mouse. To use it, you roll the silver cylinder on its axis to move the pointer vertically, or slide the cylinder laterally to move the pointer horizontally. It can be positioned with the roll bar closest to the keyboard and controlled with your fingers, or rotated 180 degrees and operated with your thumb. Includes USB cable and microphone cable. Additional functionality available from downloadable software. Arm rest and silicone sleeves sold separately.”
Anyone have any more info or experience with this gizmo?
It really IS a trip that these things are total cult items now. I’m still on my original, bought it after it first came out; it has a definate patina to it now, and the “oft” the logo are wearing out. I mainly use it for gaming now, and use the first Logitech MX Laser mouse for my design work. I just want to make the TBE last as long as it can, given the fact that, like everyone else on here has said, nothing beats it.
And I also find it strange that a Chinese company hasn’t cloned it, either. When you look at the innards, it’s basic by today’s standards.
I’m probably going to have the shell of mine repainted at some point, just to spruce it up.
One thing which appears to be helpful. Wax your trackball. I use turtle wax. I find this reduces friction. I have to do this about every third day. Where it rotates easier, there is less wear on the three steel balls.
I wonder some guys here want a new wireless TBE 2.0 or something that way. A trackball device is static, the wire was the invention – no batteries.
Bring back the original one please!
This device has been a true lifesaver in my work and gaming. I work with spreadsheets and have had to resort to a regular mouse in the past. Now I keep this TBE in a glass sealed case when not in use so to avoid any accidental damage. I’m thinking about spending money to protect it with a safe at the rates these are fetching on ebay. Would Microsoft be willing to sell the patent? I would buy it and start production again. Whose with me?!?!?!
I too have been dreaming of the day the TBE comes back. I’ve been use the TBE since they came out and loved them There were tons of companies making a format just like the TBE then they all stopped….WHY? Heck, I”m even dreaming of the days that Logitech revamps it’s trackball because the model now isn’t that great. I’ve been looking into all the new ergonomic pointing devices and they’re a couple of models like the Trackbar Emotion that seem to work great for everyday use, but the TBE was the only device that was good for gaming. When half a second could get you fragged you don’t want to take your hand off the keyboard to hit right click. With 4 buttons and a scroll wheel, I can jump, throw a grenade, switch weapon, land, use a melee attack, all the time looking around. This is basic for any gaming mouse and even a cheap $10 mouse could accomplish what you have to pay over $100 on Ebay. I’ve tried the a4tech wwt-5 and it was slow and required me to hover the my hand over the trackball or keep the bottom of my palm on it and twist my wrist. I caused too much paid to use so I returned it. I also tried the a4tech wwt-13, it was better, and I can keep my hand stable on it. It had the problem that it was to easy to hit the scroll bars. Not having that 4th button makes me have to use the software to program macros on the 3rd button which then kind of gives you only 2 buttons. It’s not an optical ball but its was only $27 with shipping. I’m keeping this one but it comes in a very unsatisfactory second place to the TBE. When my TBE does finally break down I’m going to try the Sanwa Trackball.
I have found that I prefer the Microsoft Trackball Optical configuration over the Explorer. With that in mind, I have two of the Microsoft Trackball Explorer mouses available at $100.00 plus $10.00 shipping each. I am in the Western Suburbs of Chicago if anyone would like to purchase locally. You can reply to koakoa214@gmail.com .
First come, first served.
Thanks,
Jeffus
Here is a twilight zone for you. I tried to order it. Shipping across so many time zones(years) was prohibitive.
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/571211/Microsoft-Trackball-Explorer/
For the love of everything holy and good. I miss my explorer. As everything does, it got old and worn out and finally stopped being as sharp as it used to be. Several thousand cleanings and me babying it as much as possible didn’t counteract the effects of time I’m afraid.
Anyways, Microsoft is nuts for not making this mouse. Logitech should make something comparable. Most of what they’ve made doesn’t come close to the Trackball Explorer. I really miss having it and can only hope MS comes to their sense at some point.
After much consideration, I have found that I prefer the MTO over the MTE, and thus am parting with my two Trackball Explorers. Anyone interested can e-mail me at koakoa214@gmail.com
I thought I wouild offer them here before I put them up on E-bay. they are both in very good condition, and both function perfectly.
Thanks,
Jeffus
Sorry for slow message approvals over last two weeks or so. I switched mail servers and forgot to forward the old system account…
Anyway, the posts are all caught up now! Thanks everybody for continuing to contribute to the thread!
