Logitech Optical Marble Mouse (USB/PS2) by Logitech
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Digital camera reviews of Logitech Optical Marble Mouse (USB/PS2)
Digital camera Review: 15 years, and counting
Summary: 5 Stars
Yes, I have really been using this mouse for 15 years. There are several in my house, and in businesses I support...but I have personally been using this thing for 15 years, and my original Marble Mouse is still going strong.
It is my belief that this is truly the epitome of mouse design. The comfortably sized (but not gigantic) ball practically floats on air, and causes no stress in the hand or wrist, and the primary buttons are perfectly placed.
Unlike many who insist on using their thumb and ring finger to work the buttons, and complain about the uncomfortable right button, I take a different approach. Instead, I recommend that the middle 3 fingers be used to control the ball...the thumb and pinky finger handle the buttons. For me, this makes a much more comfortable arrangement, and prevents your hand from fully resting *on* the ball.
Ergonomics: The raised hump in the middle of the mouse holds your hand in a comfortable position, and actually relaxes your muscles/tendons. The ball is big, but not absurdly so, and is quite comfortable to use, and easy to control, especially when using 3 fingers.
Scroll Wheel: Yep, there is no scroll wheel. Logitech has included 2 extra buttons which can be programmed for scrolling, PgUp/PgDn, and a variety of other functions...but they are a poor substitute for a true scroll wheel. It is the single negative in this design.
Having said that, I do not find a scroll wheel useful for my purposes. A flick of my wrist takes me to the scroll bars on the side of every window, and the optical sensor allows me tremendous precision. If, for some reason (gaming) you require a scroll wheel, you might consider a different mouse. It pains me to say this...but it is an unfortunate omission in an almost perfect design.
Appearance: The gray/silver finish is attractive, but really doesn't match any computer on the market. Pure black, or putty beige would have been a better choice in my opinion, since that would match the towers. Having said that, it's a very attractive mouse, and frankly, looks like something that beamed down from the Enterprise.
Compatibility: It comes with a USB plug, and an adapter to use with PS/2. This means it will work with almost anything on the market, running Windows, Mac, or LINUX. And, all of those systems support it natively...no drivers needed for basic functionality. You'll have to install the Logitech software (find an old copy of MouseWare) to reprogram the buttons, and unlock the extended functionality.
Longevity: I still have my 15 year old original beige marble mouse, as well as several of the newer varieties. All still work...perfectly. Longevity should not be a problem, so long as you don't unduly abuse them.
Overall satisfaction: I've been using these for 15 years. That says it all, doesn't it? I've used other mouse designs from Logitech and other companies, at home and at customers' homes and offices...I have never found another design, even from Logitech, that would tempt me away from this mouse.
The only other one they ever sold that was comparable in comfort was the Marble FX...long discontinued, and judging from the prices on eBay, highly sought. Perhaps it's time for a reissue!
Digital camera Review: 4 buttons are better than 2
Summary: 4 Stars
I owned the old 2-button version of this device a few years back, and while it was nice, it was nothing special. Having the 2 programable buttons makes it worth checking out, the big trackball makes for accuracy in mouse movements once you get used to it, and the 2 extra buttons do whatever you want (I keep one set to "back" and the other as "middle button", which is perfect for firefox's tabbed browsing)
It isn't perfect, but it's the best trackball for the money, IMO.
Digital camera Review: 4 years and no turning back
Summary: 5 Stars
I am at a computer almost all day long and about 4 years ago, I decided to try out the Logitech Optical Marble Mouse, because my arm and wrist were getting too tired from the old mouse.It took about 1 week to get used to it, but after that learning curve was through, I was so convinced, that I haven't used a mouse extensively since. In fact, when I started a new job, the first thing I did, was buy another Marble Mouse, so that I wouldn't have to struggle with a regular mouse at my workplace.
Except in extreme situations, hand fatigue is a thing of the past for me and the marble mouse I bought four years ago is still working perfectly.
One trick is to set it up so that the right button is the main button and the left button is the context button. In use, I press the right button with any combination of my pinkie, ring finger or middle finger. By distributing the clicking duties between three fingers, the muscle usage is more evenly distributed and repetative motion problems are not a problem.
In fact the beauty of this design is that it is so simple that one is able to use it however you want to. Other trackballs that are overly molded to fit your hand end up causing problems because they force your hand to be in a particular position all day long.
It is also easy to switch between left and right hand use -- though I almost always use right hand.
I do have to clean it during the day, but this is extremely easy. Basically I just pick the ball out of its socket and flick away any dirt that has built up. It takes about 15 seconds and no special cleaning solutions or anything.
If I was running a company, I would make everyone try one of these out for a week. They are amazing computing tools and would be standard issue for all computers if I ran the world.
Digital camera Review: 5 years and still going strong!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought my logitech trackball mouse five years ago. I'm still using it, even though my other computer died.
My trackball has two buttons instead of the four listed on this one. But it still works great. The only thing that faded was the logo on the base from continual use. And unlike other *mice* you can very easily lift the ball out, get the dirt off, and pop it back on.
I've tried other lazer mice without the ball on top. They die within months.
If you want a mouse that lasts, get something like this. We did. And it's still going, and going, and going....^_-
Digital camera Review: 5star anon
Summary: 5 Stars
i prefer trak-balls over a mouse,...they are so much faster than a mouse could ever be.