One example is the Logitech Trackman Marble FX. Logitech discontinued them after 2-3 years of production, and has yet to introduce a replacement that feels or works as well in my opinion.
My wife and I buy them whenever we find them available, but a shrinking
supply has driven the prices up into the stratosphere – we paid $75
for one from a friend a year ago, and used prices on Amazon are almost
$300 the last time I checked. I can occasionally find one for less than $10 in the bin at Goodwill Computerworks, but they’re few and far between.
I would love to see Logitech introduce a modern version of the Trackman
Marble FX, or even run across 2-3 of them in good shape for a decent
price.
December 2008 Update: Logitech has done it again, only this time they’ve discontinued the G3 Laser Mouse.
Bill,
I’ve got one of those laying around collecting dust somewhere
. Send me your mailing address and I’ll send it on down to you guys.
I went through this when Logitech discontinued the C-9 serial mouse over a decade ago. The emerging fad was to move from “bar of soap” mice to ergonomic designs–which if you are left-handed (like me) means anti-ergonomic design.
One weekend, back in the day when CompUSA was a Dallas store called Soft Warehouse, I was prowling the PC stores along Belt Line Road in Dallas. I found one store dumping a big stack of these mice. I bought a half dozen of them at fire sale prices, and couldn’t have been happier at my find.
I use a Trackman Wheel, which is a lovely pointing device. I just wish there was a Bluetooth version of it so I can control the Mac under my TV. But no. There’s a wireless version, but it’s weird and proprietary, and so is useless. So I got a “The Ball” bluetooth trackball instead. It works well, but the design is decidedly sub-optimal – the ball is in the middle, which makes clicking and dragging with one hand nigh-on impossible. Fine for controlling my fancy VCR, but it would be lousy for using a computer as a computer.
Where can you get the drivers for a trackman marble fx? I have one that is still running smoothly, but I lost the floppy (grin) with the drivers on it and need to reinstall same to get full functionality.
Please point me in the right direction!
Thx!
I’ve got 2 in the closet here. I love them so much I’m afraid to use them for fear of breaking them.
I have 3 or 4 o them, and I have them ALL in use (Office, Home, Notebook Docking stations…)! These lovely things saved me from Carpal Tunnel/RSI. However, you are absolutely right in that Logitech needs to redesign/modernize and re-release them with updated electronics (at the very least) ASAP!.
What they really SHOULD do is recreate the EXACT SAME optical ball mechanism and “feel” in an updated devices with:
1) USB connectivity
2) Wireless / bluetooth connectivity options
3) find a way to incorporate scroll-wheel functionality either as added physical hardware (I’m thinking about making the ball itself _slightly_ smaller, say 1/8th inch diameter less, in exchange for putting a physical scroll dial…kind of on the thumb side where the existing thumb hole to the ball is – think “strapped to the thumb side and a bit more forward”…kind of where the tip of a man’s index finger might be if it is resting right on top of the TrackMan Marble FX…and it would be best if the entire wheel were exposed so the thumb could also be used on it…my theory being that the more useful hand/finger/thumb motion options there are, the less likely it is to induce RSI over time) or via improved software drivers / emulation (perhaps via adding a shift-key-like button function to change the ball input to “scroll wheel mode” while it is depressed…or even allow a user-seected mapped keyboard key to do the same function…?
4) put a replacable/cleanable gell-pad cushion (cloth or leather covered) on the palm rest part of the TrackMan Marble FX (designed to raise the palm up a bit higher, say 1/2″ or so). I bought a few of fhose smallish gel-pad mouse pads (deisgned to sit on your desk to support the heel of the hand/wrist of a regular mouse user) and I actually GLUED one to one of my TrackMan Marble FXs. It was SO nice (until the glue came lose).
5) produce both Right- and Left- handed versions.
If Logictch did something along these lines, they would realize two things:
A: they could almost market this revised/updated TrackMan Marble FX as a THERAPUTIC MEDICAL DEVICE…Seriously! Years ago, I was getting to the point that with a mouse, my right hand was _hurting_ at the end of a long workday slaving over a hot keyboard and mouse. I was diagnosed and heading down the path towards carpal tunnel surgery…until I found and switched exclusively over to my TrackMan Marble FX. That was something like ten years ago, and I never had to go back to the hand/neurological specialists I was then seeing (and I’m willing to say so in print too!)
