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
Amen. Bring back the most comfortable mouse ever. PLEASE!
By the way, as I later have written on my Ergonomics Recommendations page of this blog, I eventually tracked down the “reason” for why Trackball Explorer was discontinued: Microsoft had decided to »focus on creating comfortable and stylish mouse products instead of trackballs» (or so went the official response from Microsoft’s PR organization). Business focus, in other words, regardless of what the users want. That, of course, is not at all surprising; it’s very typical of Microsoft.
Microsoft Trackball Explorer - Trackball - optical - 5 button(s) - wired - PS/2, USB - retail
2 customer reviews (2 customer reviews)
2 Reviews
5 star: 50% (1)
4 star: 50% (1)
1 used & new available from $239.99
$239.99 $239.99 $239.99 $239.99 $239.99
My house was recently burglarized and trackball stolen. Who can I beg to get Microsoft to reproduce this perfect device ? If not MS then anyone that can make a decent copy please do !
Sorry to hear your house was burglarized. Perhaps they came for the trackball!!
The contact that I was directed to, and from whom I got the official Microsoft response for why the procuct was discontinued was Kerry Gentes at Edelman | Seattle (Edelman is a PR organization that handles hardware customer contact for Microsoft — one wonders how much of the feedback actually makes it back to Microsoft).
Here’s the exact response I got to my inquiry: »The number of people who use trackballs have always been a small minority of the overall mouse and keyboard market, and in recent years the sales of the trackball category have been declining significantly. Therefore, Microsoft decided to focus on creating comfortable and stylish mouse products instead of trackballs.»
100% ACK!!!
I’m from Germany and I use the Trackball Explorer for more than 3 Years (one at home - one at the office). All the products of Logitech or Kensington aren’t as good as the MS Trackball (ergonomics, size, non-wireless,handling,…)
I’m waiting (like you) for the “perfect” Trackball.
Frank
PS: Sorry for my English - I’m out of practise.
This makes me so sad.
I’m currently using my second Trackball Explorer. I got this one around spring of 2005, the first one having been damaged in a move.
This one is starting to get a little banged up, and so I set out to get a 3rd. I’m horrified to discover that it was discontinued!
I appreciate the effort in finding out the “official” reason, which is still bollix!
I HEARTILY encourage anyone who wants to make a copy to do so!
I was about to place a bid on ebay for a new one but its up to $180.00 with a long list of buyers and 15 hours left to go this is ridiculous. I cant wait to see how high it gets. I have 2 of them. I bought the second one last year off of ebay when I noticed they weren’t on the shelf at retail stores anymore. I feel lucky. But I’ve had to scavenge parts from my old one to keep the other one operating properly and I fear that the next time I drop it I will lose dominance as a gamer. I work on computers all day and no other device can provide the same swift accuracy and ease of use. Maybe we just have to wait for the patent to expire before it can be copied and remarketed. Trackball Explorer 2.0 Wireless. I would pay twice as much for that.
I too, am an explorer user. My current one is about 4 years old, and has some of the top worn off from frequent use. I’m afraid what will happen when this breaks. I’ve had a Logitech that was okay, but this is the best. I get wrist problems when I use a mouse, so this trackball is a must. I think Microsoft would be pleasantly surprised at the demand if they made this product again. There’s a similar one, but the thumb buttons are smaller and side by side instead of large and top and bottom. I don’t think it will compare. The only thing I wish I could do better with a trackball is draw on Isketch.
There is also no trackball currently on the market that would have a scroll wheel (Kensington has that weird contraption *around* the ball). My kids have Logitech Marble on their computers, but whenever I’m showing something to them, or fixing their computers, my thumb always goes for the scroll wheel which isn’t there. Marble is also nowhere near as comfortable to use as is the “fit-like-a-glove” Trackball Explorer.
Please bring back the Microsoft Trackball Explorer Pointing Device.
It’s great for drawing.
I have to say that I’m furious with myself. I was having problems with my Trackball Explorer. My cursor would skip around. I thought maybe a sensor was dirty or something like that. Nothing seemed to work… I took the whole thing apart bit by bit trying to fix it… and eventually ended up destroying the thing trying to figure out what was wrong. Fortunately, I was still able to find a new one online from an obscure vendor who was selling them new at a normal price. Got that one and it had the same problem. Turns out… when I was setting up the Intellipoint software, I accidently selected one of the Microsoft mice instead of the Trackball Explorer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve kicked myself over that. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the one I had… and eventually ended up destroying tying to fix it. I was lucky enough to get a new one… but I really liked the idea of having that spare.