Microsoft behaves like a DOG guarding a grass heap when a cow wants to eat it. The dog does not eat nor let the cow go for it.
They should void the patent atleast so that others like Logitech / Kensignton could come up with an upgraded version like wirelss TBE or bluetooth TBE
Is there anyone who can kick into the MS big head b*tt by going in person to their office to put up this note.
Search for Rainman on this page, and you will find that post that he made about Microsoft getting sued for using someone else’s patent. If that is the case, then where is the patent being used? Why sue like that and not do anything instead of just selling the patent? I am on my second TBE, and I, like most everyone else, cannot imagine anything better.I have probably used my current TBE for over 3,000 hours, and the only problem with it is that the paint is rubbing off. I live in Seattle, and my friend’s dad is very high-up @ Microsoft. I won’t say who it is, but I might see if I could get the complete reason why the TBE was discontinued, and if it is just because people couldn’t learn how to use it, then I would try to explain the theory of evolution, and natural selection. I mean, they wouldn’t need to sell them to any retailers, really. They could just sell them for themselves @ retailer prices, or even something over $100. I’m sure that we all would be willing to pay $150 dollars for these puppies if ours ever broke. In the mean time, I think that we should create a petition/list of people that would buy the TBE if it was put back in to production and research so we can show Microsoft that it was really a mistake to discontinue the best mouse in the world.
It might not work, but really, any and everything helps.
Keep up the good work Ville. I also wan´t the Trackball Explorer to come back! I found mine in the “used” shelf at a local computer store. It was only like 6$ so I though it was a good deal
I love my trackball explorer!! The first one I owned actually died years later and then the 2nd one we bought has a short in the cord but i have one more that is working and I can’t imagine using anything else.
Is microsoft listening???? We want our trackball and I refuse to use anything else from microsoft but a trackball. I hate mice and always have. So i’ll go buy from another company if my trackball ever dies.
I found a place selling “brand new” Trackball Explorers, still in their boxes.
I walked in, and was stunned to see four of them lined up. I bought all four of them.
Sadly, they didn’t have any Trackball Opticals. ::sniff:: Why do you TBE lovers get all the damn luck?
If any of you TBE owners want a spare, I’ll sell you one of these new ones for what I paid (60+tax). Just e-mail me at spam.guard.1 (at) gmail.com.
You can sign me up for the TBE petition. I have one at work and another at home. Yes, I’d pay a wad for a new one. No, I don’t like the other offerings in the marketplace. I spend 5-10 hours on a computer each day and the speed of navigation, custom button configuration, and little details like precision do mean a lot to me in terms of productivity. Now we have to beat the drum loudly enough…
Any petitions I’ll gladly sign. Just point me in the right direction.
In the meantime I am babying my TBE like nobody’s business and occasionally making an effort to work with my husband’s Kensington Expert Trackball so I can get used to it, just in case.
I got a stab of guilt recently… with this stinkoid economy we are quite seriously broke, and it occurred to me that I’m sitting on a (little) gold mine… I asked my husband, The Best Man Ever™, if he thought I should sell my TBE on eBay just because we need the $. He said no, we weren’t THAT broke.
Did I mention that I adore my husband?
befoer i bought the trackbll explorer, I used the PC-TRAC 1050 Trackball, PS/2-USB. I loved it and then couldn’t find it. i tried the A4Tech WWT-13 Trackball, USB, but once i used the explorer, I was hooked. I love having the 4 different buttons and I use them all the time. I also love the scroll wheel. Microsoft is crazy not to continue making these. I paid 34.00 for mine and now I have seen them for as high as $700.00. that is just wrong!!!
Just wanted to say thanks to PC (above poster). I took him up on his offer for the Trackball Explorer at cost, and it arrived today factory sealed as promised. Thanks again!
Wikipedia has gotten into the action; the trackball article now includes info on the multiple write-in campaigns concerning trackballs. Contribute there and on other sites to try and raise trackball awareness. If we can generate enough press, we might get more of a reaction than venting on forums.
oh, the humanity. my trackball is getting very worn with use. it’s 7 years old now and even though the steel guides in the ball socket are mere nubs, it performs beautifully. i do graphics and routinely use the trackball instead of my wacom pad because it gives me finer control.
thanks osiris, after dropping this comment, i’m off to wikipedia to join the fight. it’s been so long since i’ve had a cause i can believe in.
Any NCIS fans out there?
