Microsoft Trackball Explorer — The World’s Most Comfortable Trackball

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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″.


Update 23 September 2008:

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

Microsoft Trackball Explorer

506 thoughts on “Microsoft Trackball Explorer — The World’s Most Comfortable Trackball”

  1. If anyone knows where I can still get one (or more) TBE, please let me know. I have two and one’s dying, and I’m scared to use the other one! Considering the Kensington Expert Mouse, but it just doesn’t look very ergonomic, and that’s critical for me. Anyone on this list still have one for sale? Email me at TBE at blue collar computers daught com

  2. Just an update, folks…….I have sold all of my TBE’s. I continue to search for them, and if I can locate any more, I will post here.

    Sidebar: I sold the last two that I had to a photo-restoration specialist. He was so happy to receive them that he offered me free photo-restoration services!

    Good luck to all of you,
    Jeffus

  3. All—

    I came across half a dozen TBEs that are used but in a good shape. I’m keeping two myself, but can part with four of them. The cost is $100/ea. including shipping in the U.S.

    Drop me a line at ville-at-walveranta-dot-org if you’re interested!

  5. LATEST UPDATE! I have two TBE’s available. They are $125.00 each due to their “as new” condition. Price includes shipping and Paypal fees. US only, please.

    If interested: koa koa 214 @ gmail dot com.

    Thanks,
    Jeffus

  6. Great article! I feel your pain. Speaking of which, my index finger is killing this CAD user. The Explorer had 5 programable buttons and you clicked and scrolled with your side fingers and just rested the index and middle finger on the ball. Now, my index finger does all the work, and with AutoCAD its just click, click click…..pain!…pain!…..

  7. The Microsoft Trackball Explorer is easily the best computer pointing device ever contrived by the mind of man. And so they discontinued it. All you have to do now is copy the design, alter it enough to make it unique, and manufacture it if you want to get rich.

  8. A question from me as well, i bought this mouse a few years ago, till i read this article i didnt know they didnt make them anymore.. so im pretty bummed about that.

    My problem is, except that you have to clean it every now and then, my mousewheel is getting buggy, i barely have to touch it, and i zoom in and out 5 times in a row, which is very disturbing in any way.

    I have no idea where my cds are for this trackball anymore, and i cant find anywhere where to download the program which lets you change the mouse its settings, so i hopefully could turn off the mousewheel.

    Can anyone help me with this please?

  9. The MTE 1.0 is the best creation since color t.v. regular mouses hurt my wrist and tires my arm with all the moving around, how could they eleminate something so kick ass

  10. I’ve had my trackball 1.0 for years since I developed RSI from CAD work. Mine is slowly on it’s way out because the steel balls are wearing away. I was just as upset as everyone else to find Microsoft can’t be bothered to make trackballs any more. They are missing a serious trick as the safety and health market has exploded in recent years (certainly in Europe, although I know this is the other side of the universe from Seattle ;) )and this is perfect for that. All those corporate contracts to help stop RSI…
    How easy is it to fit new steel balls? I’m terrified of taking it apart to have a little play and killing the best thing ever to sit on my desk.

  11. Checkout this power seller on eBay; trackballs_r_us
    He/they have been dealing in Explorers for at least six years and now has several services for repairing and rebuilding Explorers and Opticals.
    Seems to have pretty good supply of parts – salvaged and new. Very proficient at installing new steel bearings to replace those worn flat.
    Can also restore the shine on the red ball!
    Better yet, they provide a written 60 day warranty on the services.
    They even offer a special kit for maintaining your Explorer – makes them work better and last longer.

  12. Thanks TBE 4 ME, I have ordered a repair and ball refurb and maintenance kit. Shipping to the US will be a bit steep but then alternative is the Logitech top ball trackball at 70GBP and seriously annoying button positions so in comparison it’s not too bad!
    I filled in the box on Microsoft’s website and told them they are missing a trick on marketing stuff for Safety and Health. They could then get some big corporate deals. They kept XP because the corporates wouldn’t upgrade any techie’s hardware because none of the technical software is certified for Vista. Computer OEM’s couldn’t take the sales hit so lent on Microsoft.

  13. I sold last of the three Trackball Explorers I had available a few messages back couple of weeks ago. If I come across any more of them, I’ll be sure to post it here.

    Indeed, someone should copy the format, upgrade it, and start making them. Logitech and especially Kensington surprise me the most since they are in the market and could easily take the initiative to create the new top choice trackball. Sadly, Kensington hasn’t upgraded their MouseWorks drivers (supporting the Expert Mouse®) since 2006, so there are no purchaseable ergonomic trackball options for Windows 7. Kensington SlimBlade isn’t one of them – it’s been designed to look cool, and trackballs are one thing where it’s not “better to look good than to feel good”. Expert Mouse® works with Windows 7 but as a vanilla mouse without any advanced adjustment options such as the ability to remap the buttons.