I have a Microsoft Trackball Explorer which is still working well after 4 years, but I know that in time it will fail. I Just hope someone will come out with another one like it at some point be for that happens, otherwise I’m in for a lot of pain and discomfort, because I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel about eight years ago and the MS trackball explorer has aloud me to continue to do what I love. I’m a helpdesk tech & a gamer so I’m on the computer a lot.
Sorry, everyone. I thought I was the only person in the world that owned this illustrious device.
I own 4 (1 for work, they never supply them)(1 for home, natch) and two for when these wear or break. The one I have for work has probably logged over 6000 (yes 6000) hours, and still operates like it came out of the box, minus rubbing wear on some edges.
I am a first-person shooter gamer, and nothing else is faster.
I also have had 3 hand surgeries, including a big gash for Carpal Tunnel 10 years ago(looking forward to my second one of the right hand soon)
I was also stunned at the price listed, considering what a joke E-Bay is, but not surprised(E-Bay traders, Lawyers, Car salesmen, same category)
No I will not sell, at least until I need a new car(HEHE).
Thanks for the vent, I’ll be visiting Kerry Gentes with a cheap imitation for them to SIT ON!! Permanently!!
On a second note, I condition the ball with a VERY light drop of mineral oil, rub in well, and wipe off most all of the excess with a cloth. I am also a hand-washing compulsive.
Keep it clean, and it will FLY!
http://mineko.fc2web.com/box/tb-room/items/microsoft-trackball-explorer2f.html
Perhaps version 2.0 has been considered? Could this be an actual prototype? Anyone able to translate?
Thanks for that info; it looks promising! If it is indeed a prototype, we might have a new Trackball Explorer version in our hands sometime soon. I see if I can find anything further on this.
Certainly appears there’s a new trackball in the works! I have used the trackball for about 8 years now and I love it. I’d assume most of us use it with a laptop. I do and it works so well. I’d LOVE to have a trackball that is wireless however. No USB connection hub, maybe bluetooth? From what I can tell, one simply does not exist. If true, I’m really surprised there isn’t a great wireless trackball for laptop users. Very strange to me. Any thoughts?
I use it with a laptop, too, but mostly with a desktop (as I mostly use a desktop workstation). My wife has one, and I have yet another one at the office along with a keyboard (to be plugged in to my laptop when I go to the office).
Our kids have Logitech Marble trackballs on their computers (since no Trackball Explorers have been available at a reasonable cost for some time). Whenever I do maintenance on their systems lack of the scroll wheel and the “back” button for web browser drive me crazy.
It was interesting to notice that when our two year old started using a computer he was able to use a trackball quite fluently right from the start. At some point I replaced his trackball with a mouse for a while which totally confused him (in fact, he tried to turn it upside down and move the ball in the mouse like in a trackball
). He soon got his Logitech Marble back, but I’ll be sure to refit their systems with Trackball Explorer 2.0’s when they come out!
Hello, All
MEE TOO,I LOVED MY TRACKBALL EXPLORER,however I zapped mine, with about 60,000 thousand volts from my finger, and now my trackball is confused and the right click button does not work, apparently I was pretty charged up and I touched the trackball to move it and got a heck of a shock,after that now its confused, the electric shock traveled through the ball to the metal bearing holders and then to one of the circuit board’s close by and more than likley fried one of the chips,now I cant find one cause microsoft discontinued them, bad move on there part, it was the best design ever…now i am looking on e-bay for replacement parts….WARNING do not touch your trackball if your really charged, it will wipe out your sensitive chips in the unit if the charge is strong enough, I want a trackball explorer 2.0 Please bring back the best design ever made…..
Let’s hope that the “Trackball Explorer 2.0″ (see the link few messages up) will find its way to the market soon! The Trackball Explorer 1.0’s are gettin rarer and rarer even on eBay (not to mention the exorbitant prices people as and get for them).
I got excited when looking at those pictures until I got to the bottom. They are showing the size of the ball next to a Sega Dreamcast memory card. Thats telling me this must be a prototype done around 1998-2001. Thats when the Dreamcast popular. Why not show it next to a PS2 memory card?
You may be right.. If you look at Microsoft’s current line of mouses, they look more modern across the board than the Trackball Explorer 2.0.
If you google the trackball 2 link above, it will give you an option to translate the page. It’s very jumbled english, but it seems to me the jist of the LONG article is that it isn’t going to be made. Maybe someone else can read the translated version and see if they come to a different conclusion?
Translated Link I hope:
[I removed the link because it went to the Google Translator without content.. it must've been session-specific // Ville]
I think, the “MIcrosoft Explorer Trackball 2.0″ is an fake. Look at this site:
http://mineko.fc2web.com/box/tb-room/
and scroll down. There are some articles at the date “200x.04.02″ - possibly Allfools-Day-jokes (”Aprilscherz” in Germany)???