OK… Did ya see it tonight? And did anyone besides my husband and me see the trackball sitting on Ziva’s desk? It had a big red ball. Anybody have an idea what it could be… or how we could find out?
I too took PC’s offer for the brand new TBEs and I received them (2) today
what a joy to finally have new working TBEs 
last week 1 of my TBE fell to the ground (plastic shell and ball broke) and my other one is showing signs of age…
I cannot say thank you enough !!!
Hopefully they’ll live the same 7-8 years the others did
By then I hope someone will have produced copies or maybe even Microsoft will have awakened from their torpor…
I’ve had my TBE for more years than I care to count at this point. To be honest, it’s the third I’ve owned. I wish I’d had the foresight to buy about 50 of them, lately I’m taking this one apart to work on it when I have to, and it never quite gets back to 100% when I’m done…losing just a little bit of durability each time.
I have large hands, and it’s the only trackball that’s comfortable for me. I look for a new trackball each and every time I go to the computer store, no luck. I toss the mouse that comes with my new computers in the trash with the box and the rest of the garbage (ok, in all fairness, I have one mouse in a drawer for the inevitable day when my TBE dies it’s final death).
If Microsoft doesn’t want to make it again, fine…but at least license it out to someone to do so.
petition is still online for those interested
this seems to be the hub of information regarding the TBE lol
http://www.petitiononline.com/microtrk/petition.html
near 200 sigs
I changed the steel balls in my TBE. These are 2mm. Smallparts.com sells these balls in a variety of materials. I got the chrome steel expecting the chrome to last since it is hard. The minimum is 100 but at $8.69 plus $4.19 shipping from Florida to Connecticut, it is tolerable. You might also want to buy a #45 drill bit. This is the hole size. This cleans out any residual glue. Use this only with your hand, no drill. I did hold it with a pair of samll vice grips. If one of the balls fails to seat deep enough it will throw the ball off center and it will rub the plastic ribs on the ring around the ball. Hopefully this will help extend the life of your TBE.
Found one TBE as new here:
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160343695098
Hey gang! I still have my two TBE’s for sale for $125.00 shipped, and can take Paypal. I found that I prefer the Optical to the Explorer, so I have replaced both of them.
e-mail me if interested koa koa 214 @ g mail dot com
Thanks,
Jeff
I got started using a trackball mouse with the purchase of Microsoft’s IntelliMouse Trackball. I really liked this unit EXCEPT for the constant cleaning required of the rubber rollers that followed the trackball, rather than the optical readers.
I purchased an Explorer Trackball long ago when I figured the IntelliMouse would fail fairy soon. Turns out that IntelliMouse keep on working (BUT still required CONSTANT cleaning)
I got the new Explorer out several times with the idea of hooking it up, but I was put off by the scrolling wheel opration having to be done with your thumb. My thought is your thumb would get tired fairly quickly when doing a lot of scrolling?
That was one thing I prefered with the IntelliMouse, the scrolling was accomplished with the second or third finger just dragging across the scroll wheel as opposed to the more exagerated motion required of your thumb.
I liken the extra motion required of your thumb to one of trying to operate those trackball mice that are designed to operate the ball with your thumb. I hate those….too much effort by the thumb.
I thought I would contribute this thought to the discussion to see if someone had the same experience with the scrolling wheels, and if given a choice in a new or redesign, would some choose to modify this aspect of the trackball??
@brano_2
For those who have a sticking trackball, try using carmex around the ball, it seems to work pretty well, I’ve been doing it for 8 years.
UPDATE – I really would like to get these 2 TBE’s into the hands of those who can appreciate them……I have two, and will take $100.00 each, Paypaled and shipped. Please respond to my e-mail above.
Thanks,
Jeffus
@PC
PC, you wouldn’t happen to have any of these left would you? I didn’ have any luck with your email address.
Thanks
@Bevil
I sent an email over a month ago and also never got a response. I’m guessing they’re all gone. Three of the four PC was selling can be accounted for based off of above replies – 1 to Jon and 2 to Dan. Being such a great offer, they probably went fast.
What I’d still like to know is at which store they were found.
I bought the 4th one when the message was first posted, message #29.
Thanks guys. I took Jeffus up on his offer. My husband is a TBE nut and his last one finally took the dirt-nap. We, like everyone else here, are bummed out that Microsoft stopped making this trackball.
Try garage sales. I have 2 tbe’s and I got then at sales a couple of years ago. I think I only paid about a total of $5 for the two of them. I could have had a third but i didn’t realise they were so rare.