Mice and Pointing Devices

[The Grim Reefer]

Dear Logitech,

First I would like to say that I rarely join company forums unless I feel, at least, somewhat strongly about what I have to say.

It seems that you have decided to discontinue a product that not only do I find fantastic, but many others as well.

Please allow me to give you a little history. I purchased my first trackball controller made by you sometime in the mid 1990's. The Trackman Marble as I recall it was named back then. It was somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 at the time.  Being a little apprehensive about the cost as that was a lot of money for a "mouse". After two days of use I decided that it was a bargain even at twice the price and bought another for my second computer. A friend of mine tried it and bought one that very same day as well. About ten years ago the left button would not stay depressed, making it impossible to drag and drop. This prompted me to purchase the new (at the time) Trackman Wheel, gray version with red lighted accents. In all honesty I liked the feel of the original white models better, but the new gray ones where still superior to anything else on the market as far as I was and am concerned. The left button is now failing on this trackball and I have come to find that the wired version is no longer available. Granted this is only semi-bothersome as I have two wireless versions I purchased for work some time ago when the wired ones were scarce. Those are now in the closet as I have a wired version on my work system and another wired one for my laptop that I use when traveling. Currently there is one of the original gray wireless versions on my HTPC also.

Over the years I have convinced virtually every member of my family to switch to this style of trackball and dozens of friends have as well. Most of them have also worn out the left mouse button at some point and wouldn't think of purchasing any other type of pointing device for their computer. My seven year old daughter also has one for her computer

I will most likely be purchasing the new wireless M570 version for my HTPC, but frankly do not want or have any use for a non-wired pointing device on my other computers. In fact, since I fly when I travel I cannot use a wireless mouse anyhow.

After looking for a replacement trackball and trying to figure out why the Trackman Wheel series is no longer in production, it appears that there are many other people who feel the same way and would prefer a wired version. Be it the new or older model.

I sincerely hope you consider bringing back the previous wired model or add a wired version of the M570 to your product line.

Best regards,

TGR

[sbonikowske]

I have to agree... I love the trackman corded trackball. I too have convinced many people to switch to these style trackballs.

I really hope that this is just a dry point while you update the design or something because I would be very sad to see these gone for good.

If anyone knows where some of these are that I could purchase I would like to buy several.

Thanks,

Scott

sbonikowske@gmail.com

[The Grim Reefer]

Thank you for my answer. I can see by your lack of response not only to my inquiry, but others as well, that Logitech has become deaf or complacent in it's attitude toward it's customers.

[kbrasee]

Scott, there's a ton of them on eBay.  Should be available there for a good long time.

[bearcat668]

Add me to the list of unhappy trackman wheel users! I can't use a wireless device at work, so am trying to find some substitute.  I have the wireless version at home, but find I like the wired better.

Please, please, Logitech, bring back the wired trackman wheel! Better yet, bring back the original three button version.

Off to Ebay to scoop up as many as I can...............

[The Grim Reefer]

I agree. I liked the original 3-button version better too.

[micyou3]

I also wish I could get a new wired Trackman Wheel.  I bought one for work a little ove a year ago when my elbow began hurting me from repetive wrist motion from my mouse.  I tried the one with the ball in the middle and I can't for the life of me figure out how to get my finger to move in all directions to use it.  I returned it and got the Trackman Wheel mouse with the ball where mt thumb is.  Soon after I bought one for home.  Now I want one for my laptop and I am having a difficult time finding a new one.  The only place I see them is on ebay and they are selling for over $50 plus shipping.  I am using a wireless one right now but I have no reason to need two pieces and a battery to worry about. What is the reason for these to be wireless anyway.  Its not like you have to move them.

Also here is an idea for you.  Make a version that could be used with the ball or by moving the whole mouse so that people who aren't accustomed to the ball could also use it.

[skydevilxxx]

You can add me my wife and one of my kids to the list of long time wired Trackman trackball users who are now having to look elsewhere for solutions to what is a very awful decision on your part. For those users who want one of these. Good luck I have found a few around 80.00 if you can find them.

[kitteny]

I have fibromyalgia.  When I hurt, I try to move the least amount I can.  So I can't use regular mice.  My brother got me a trackball mouse and I love it.  The only problem is I can't use wireless mice with my desktop computer.  I'm not sure why but my computer just won't recognize them.  I've tried several different brands.  This is why I like my wired trackball mouse.  It's the perfect fit for my hand, the buttons are in the ideal position.  I can't find another trackball mouse that fits and is comfortable for me to use when I hurt.  I tried the ambidextrous mouse at a store, and it was not comfortable to use at all.  I don't know what I'm going to do if Logitech stops making these for good.  I guess I'm just gonna have to stock up on them somewhere.

[gamerrusty]

Add my self and at least 30 friends that have switched to this mouse to the list of people that will miss the wired track man.  I really hope that logiteck wises up because the only wired trackball they have left is compleatly different and i, for one, feel it to be very uncomfortable.  plus i wont use any wireless mouse because they are unrelyable and lag for high speed gaming.  I like the idea of a wired M570 but hurry up with it. 

True, you can buy an old trackman on ebay but I cant see myself spending more money on one then I did over twelve years ago.  If it is a new and improved I would have no problem.

Logitech, please give us something.