Take a look at this one:
http://mineko.fc2web.com/box/tb-room/items/kensington-oppaiball.html
Definitely a joke.
Let’s hope, that an “new” Trackball Explorer will be released.
Frank
*sigh*
Unless that Kensington special model is for Japanese market, there’s probably little hope for the Trackball Explorer 2.0 that was featured on an adjacent page on the same Japanese site.
I wonder what kind of funds it would take to actually get a factory to produce a small run of trackball units? Even though this has been discontinued for almost 3 years, could the original manufacturer gear up and produce, say, 10,000 units for a fee? Anyone interested in helping track down the original manufacturer? Has anyone approached Microsoft about buying the patent on the trackball explorer? Just thinking of the possibilities.
I have the same problem as you guys, but I’m looking for the Microsoft Trackball Optical Mouse in a wireless, preferrably Bluetooth, model.
The AWESOME thing about this model is that it’s larger than other similar models — since my hands are big — and the ball is near the thumb so I can grab the mouse with the all-familiar feel of a regular mouse and continue using my index/middle finger for the left/right button functionality. Additionally, and more importantly, the mouse has super convenient/easy-to-use scroll wheel and Internet navigation buttons. Talk about “ergonomy!” I honestly believe this model beats your model.
I thought I received what I wanted, less Bluetooth, when I was given the Logitech Cordless Trackman Wheel. But this mouse is smaller and it doesn’t have the critcal Internet navigation buttons although the three buttons are programmable. You may want to consider either of these model since, as of this writing, they appear to be easy to find and are significantly less expensive than what’s being quoted above.
In closing, should you come across a bluetooth version of the mouse described above, from any manufacturer, I would appreciate a posting. For now, I’m done searching. I will write to both Microsoft and Logitech about these mouses. And while it sounds like Microsoft may def be out of the game, maybe Logitech will pick up our cause. Good luck in your quest for a replacement! Hope this helped.
Cheers!
Maybe lucky for you guys I just found a site that has trackball mouses which appear like the Microsoft Tracball Explorer. Unfortunately, they don’t have anything that looks like the mouse I’m looking for. Maybe you’ll get something out of it. Check it out: http://www.trackballworld.com/
So yeah I own probably one of the first Microsft trackball’s made
I’ve repaired it three times dang I think it’s been 7 years !
my coworker brought in her TBE from home..we were all getting new Logitech’s but the ball is on the side.
I like the one I have at home but after test driving the TBE I figured Oh I’ll just go online and get the wireless version…WRONG.. which lead me to look all over the web looking for this awesome trackball.Dang Microsoft it’s a love hate relationship.SO anyways I’m gonna offer my co-worker $20 for it hehe don’t hate hopefully she doesn’t know the true value of it I saw it on the web for $200 !! fokking insane ! (yes I know how to spell that) Peace yo !
GOOD news!
http://www.aiyamicro.com/legacy-products/mice_trackball_trackballs.htm
If you look at the bottom you’ll see the TBE and right above is my first and still in service trackball.I won’t dish out that much for a Trackball however I may get another one of the old model and like I said buy the TBE for $20 from my co-worker hehe
Some years ago, soon after Trackball Explorer was first discontinued, some surplus site (may have been uBid.com) was dumping few hundred of them. I think the going price was soemthing like $43. Had I known no replacement was coming up, I would’ve bought a dozen (or five).
I kind of wrestled with this, but my need for good karma won. Just found this:
http://betterbuy-centrale.com/ItemPage.asp?RKEY=94231QNQ7PL8K762TJ74QB96U&CSUM=856&ID=363408
This sucks. I have tenosynovitis in my thumb (similar to tendonitis), so I recently started looking for a trackball. I have trouble using a standard mouse for an extended period, and I can’t go to a thumb-control trackball. I was appalled how horribly limited the selection is, in stores, for finger-controlled trackball mice, and I couldn’t find anything that I liked. Then I came across one of these trackball explorers in a coworker’s office. I tried it out and it felt perfect! Only, then I find that they’re practically impossible to buy any more. Guess I’ll have to settle for the logitech cordless optical trackman, which is the only thing currently on the market that seems even remotely close.