  14. OK guys, I have an issue with my trackball. The 3 glide balls that the actual ball sits on are metal and are no longer sliding right. Does anyone have an idea what the technical term for those “glider balls are?” I would love to be able to take it apart, pop them out, and replace them with some new ones, preferable glass ones taken from a newer just about any other trackball.

  16. I have been looking for the TBE ever since I got a trackball. Turns out that my grandmother had one that she no longer uses. I got it today in fact. ALL HAIL THE TBE!!!! Well, not literally, but you get the idea.

  17. I had a TBE that I used for 6 years at my old job. Got laid off and had to (regreatably) leave it behind. Tried to get a new one when I started at my new job and discovered they were discontinued and very pricey – $200 used and $600 – $700 new – would have trouble justifying that on my expense report. Called my old job back to see if they would let me have my old TBE and discovered that no one else there wanted it so they just threw it away! Arrrrrh!

  18. It seems that someone with the knowledge and means would manufactor a closely resembled knockoff. Several sites on the net–all complaining about the need for this trackball.

  19. M$ are idiots to discontinue these. I bought four over the years and because they fitted rubbish bearings to the first version, they ‘flat-spotted’ and many sent them back.

    I have three TBEs, two with flat bearings. Although there are people who will repair them, I found it easier to fix them myself. This worked for me and you can try but don’t give be grief if you mess it up.

    Open it up (you will have to peel back stickers/pads to get to all the screws), dismount the PCB’s and the red ball cradle. Carefully drill tiny holes through the back of the red plastic cradle at the bearing recess, pop the bearings out with a needle and replace with similar. Most bearing shops will supply the correct size.

    Just be sure to seat them fully or the ball won’t sit right. If necessary, pop one bearing back out (with something non-metallic, don’t want to pit, score or scratch it) and re-seat it. I managed it in two goes.

    In true Haynes manner, refitting is the reverse of removal.

    Happy ballin’.

  20. I just got both of my TBE’s bearings replaced by ebay seller hkpsg11 who replaces the bearings with carbide bearings which are supposed to last much longer. I had previously used the service of ebay seller trackballs_r_us and was happy with the result but within a year both trackball’s bearings had worn out again to the point where they were unusable. So rather than having them replaced every year, I am trying the hopefully longer lasting carbide bearings.

  22. I’ve repaired my Logitech Trackman Marble several times… and I’ll cry real tears on the day I have to retire the damned thing. I’ll probably wall mount in a display in a place of honor for many years of excellent service.

    Steve

  24. I have several Logitec trackman wheels. I’ve had one since ’97 I see that there are some whose trackballs are wearing out. Just for those who might not know, the logitec ball can be removed, cleaned and reinserted fairly simply. Takes about five minutes. I clean mine about once a year and it works as good as new.

  26. “As I was writing this column, a new Logitech T-CL13 trackball was being sold on Amazon.com for $179″
    Not sure about this statement- I just bought a T-CL13 on Amazon for $42.00 and change. New, and in stock.

  28. Besides the comfort issues, nobody has mentioned the surface problem with mice that trackballs solve. I have a glass desk and any mouse with decent resolution has a laser/infrared sensor that won’t work on glass. Mousepad? yuck!

  29. in my opinion the best trackball was the intellimouse.i just bought a used spare but they are getting harder to find and more expensive even used

  30. Trackball user since early 60′s on mil systems. Suspect mice not invented until early 80′s. Mouse not practical in small gen aviation cockpit. Never had any serious use for mice and hoped they would just die a graceful death. Ironic

  31. Some bastard stole my MS TBE at work. Little did I know the cost to replace this would be hundreds of dollars.

  32. I’d better find a replica from China. MS is rediculous!. I can’t use Logitech Trackman Wheel because of root of thumb pain.

  33. I’ve got one available for sale. Condition is 9 out of 10. $125.00 includes shipping to lower 48. Paypal only….

    The search continues..

    Jeffus.