B: Done right, my scroll-wheel equipped version opens up TWO added marketing opportunities for Logitech for longer-term ongoiing revenue… think about making round decorative scroll wheel side/hub covers which could sell for a modest few extra $, and also the same with the replacable gel-paded palm rest…wouldn’t you be tempted to buy one or more of those if decorated with your favorite sports team logo, perhaps?
The driver is available from the Logitech web site. Run the XP driver on Vista even in XP compatibility mode – seems to work
I looked on Logitech website and cannot find driver. Is there a link ? I bought my trackman brand new from office depot many years ago and still use it. Couldn’t live without it ! Just bought a used one from ebay to use on vista,
I use one of these mice and it is by far the best mouse i have ever used. It is now at least 10 years old and i have had to rewire a twice due to the abuse i put it through but all the button and the track ball still work like new… besides the logo being worn off from hours of Quake, you couldn’t tell the age of it. Because of this mouse, i only use Logitech. <– period
This trackball device has allowed me to stay in my field… I wouldn’t last two months with an old skool mouse (RSI was getting extremely painful). And the “new” trackballs have a teenie ball and/or are thumb-controlled. WTF??? Did too many people complain to logitech about the exceeding levels of comfort experienced with this device? Been watching and waiting for 7 years for _anyone_ to produce something comparable or even better. Nada.
I have not been able to get the original drivers to work on a machine since Win XP came out (caused a blue-screen on me during boot-up). Never bothered with Vista. I don’t care tho. So I can’t program buttons or scroll outside of MS licensed applications. I’ll rough-it for as long as my trackman will last… it’s been about 8 years now on my first and only one. Never had a problem with it. I pray that I never will.
A little app called X-Mouse http://tinyurl.com/fq3fm will allow you to configure the buttons on the trackball. We need to get a petition started to get Logitech to make this mouse again with “minor” updates.
I love my Marble FX. I bought it in 1999 (or rather the state agency I work for did) and used it until I moved to a different department and couldn’t take it with me. 7 and a half years later, I came back to this agency and lo and behold, there it was sitting unused on a shelf. Couldn’t believe it.
I totally agree that they should release a new version with a scroll wheel. Why this thing isn’t even more popular, I’ll never know.
Hi,
I have an old logitech track ball mouse that connects via s-video.
I cannot connect to my newer computers. How do you folks connect?
I have looked for an adaptor with no luck so far.
Thanks!
Paul,
That’s not S-Video, that’s a PS/2 connection (used by older keyboards and mice).
All you need is a PS/2 to USB adapter. Here’s one for $6; I have this same model and it works fine on both PCs and Macs.
http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-SBT-PS2U-2-Port-Splitter-Converter/dp/B0007UW0YM
Egad. Mine just died anyone interested in fixing?
I fell in love with the LOGITECH TRACKMAN MARBLE FX years ago when I was looking for an alternative to mice. I’d been playing a game on the Commodore Amiga called “ATOMIX” where you had to build organic molecules in a maze. I played it so much that one night my right wrist just froze and was very painful. Everytime I went into PC WORLD to look at alternatives, my hand just couldn’t resist resting on the above-mentioned product. I used to go in the store just to get my fix of comfort from this amazing device. It was a lot more expensive than I was planning on spending but in the end I bought one and have never looked back. I’m still using it!
mrbill: I just got myself a ps/2 to usb converter to use the trackman on my macbook, but it doesnt work… >_<
Is there a driver for mac or something that Im missing?
i’m right there with you… i have two of them and both the right buttons are finicky and i would love for logitech to produce another updated verson.. anybody got any ideas on how to persuade logitech to give us what we want?
Everyone at work uses the trac ball. and I noticed two old used ones on a shelf thay are going to thow away. So I brought one home to try it out today. WOW. I like that. im going to grab the other one first thing in the morning.
But yes I wish it had a scroll.
I’ve been using the marble since 99′. I transported it with my laptop and the buttons stoped working yesterday but the marble/pointer works fine. I use a usb adaptor for my laptop that has always worked fine. The buttons click fine and it is hard to imagine a mechanical failure of four buttons at once. Could this be a driver error. I don’t recall loading a driver when I connected via usb adaptor to my Vista. Logitech really needs to bring this back as a usb or bluetooth. I use this for cad. This is by far the best mouse I have ever used! If anyone has any ideas let me know.