Here’s a useful tip for the Logitech trackballs… I hate the clickiness of the scroll wheels but other than that I find the Logitech trackball ok. You can get rid of the clickiness. I’ve just posted details at my blog: http://www.tangledtime.com./
Microsoft Trackball Explorer is the BEST TRACKBALL Mouse ever in the entire WORLD, trust me, I spoke to an Orthopedic Doctor and we did an enormous study on the functionality of the mouse and the way body parts react to the usage, this mouse will never cause any wrist problems, shoulder issues as compared to other mouses in a span of your life. People will only realize after 15 years what luxory they are missing by not adapting to TRACKBALL Explorer. Lets hope more users promote this product so that its cost might come down. Trust me, I have stocked 5 mouses like this, so that I am never out of this item. Ofcourse I am still using the same mouse since 4 years, never a problem till date. Easy Maintanence…. Great job Microsoft, but thumbs down for discontinuing it.
Any questions, please email me at dailymails2002@yahoo.com
FYI:
http://my.galagzee.com/index.php/2007/07/03/microsoft-trackball-explorer/
-H
Are the Microsoft people deaf, or they want to play sadistic role here. They are the first to squeeze blood from the weak, and why aren’t they cashing from this item. There are 1000’s of people ready to buy TRACKBALL EXPLORER MOUSE if manufactured, OR if they lost interest in this item some other company should take over and manufactur this, I think even the patents would not apply here, as they discontinued the product. I do not know how to approach these manufacturers, could someone please take an effort to put my words to the decission making people.
Thanks for your time.
-H
Im totally with you there my hubbys has finally stopped working now, mine im glad to say is still working hopefully for a while yet he is not a happy bunny, with the trackball he has just bought. his hands are massive, his hand covers the trackball completely hehe. we like so many of you cant understand why they discontinued it unbelievable really so sad im gonna really miss mine when it finally ceases to work “cries” oh well its microsoft what do you expect ^^
This site claims to have 116 Trackball Explorer’s in stock for 59.59 plus shipping.
http://betterbuy-centrale.com/ItemPage.asp?RKEY=94231QNQ7PL8K762TJ74QB96U&CSUM=856&ID=363408&PK=CAWYIORPKKEN
I doubt it. That link has been popping up for quite some time. I’ve sent them few emails to inquire about the availability and received no response. It’s probalby an echo from the good ol’ days when Trackball Explorers were still available…
Do any of you have any information on obtaining or making a replacement cord? I noticed it has two black wires going into the harness along with a white, red, and green; the harness in turn has five female connectors.
Thanks
iZZY
I think the only way to obtain a replacement cord is to make one. A good cord could be harvested from an old (or even new
) USB mouse or trackball, and then do a surgery on the old Trackball Explorer to attach the new cord.
Umm. the site that claims to have 116 TBE in stock.. Well if you read closer, you will see that it is only the ‘Trackball Explorer Mouse CD.’ Just the CD for 59.95. No mouse. er, trackball.
Hey Ville,
Just out of curiosity, I sent this email to someone at http://www.trackballworld.com. Thought you might like to read it. Enjoy! Paul
“No company has taken advantage of Microsoft’s decision to stop production on its Trackball Explorer. There is a loyal following of this device, and these people are dying to have a new trackball that performs like the ultra comfortable Trackball Explorer (finger ball, four buttons, and thumb scroll wheel). And although it is a corded USB device, it is amazing to me how very few trackballs are wirelessly designed for laptops! No laptop user wants to have a USB interface. Many of them are corded! Who wants a USB interface hanging off their laptop? What’s the point? And the little ‘USB sticks’ that you offer are still clumsy and get caught on things. The answer to high sales for your company is a Bluetooth trackball that emulates Microsoft’s Trackball Explorer. It is in demand and no one in the world makes it! “The Ball” has the right idea but is totally clumsy. Anyway, thought you might want to hear some feedback from a loyal group of trackball users who are totally unsatisfied with the current products on the market.”
RESPONSE:
“I completely agree with you. No idea why they discontinued the product, it was superb. I’ve tried to contact them to see if I could buy the, tooling under license but they have shown absolutely no interest. Probably not enough billions in it for them. I’m going to keep trying. That being said, have you tried our TB520? It is available both USB and wireless (although not blue tooth yet, we’re working on it). Not a trackball explorer by any means but we’ve had quite good feedback on them so far. I’m also going to China to see what else I can find. Regards, Tim - ITI Web Stores/TrackballWorld”
Just to follow up… has anyone tried the mouse he’s suggesting? It obviously doesn’t look like a TBE but I wonder if it works at all.
I was thinking maybe the best way to get Microsoft’s attention may be to send multiple requests to a distributer. (maybe newegg,tigerdirect or another large retailer) Maybe if we plead our case and show the going price to one of them, they might have more pull contacting MS.
It might be a good idea to pick one company and send e-mails at a similar date.