  35. Still have 1 TBE available for $125.00 Paypaled and shipped. SAVE OVER $400 ! 8o)

    koakoa 214 at gmail dot com

    Jeffus

  36. I tried posting another request to MS to revive our beloved TBE and sent them a link to sites like this that carry on about how badly they are desired…hopefully IF they take the time to do a little research they will see that they need to bring it back…and SOON…my TBE is several years old and has put in thousands and thousands of hours all on original pins…I am terrified to part with it to have them replaced, I’d rather have the “slow roll” :)

  37. I thought I was the only person in love with the TBE! I had 3 originally. I’ve worn out 2 of them & am down to the last. I’ve tried Kensington, Logitech & one from China (can’t remember the name). I do graphics (to make money) & have had extensive tendon & wrist repair on my right hand. TBE is the ONLY one that I can use for more than a few minutes without pain. Is there anything remotely like the TBE???

  38. Hi all, o/ Got my TBE in 2000 at Staples for $59.99. As you can imagine, major sticker shock when looking to find another befoer this one dies. I love how it works within the AutoCAD program, programmable buttons to complete macros and such. What piracy, $600?? Someone should be slapped! Anybody found a reliable source at reasonable rates? I’d pay up to $125 for one in XCLNT shape. Maaaby $150 for new. Please Micro$oft, please make some more!!

  39. I just have to chime in here. I LOVE the MS TBE. I have two, one for work and one for home, and it’s unbelievable that they don’t make them anymore, and that all trackball replacements are inferior! I do have a Logitech MX Revolution that is the best mouse I’ve ever had, but it’s not comparable to the comfort and ergonomy of the TBE on a desktop. And to add a WTF to Chuck’s statement–599??? Are they serious? Sheesh.

  40. I have one for sale, used but working okay. I updated to the Trackman, took about two weeks of use to get the feel of it, but you do get it in the end.

    Email: Sickboy (at) GamingNi.Com

  41. Hi everyone! Just an update, I have sold my last TBE, and presently don’t have any more available. I will continue to search the nooks and crannies of North America to locate some more, but right now I am out.

    To those who have purchased from me in the past, I hope you are happy with your TBE’s!

    Thank you everyone!
    Jeffus

  42. I didn’t realize these were such a hot item. Wife got one for me years ago. Now, the bearing have also worn flat. I tried the penknife method, but couldn’t get them out. I have a dremel, but I don’t have such a tiny bit. I took a small safety pin, heated up the tip with a lighter, and melted a tiny hole from the back. It took a few tries, but I popped out each bearing and replace it with a new one from Amazon. Metric Chromium Steel Grade 24 Metal Ball 2mm Diameter (Pack of 100). Much cheaper than the tungsten carbide ones. I’ve read that the original bearings were chrome steel also, so that’s fine by me. If I have to replace them in another 5 years, I can deal with that.

  43. Does anyone know where i can get the drivers for the ms trackball explorer mouse?

  45. My TBE is the shitz!!!!!!!!!! Awesome and then some. Microsoft has doodoo in their marketing brains for not selling these again. Hint: a little hand lotion – very little – on your fingers gets the ball rolling smoothly again. Clean regularly and treat like the Queen’s teacup. :D

  47. Hi fellow users of TBE,

    I have tried some years ago to get microsoft to re-issue. Reaction was (officialy) that market targets were determined by internal policy not to engage in these mouse projects anymore.
    Have tried in 2007 to find chinese manufacturer, but unfortunate there is no register or any other method to refind the original manufacturer between the fast amount of producers in China.
    If we could trace, I have some possibilities to get a proper contact which would be willing to help us in getting microsoft a re-issue without their involvement (but at a license fee).
    Anyone any idea how to trace the original manufacturer (take into consideration that I tried from within china).
    May be a former employee of microsoft or other involved company at the time of TBE production from US?
    Keep the balls rolling!!

  49. The BEST and MOST COMFORTABLE trackball ever was the Logitech Trackman Marble FX. That was the absolute most comfortable pointing device I ever used, even more so than the old tablets I used to use way back when. The MIcrosoft Trackball Explorer was a mere distant third (just behind the Logitech Cordless Optical Trackman). The only advantage the explorer has is the wheel, which didn’t exist when the FX was made (for only a few short years). Wish I’d bought more than one, it lasted at least ten years of heavy-duty usage.

  50. Yeah, there seems to be a trend going on. The legendary Trackman Marble FX, the venerable Trackball Explorer.. and even more recently Kensington is not providing support for their Expert Mouse for Windows 7 (although support can be hacked together with help of Microsoft Trackball Optical driver and X-Mouse Control software. Apparently Kensington is placing their future trackball bets on the slick-looking but rather anti-ergonomic SlimBlade. It blows my mind that nobody currently manufactures a decent, comfortable trackball. It’s probably not nearly as big of a market than the mouse market, but you would think there would be space for at least one decent trackball. It’s almost like a… conspiracy to give all of us CTS!! :O

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