I love this mouse. I can’t get it to work right with my new 64-bit computer and logitech has no plans to release drivers for a 64-bit system. I haven’t found a mouse that works as well and feels as comfortable. I would sign a petition for Logitech to release this mouse with minor updates!
I love my trackman fx, but it has the common problem that the buttons no longer work well… and they’re getting worse. Anyone know how to repair them?
The Logitech Trackman Marble FX is BY FAR the very best pointing device ever, from an ergonomic point of view. I have no idea why Logitech stopped making it. Makes no sense. There is obviously a market for these, since they sell used for as much as $300! I have contacted Logitech to ask them to reissue it. If enough people do this, maybe they will actually do it. I hope that if they do, that they do not change the ergonomics one bit. They are perfect as they are.
In the miean time, if anyone wants to sell me one in good condition, please e-mail me your terms – jbell@khatman.com
i picked one up today from the Goodwill in Shreveport, La for $4 ($3.99).
i’ve never used a trackball before but i severely injured my right hand a month ago and ye ol’ mouse wasnt cutting it. Saw this nifty looking thing at the Goodwill and thought why not.
i was amazed when i found it on Amazon.com going for $199 USED!
Your blog cleared up my confusion as to why it was so expensive. Thanks.
It’s so nice to see so many people being ecstatic about this mouse. My father bought one waaaaay back and he’s been using it with very much delight. Then he went on to one of the newer trackballs so I asked him if i could have his. I’m really surprised to see after all these years of intensive use the mouse is still in very good condition.
/sign for the petition!
My husband bought one back in the 90’s. He has a disability & has limited use of his right hand. This was mouse was perfect for him. It stopped working a couple of years ago & tried the newer Logitec ball mice, but they are useless fo his condition. His rogue fingers which he has little control of keep hitting the righthand button & he cannot keep the mouse physically in one place without the tail to clamp down on with his wrist. We paid what seemed like a fortune to us in Australia arouns US$115 for a second hand one last Sept but that stopped owrking a few months ago. We can’t afford to shell out the same or more again. I envy those of you who are able to get cheap ones at your Goodwill stores or on super special at computer stores. I don’t think there are many around on Oz.
If you’re willing to do your own repair, this might get you started:
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=general_mice&message.id=5674&jump=true#M5674
I dug mine out of a drawer the other day after one of the managers at work accidentally ordered me a new Trackman Marble Mouse USB. I was so appalled at the ergonomic disaster that Logitech is selling now, that when I put my hand on the Marble FX it was like chalk and cheese.
So I went out and bought a PS2 to USB adaptor, but unfortunately it’s not recognised at all by OS X, and comes up as a non-working USB device on XP. I’ve seen (at the forum listed above) mention of using one of the combined kb/mouse converters rather than the tiny converter. Has anyone had any success with USB on either a mac or XP?
I’ve been using one for 9-10 years now and have bought spares off ebay new in the box just to make sure I was covered if mine broke. Yes, the buttons do start to get alittle shaky after about 5 years of use, but I think it’s probably an accumulation of dust/debris as opposed to the mechanism actually breaking down. Canned air seems to help. The ball mechanism however has never waivered. My problem now is new machines with no PS/2 ports. I just built a dual Xeon quad-core system and the board has only USB ports. I have tried both cheap PS/2-USB adaptors and the more complex PS2/-USB convertors and my Trackman FX only shows up as a generic USB mouse in Windows XP. Mouseware and SetPoint don’t recognize it so I can’t program the buttons. Plus the generic USB mouse driver doesn’t seem to work that well- I’m used to have the ball sensitivity and acceleration set high and I can’t seem to find analogous settings with the generic driver. Does anyone know if Logitech ever made a Trackman FX marble that was USB compatible? I considered buying one of the cordless ones, but the body design is different. Any idea how the feel compares?
Hi everyone I’m from France so forgive my english please.
I have got drivers for the Logitech tackman marble FX and have that pointer that i really enjoy. The problem is that sometimes it stops working. So I’m trying since a year to buy one or two of these if anybody knows were to find that. Would make me happy.
Another thing. I was thinking about posting to Logitech with a bunch of peaple our wanting to get this mouse pointer back with all the new thing and of course one for left handers, since I read that a huge of persons are sad about the end of this product. Mybe if we would insist the would do it.