Sorry for slow approval of the messages… for some reason (may be my new spam filtering) the approval notices never reached me, and I noticed three pending messages moment ago as I was upgrading Wordpress to 2.5.
Anyway, the “TB520” has one fatal flaw: the trackball appears to be intended to be operated by the thumb, which sort of defeats one of the main advantages of a trackball in the first place: the great accuracy of the cursor movement that is achieved by manipulating the trackball with the forefinger and the middlefinger which have much finer motion control than the thumb (hence the saying “all thumbs”
).
Wow. Amazing to see people still use and love these things.
I’ve had mine now I think like 6, 7 years? Still runs excellent too! Had to do a couple of small repairs over the years on it.
Now though the wires inside part of the cord are getting cut; once in a while the thing really acts up trying to pinch it just right. Sadly, this section is like just peeking out of the front end. I’d splice it near there and re-connect to the 4-pin connector, but I’m not totally fluent in that.
Anyone know by chance where I can get a cable made/for this? Mini 4-pin (similar to a floppy power connector) to USB? That would rule. If not, *maybe* I’ll have to go that route. Yes, Ebay still has them from time to time but I really can’t knock up $40+ for one at the moment unless I absolutely have to. And all that’s wrong with this one sans the wear is the cable bit.
If it’s any consolation… I have used my TBE 4-5 hours a day EVERY day since 2001. The thing is still working perfectly. If it wasnt for wearing the paint off, you’d think it was a new device. All your TBE’s are gonna go on for years
Does anyone have Gates direct email so we can start filling his inbox with requests to either bring our beloved mouse back or license it to someone….as a matter of global responsibility….as a cure to something?
My Explorer just died and I have been looking around for a replacement. Some of these trackballs don’t have a scroll? I don’t understand…how do you get up and down the page? No one on this forum has really come up with even a mediocre replacement. Closest I have seen is the Logitech Cordless Trackman Wheel. On my way to check it out, but I’m sure I will be disappointed. Donna
That’s because even a mediocre replacement doesn’t exist. I personally have two spares (or two TBE’s in little-used workstations from where I can move them to my workstation if needed). But if (and, unfortunately, when) the last one of them dies, the best option at this point may be Kensington Expert Mouse with it’s “scrolling ring”.
It sucks, but nothing better exists at this point as far as I know.
If I’d have known that my track ball would be in such high demand and no longer in production, I would have bought two. I hope this thing never dies. I love it.
It took my wife a while to get used to it and now, she wouldn’t trade it for any standard mouse!
I would’ve bought five.. or ten. Or perhaps few hundred; it would’ve been a good investment with 4x returns over couple of years.
As a completely dedicated trackball explorer user for the last 6 years, I empathize with all of you. Mine finally gave out on me and with the prices being what they are on Ebay, I went ahead and got a logitech track man. I can honestly say that I am not all that disappointed either. Sure, it is not as intuitive as the TBE; the TBE’s button placement made perfect sense while the track man is still a little awkward. All and all, since the TBE is no longer an option, this is a good replacement. As a designer and student, I am on the computer at least 8 hours every day if not 10-16. The track man is comfortable - no cramping or fatigue, and the cordless feature that I was dreading has really surprised me and now I very much like this feature.
Just an option for those who are out a TBE. Granted, if microsoft or any other company were to reissue the TBE, I would be first in line.
We have sympathizers in the logitech forums. I found posts about MTEs and people asking for 5 button trackmans. I have sent more e-mail to microsoft and plan to call logitech’s offices.
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech?category.id=mice_trackballs
I also plan on using Microsoft’s online chat program. Link below.
Online Chat is available Monday through Friday, 11 A.M. to 8 P.M.
e-mail and phone number is also listed on this page.
http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/render.aspx?view=22&type=mnp&content=22/custsrv
I would like to know, am I the only one asinine enough to continue to pursue this course?
I have created a forum topic at Logitech under “Logitech Forums : Mice/Trackballs : Mice - General Discussion : Logitech Trackb@ll Explor3r”. General Discussion link
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board?board.id=general_mice
Direct link to Logitech Trackb@ll Explor3r here
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=general_mice&thread.id=13812
Please add comments to this group. If I see as many comments on it as here I will call Logitec reps to point it out.
I may be crazy but I intend to get it reproduced. I won’t get what I want if I just sit and cry (like I’ve been doing).
That’s a good idea! I have a feeling that it may be very difficult if not impossible to change Microsoft’s mind. They’ve made their decision and no matter how much the users complain, they do what they think is the best for the users (as Microsoft usually does). Logitech, on the other hand, is already/still in the business of creating fairly decent trackballs. Perhaps they’re more willing to listen to their customers. My guess is that if they created something that was very similar to TBE - perhaps even improved on it some (it *is* possible
), it would be a huge success.
I.M.Impending,
What about a petition? Perhaps myriad signatures would get Microsoft’s attention. I’d sign it.
C-Plus. Why would the Better Buy Central website list a extended warranty for the Trackball if it was just the cd? I sent them email lets see what I get back. LOVE my trackball explorer
I have been using a very similar track ball for the last 7 years. it is made by macally sometimes labeled as pcally. I believe these were manufactured by a Texas company called Innotek USA. I have tired to get ahold of them but they seem to be out of business (innotek). I have three that I am constantly cleaning and rebuilding. I love the ergonomics of these and the Microsoft Explorer Trackball (I just can’t bring myself to pay $200). My hand and wrist remain very “quite” while working with the these designs. I am a designer and put in pig hours off detail work.
Here is a link to the Qball. Of course they are out of stock.
http://www.welovemacs.com/qball.html
I absolutely love the Microsoft Explorer Trackball and when I saw that they were becoming scarce about 2 years ago, I bought 6 of them on eBay. And no, I’m not interested in selling any of them. I love ‘em too much.
Somewhere out there, there’s probably about 200 sitting in a warehouse storage box. Sure wish I could get my hands on them. I’d be rich.
For thst that have ahd in the past but they wore out, I’d be interested in hearing about other trackballs folks have switched to because they couldn’t find or afford a replacement.
Thanks.
Impending - I’m behind you 100%. so, I followed your link to the logitech forum and posted the following:
”
I totally agree with Impending. I’ve been using a my MS Trackball Explorer for the last 6 yrs and I can’t imagine using anything else. I’m an AutoCAD user and the buttons and scroll wheel are a must. The whole design of the TBE was simply genius ie: ergodynamic, large finger ball, 4 buttons(changeable), and last but not least a scroll wheel.
Please somebody reproduce this mouse. I think I’d personally buy a half dozen, for just in case. Plus, at my work there are 10 other drafters who would all buy at least 2 for themselves.
Bring it BACK
”
There can only be the one - let it be TBE
thanks
I normally do not post anything on forums, but I too am passionate over making sure we see a comprable mouse just like the TBE. It was the first mouse I every purchased and it has been my last. All other mice, I have obtained via some other method. I am joining the coalition to maintain our freedom and to keep our sanity!!!
I really hope that the TBE’s design and quality ring true in the next mouse produced just like it. I hope further that it is even better than the TBE.
I’ve never actually owned a trackball, but I remember several of my “techie” friends in college using and swearing by them. The few times I was allowed on their computers I remember the scrolling experience to be pleasant.
I almost bought one of these MS Trackball Explorers when they first hit the market on a whim, but I never pulled the trigger. Only recently has my interest in trackballs been renewed since I have developed wrist cramps from using the standard mouse. If the TBE is as good as everyone here says, I would by one, even just to try it, for up to $100. I can’t bring myself to go over that, but then again, I’m more of an amateur web/graphic designer, not a professional designer or drafter as some of you apparently are.
For now, I’ll settle with the Logitech Trackman (wireless) and hope it is good. Since I don’t have any prior experience with trackballs, perhaps I won’t be disappointed with it.
I am mad at Microsoft for letting a good product slip through their fingers. I’d be willing even to buy a total Chinese clone of it worked and looked like the TBE. The next best thing is to flood Logitech, Kensington, and Trackball world with emails about how good the TBE design is. SOMEBODY out there must have access to a good patent attorney who could find out how another company can get the patent and copyrights to the TBE. I am on my third one(I bought two online a few yrs ago for $60 and keep wearing out the little beebees holding up the ball but otherwise runs like a champ if I treat it with kid gloves. Maybe I can use beebees from an old logitech and replace them…hmmm, Trackball Explorer restoration, for profit..maybe I’m onto something hehe
I have been using MS trackballs since the first two button one that looked like a medical instrument
and they are indeed the best control method ever devised up to now.
I missed the Explorer coming out as I did not see it in the shops and I was still using a thumb-driven Optical model from MS (the black one) which still works fine but I am now on the hunt for one that allows me to move the ball with my fingers instead.
Bought the Kensington “Expert”, which is a disaster and feels cheap on top of being badly designed (you have to bend the wrist backwards to use it even with that pathetic wristpad, the idiots !!!) and expensive.
So now I am going to have to put 200$ on the table to get one second hand. Typical crazy megacorp decision from MS to discontinue one of their best products…
my cat chewed my tbe’s cord the other day. So i went to my back up tbe. then today, i said, i better get a new one. went to find it on the web, and omg!!!! i cannot believe it is no longer made. i am heartbroken and on the verge of a panic attack. my gaming will never be the same! sigh. I am on my way to the store to try that logitech wireless trackball. i know it will not be any good tho. i just know it.
damn u microsoft!