Here’s my mail for who wants to try. alpesfr@live.fr
The FTDI (http://www.ftdichip.com/) offers a converter “USB to RS232″ that will fit into a USB (2.0) in one end and a classic RS2323 in the other. When mounted in a USB port, Windows – I use Vista 64 bit – will flag a new device, fetch drivers from the Internet – I don’t know exactly from where – and install whatever needed. A new device, USB Serial converter, will be visible in the Control Panel/System/Devices among the USB devices.
When installation is over, Windows will accept the LOGITECH TRACKMAN MARBLE FX and treat it like any other trackball.
The right and left click will work, and so will pointing governed by the ball, of course, and the oblong light button will turn the cursor into a scroll button. Only the little red elliptic button seems to have no purpose.
This converter will also work with other RS232 based mice and trackballs.
Lars, the Trackman Marble FX is PS/2-based, not RS232-serial based. It works fine (in most cases) with a PS2-to-USB adapter, but some people have had problems using the “extra” buttons.
Right you are, Bill. I forgot I also have a PS2/RS2323 converter in play. The PS2-RS232-USB combination works fine.
Another Logitech trackball (RS232 based!) also works fine – without the PS2-RS232 converter.
My personal favorite USB-to-serial adapter is the “Keyspan High Speed USB Serial Adapter ( USA-19HS )” – http://www.amazon.com/Keyspan-Speed-Serial-Adapter-USA-19HS/dp/B0000VYJRY .
I’ve used FTDI-based adapters in the past, and they worked fine as well (and are usually half the price of the Keyspan when bought off eBay).
I’m on my second one of these devices and it’s starting to go bad with the same problem as the first – one of the buttons starts functioning sporadically. I went through so many tracking devices in the 90s before settling on this one and now I’m loathe to give it up. Please, Logitech, listen to us!
Any of you folks that have broken FXs, I have lost the ball for my FX (or the dog/cats have a new toy).
If anyone has broken ones, I’m looking for a ball. (I’ll also take any non- working ones to do some research into replacement parts.)
My second FX (in 12 years!) died today. It’s a sad day.
I wish I could fine one cheap enough, but as you said in your post, they’ve skyrocketed. I’ve called Logitech. I’ve made pleas for them to put out a new version. Their word to me, “No demand for such a specialized product.”
No demand? I wish they’d look at so many communities on the internet begging for an updated version of their favorite input device. I’d gladly buy 10 of them and put them in storage if I could find them.
I agree totally with everything written here. I started using the Marble in 97 or 98. I have two, the other is a spare just in case. I cannot get Vista to recognize my other buttons, though. Very frustrating. I have looked over the other posts suggesting using the compatibility mode, but I must be a little dense. Otherwise, you are all spot on. Now I am off to ransack Goodwill for other ones! Thanks for the tip!
I really satisfied my PS/2 Marble FX.
I started using my Marble with USB-to-PS/2 Adatper. but I do not use small red-button . I used that buttons to move back function.
If anybody know certain USB-to-PS/2 or USB-to-Serial item to use all FX’s buttons please let me it please.
last night, I replaced the USB-to-PS/2 HID mouse driver with HID compatible Turbo Marble FX driver. but I did not set FX’s buttons functions.
Thank God! I thought I was the only person in the world who is totally in love with my FX. Then I find all you guys and realise that I am almost normal.
I haven’t used my FX since I got my XP laptop and couldn’t get it to work. I have just ordered a PS2-USB adaptor.
However, I have lost the Intellipoint software disc.
Having read all of the above, could some kind person please put the requirements in bullet point form (1 do this. 2 then do this, etc. ) so that I can get mine working again, the RSI is getting bad again.
I need to know which software I need to download and how do I find the parts of XP that allow it recognise the FX?
Any help for an old addict greatly appreciated.
For all of you that have and like the Marble FX, I also have two of them and will be looking for some more. I got tired of logitech not having a driver for Vista 64bit and So I took the guts out of a marble exployer and rewired the sensor and switches and circuit board and now I have a USB Marble FX that I am using on this Vista 64bit system. Just finished it about an hour ago and it works like a champ. All the switches and the sensor are Identical in both units. Just had to rearange them.
Have fun.