Porters Electronics has apparently few TBEs available since the “price is right” at $229.99/ea. (i.e. they’re aware that they have their hands on a pot of gold).
My Trackball Explorer finally bit teh dust about 10 months ago and I can’t find anything that even compares to it. If anyone ever does stumble across 200 of them in a warehouse, I hope I hear about it early.
Found this forum and just have to add my 2-cents….I bought a MS trackball optical when they first came out. I have really, really bad carpel tunnel since I’ve been computing since the stone ages. (Think Tandy TRS 80 with dual 5 1/2″ disk drives!) CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY TRACKBALL OPTICAL. I just can’t - it’s not an option. Bought one to my boyfriend a few years back and he - as I - will never go back to a regular mouse. When I am on client site, I plug-in my own trackball device and carry the TBE’s driver on my flash drive.
Anyway a few years back, I found them for $19.00 on Amazon.com and bought 4 of them. One is for use with my laptop which travels with me, the original (which is ancient) is being used with my desktop and one may probably be going to be used for spare parts since it doesn’t track near as well as the others (it’s like the marble lost it’s glide action and kind of sticks). So I have one in the queue still in it’s box. And as another writer above mentioned, it’s not for sale - sorry.
Anyway, let me get back on track (pun intended)….what I REALLY want to mention is that not only is the trackball optical VERY ergonomic - the FIVE buttons are FABULOUS! Aside from the basic left single-click button, I’ve programed the wheel to automatically open Notepad upon pressing it, one button for “ENTER”, one for “Right-click” and one for “Double-click”. There is no better time save than to have the most important functions at your fingertips with ONE click. I can’t tell you how valuable these programming features are when you are testing or configuring software. Notepad without moving your hand off the mouse is just fabulous. And when I’m doing really heavy testing/configuration, I temporarily program the buttons to do functional keyboard strokes. I save HOURS of time since I can do configuring and documentation in half the time of most folks.
SO - should anyone get the rights to “clone” this fabulous gadget, PLEASE don’t forget to continue have the programmable functionality of the buttons.
AND - should anyone see Bill Gates or any of his henchmen - kick them in the shins for me. My professional life is being held hostage because should I not have this device, I’m probably going to have to find another profession.
Thanks for listening and please let me if someone needs help with this cloning effort. I’d love to test it for them. “-)
Dear Friend!
Every few months I search the internet for a new TrackBall Explorer - I know that someday in the near future I will be with out my favorite mouse.
I’m the proud owner of two of these mice and I cannot live with out my fav mice! I’ve been using the Trackball Explorer for so long now that I the thought of the day that I will have to go back to a regular mouse truly scares the living crap out of me!!!
I too have seen the ebay actions for this mouse - now they are up to $250 for a buy it now new mouse!!!! I also discovered a guy that will refurbish the mouse for about $70 - I’ve bookmarked this guy just in case I need him someday - here is a link for your readers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270242629808&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching
In case it doesnt work I can be reached at olgaocon@yahoo.com
I hope that someone someday makes a mouse just as good until then I will be looking out for a similar or better product - I will also post a request on the logitech site and ALSO EMAIL a high level executive I know at logitech… maybe I can help with getting this product duplicated!!!
Microsoft is quoted in InfoWorld: Repetitive strain injury is costing businesses. So why did they discontinue the #1 product in the fight against repetitive strain injury?!
Found this blog and have to leave my comments. I too am looking for this god-like trackball. My logitech cordless optical trackman is not nearly as good - it broke just out of the 3 month warranty and the wireless has always been poor. But I struggle on, because like many others I am plagued with muscle problems all throughout my wrist and hands. Using an ordinary mouse is out of the question but there are no more good trackballs on the 2008 market.
Here we are asking for used, outdated, unmarketable technology that would be expensive to bring back. Everyone can easily realize that using the cheapest technology available at this time, companies can make a trackball that’s ten-times better than what’s on the market right now at a fraction of the cost. The world’s competant trackballs are fading fast and the time is ripe for a company to spring up and make a fortune off this starvation.
Has there been a response from any manufacturers about the demand for the TBE?
I used to have 2 TBE’s, but I sold one with my last computer, and am down to my last. I wish I could have a couple of spares to bring to work with me. It is the only input device that doesn’t hurt my carpal tunnel.
I would love to believe that Better Buy Central, but if you google them the reviews are from 2004. I think that company is gone, and someone is using it to Phish.
Damn I want a Trackball explorer clone!
I hesitate to say that I was searching the web to address a PROBLEM with the TBE… when I found this small religion here. First, to avoid persecution, let me say that I own three of them. (One on each desktop in my life.) But let me also state my original query… which is WHY do they STOP working sometimes?? For no apparent reason, performance will deteriorate to nothing. The cursor will be dead in the water, until the ball gets a wipe. Then it is fine again. I would not be asking if this was a significant amount of dirt, but the dramatic techy red circles seem thousands of times more pronounced than the MINISCULE amount of dirt/grease at issue. Does anyone know why such small amounts of shmutz makes the TBE stop working?
I’ve noticed the same. I think it’s caused by a small spec of dirt, or a hair/fiber (such as a pet hair, or a fabric fiber) that has landed on the lens that is almost exactly below the ball. Sometimes something gets stuck on the ball, but when one removes the ball and blows at the lens, the problem tends to go away even without wiping the ball. Though it’s not a terribly common occurrence, this is a kind of thing that TBE 2.0 could improve on.
I’m a die hard fan of Trackballs, I’ve grown quite fond of my
Microsoft Trackball Optical.. the thumb ball doesn’t hurt my hand like the index/middle finger balls do, given the amount of time I spend gaming. And 5 buttons? Perfect for gaming. More the better.
I am on my second one now. The ball bearings tend to go flat or something and/or stick causing the ball to have more friction and not move and smooth. And a cover over the laser slot would be handy to keep debris off the lens so you don’t have to blow it out as much.
I’ve been looking for a replacement, as this one has a short in the cable causing the mouse to turn off sometimes.. sometimes it’s really bad and doesn’t stay on. The only mouse close enough is the TB520. But I do not like the extra 2 button placement. But.. given the short supply for these, I need to be bold and try something else.
3D Connexion - SpaceNavigator PE caught my eye, but sadly it can ONLY be used in programs that support it.
Another foolish mistake Microsoft made was to stop making and improving on the Sidewinder Dual-Strike, which was a gamepad AND a mouse in one! It worked beautifuly! The swivel function for aiming needed to be perfectly round, was a bit off… and the darn things broke too easy but I LOVED them. I went through 2 and was unable to find anymore at Bestbuy.
Seriously, screw the Wii-mote, master the tech they used for the Dual-Strike and add force feedback and you have a killer controller to meet the needs of a FPS console gamer.. which is why I am a PC gamer, gamepads suck for FPS games except for the Dual-Strike.
OK..me too..I have one of these and am tempted to get one more at least from EBay.. this sucks.. why can’t Logitech just emulate the TBE instead of recreating the wheel.. I can’t use a thumb ball in my drafting and this one is the only really good replacemenr for a decent mouse.. I finally gave up and bought a decent mouse to use at work but compared to the accuracy and feel of my TBE it isn’t worth the money I paid for it! I have looked at a lot of track balls.. Logitech makes one that is close..but no scroll wheel I naed to scroll in AutoCAD etc!
I have seen similar rants over the past couple years in CAD circles..we are getting the shaft and there is really NO reason someone couldn’t manufacture this device in a reasonable facsimile and sell them for even $75 or more considering the price they are going for on Ebay!
Someone is going to make a fortune ..I just hope to help them and sooner rather than later!
The TBE is by far the best pointing device I have ever owned or used. I have had three, and currently have two that are in service. I repair them and take absolutely paranoid care of them as to extend their lives as long as possible.
I have been investigating the disappearance of the TBE from the market from basically moment they disappeared. But what I do know is not only did the TBE disappear, but basically all other finger-controlled trackballs with thumb scroll wheels disappeared around the same time.
This leads me to speculate that the issue might not be so much manufacturers, but some sort of legal dispute with a patent-holder. I have used the Google patent search on a few occasions to try to find the patent that would cover the device, but the closest I came was this:
http://www.google.com/patents?id=5m8OAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&dq=ergonomic+trackball+finger#PPA1,M1
And as you can see the assignee is Microsoft.
This could potentially explain why all of the OTHER manufacturers of similar trackballs stopped, but it wouldn’t explain why Microsoft themselves stopped unless there was some sort of dispute on a component not covered in their patent.
If people are really serious about it, then it might be worthwhile to start a website dedicated specifically to this, as that might have a bit more pull than a simple web petition.
Lastly, my biggest issue over the years has been with the right mouse button. Occasionally it will stop working, or only work intermittently, requiring me to disassemble the entire thing, and clean it out. I’ve tested the switch itself many times, and there never seems to be anything wrong with it, just buildup behind the button preventing a good connection. Anyone else experience this?