Bemus
Bemus-
Would you be willing to share the schematic for your upgrade? Email is: chakote@earthling.net
Hi Bemus, that’s really a good idea, but what do you mean with “marble exployer “? I was thinking about using the pcb from the marble mouse (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/trackballs/devices/156&cl=us,en). Will it work with the Marble FX sensors? I’m really missing the red button scroll wheel emulation!
Logitech has done it once again: the Marble Mouse has been discontinued.
I hope they will surprise us with an all new model, with improved ergonomics and functionality (wheel and more extra buttons). But it’s a foolish hope, the company isn’t in its best shape. I recommend you go and buy a spare if you really love them
I am an attorney with a disability, and I have literally over a dozen of these; every time one gets a “glitch” I put it away; I have a BAG of them, and am literally using the last “unglitchy” one I have. I would sign that petition in an INSTANT. I HORDE these things whenever I find them for less than a fortune. Last I checked, I had at least a dozen. If I could find somebody who could even fix the little problems I would have a bunch of them to offer all of you. I agree, Logitech — BRING THEM BACK IN SOME FORM!
I feel just all of you do here and just a short while ago, I sent off an E-mail to Several People at LogiTech, I am not sure what kind of responce I might get back. But I expressed all of our Desires wish’s and Admiration for this product.
Below is the message I sent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello
I’m not sure who to send this message to, but I’m giving it a try and maybe you can get it to the correct person who could take a request by not just one but by many people who wish to see this product back on the market, there are many people that look to get another one and can not, well not without paying upwards of $300.00 and used mind you.
This product in my opinion and as well as so many others is the best thing since sliced bread, I personally would love to get aother new one, it is just that I am unable to and paying such steap price for a used product that you never know how long it would last, as I have already found out the hard way, when I bought one used on E-Bay for $90.00 about 2 years ago and it broke in half the buttons don’t work that well but it still does work. I main one still works and VERY VERY well I might add, except for one button that does not work, but for the most part, I would never ever part with this Product. In all honestly, all other Track ball mice on the market Hold No Candle to this mouse, they do not have the same feel or design that worked so well. And being one of many people with A Disability, this Product was Un-Replacable.
I have included one link of many a Blog / Review site, that for the most part shows and how! what so many people think of the TrackMan Marble FX and just the way it was made, maybe a few Electronic upgrades but other than that, just the complete layout and design of it, I have personally looked at and tried a few of the other Logitech Mice that somewhat barely simpler and to be honest, I will stay with what I have, there just is no other that works as well, feels as good when used and I could go on and on here. But many others have said it and maybe better than me.
Logitech, Please Bring this product back!!!
—————————–
TrackMan Marble FX
M/N: T-CJ12
P/N: 804251 – 0000
S/N: LZB84207377
—————————–
In such Famous Words, “We The People” Would greatly Appreciate it if Logitech would Bring this Product back to life, Please take a few minutes of your time and read what so many people have to say and see the Admiration and if you want to call it “love” for this product.
http://weblog.mrbill.net/archives/2007/10/17/why-cancel-good-products-the-trackman-marble-fx/
Thank you
Andre
Just a Little update here, I did receive a Reply from Logitech, below is the reply.
———————————————-E-Mail Start——————————————-
Andre;
Thanks so much for your note and your passionate advocacy for the Marble FX. I am the Director of Product Marketing here at Logitech. Please know that if I had a few FXs in a warehouse somewhere I’d send you one. I wish I had some.
As for future products, I unfortunately can not share any information about our product development plans but I can tell you that we take this feedback very seriously. If you have a moment, I would love to learn more about the particular aspects of the FX that make it more suitable to you, compared to our other trackballs. As you know, we currently offer a range of 4 trackballs.
Thanks again for your feedback and any help,
Best,
Erik
————————————–E-mail End—————————————————–
So Lets hope and see what becomes of this.
Andre
Andre, that’s great! Thanks for posting your communication with Logitech.
I sent a reply back as “Erik” requested and even included a few pictures of the two that I have and use One broken and one still working very well except for one button on the right side, I sent the pictures to show and give an idea of I’m talking about, as of today I have not received a reply yet that is.
Andre
[...] since I was working on thesis in '98 I'm using Logitech's "Marble FX" trackball. Apparently I'm not the only one hooked to it, keeping me RSI free. In the past eleven(!) years I collected [...]