Why cancel good products? – The Trackman Marble FX
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.
December 2008 Update: Logitech has done it again, only this time they’ve discontinued the G3 Laser Mouse.
February 2010 Update: My wife passed away suddenly in June of 2009. I’ve sold her three Marble FXes, but will leave this post open for comments.
October 18th, 2007 at 9:24 am
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.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:30 am
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.
October 19th, 2007 at 5:51 am
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.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
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!
November 25th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I’ve got 2 in the closet here. I love them so much I’m afraid to use them for fear of breaking them.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:05 am
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?
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
The driver is available from the Logitech web site. Run the XP driver on Vista even in XP compatibility mode – seems to work
March 20th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
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,
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
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
April 9th, 2008 at 8:25 am
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.
April 12th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
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.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
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.
April 24th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
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!
April 24th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
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
May 14th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Egad. Mine just died anyone interested in fixing?
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 am
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!
June 4th, 2008 at 4:29 am
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?
June 12th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
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?
July 31st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
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.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:52 am
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.
August 26th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
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!
September 12th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
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?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
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
October 21st, 2008 at 8:23 pm
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.
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:53 am
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!
November 13th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
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.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
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
December 10th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
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?
December 16th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
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?
December 25th, 2008 at 9:39 am
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
December 30th, 2008 at 9:22 am
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.
December 30th, 2008 at 9:24 am
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.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:00 am
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.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:05 am
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).
January 11th, 2009 at 12:12 am
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!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
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.)
January 15th, 2009 at 12:05 am
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.
January 15th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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!
February 5th, 2009 at 12:58 am
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.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:08 am
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.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 pm
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
March 9th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Bemus-
Would you be willing to share the schematic for your upgrade? Email is: chakote@earthling.net
March 10th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
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!
April 6th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
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
April 21st, 2009 at 12:34 pm
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!
May 5th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
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
May 12th, 2009 at 9:04 am
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
May 12th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Andre, that’s great! Thanks for posting your communication with Logitech.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:46 am
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
June 12th, 2009 at 2:29 am
[...] 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 [...]
July 4th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Hi,
I’ve got one of these, but I can’t get the 4th button (the red one) to do any thing! Any suggestions?
Thanks
M
August 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
After 11 years of hard use my left button is falling apart but still working :s. This mouse trackball is perfect, the only bad thing is that logitech discotinued it.
One point: The big trackball gives good precision that the other trackball don’t have.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I’ve had this device for about 12 years and it works just as smoothly today as when I bought it. Its weird because I was just thinking how I’ve never been inclined to replace it, so I started looking around for an upgrade recently and could not find anything coming even remotely close to its level of comfort. I have fairly long hands that fit perfectly on the FX and the trackball itself is an absolute joy to use compared to current offerings. Logitech needs to get on its game with this one.
August 31st, 2009 at 2:57 pm
WOW..I thought I was the only one who loved this thing…Unlike others I took mine with me now I have the sameproblem as others with the different port. I am going to start looking for a replacement soon..any one have any extras..I have a home. This is the BEST trackball for those who are/may/want to prevent RMI (repetitive motion injury)
September 1st, 2009 at 2:26 pm
My Trackman Marble FX has been sitting in a bin ever since I got a computer without a PS/2 port. I’ve been using a Cordless Optical Trackman, but it has never been as comfortable as my old FX. Now the left button on the Cordless Optical Trackman is starting to fail and I am really wishing someone would make a USB or wireless version of the FX.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I have read all the good recencies of the trackman marble FX. I already have RSI for more than 3 years. At home i have windows XP and NT, but trackman marble fx doesnt work. On the screen i can go to the left and right, but not up and down.
)
I can not find software for this. Who can help me with this problem.
(in simple English please
THANX!!!!
September 13th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I am fortunate enough to have 3 of the Track Man FX, but can’t find a PS2 to USB adaptor that will get them to work on my laptop or desktop machine. This is just so wrong! Do I have to get a new motherboard with a PS2 port in order to go back to using my FX?
September 13th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I LOVE THIS THING, I’ve had it since I was 12 when I got it for FREE from a friend of my parents whom is the manager of a Radio shack, now I’m 21 and still enjoying my FX like never before. This is the best device EVER! I want to buy another one for the office.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:13 am
check my website… i am the number one seller (after Logitech
provider of the Best Trackball Ever Made (aka Trackman Marble FX)
October 7th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I need the driver for this trackball, can anyone please help.
October 14th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
i just received a new replacement notebook, this time a fujitsu with only that little eraser or a pointing device..what torture.. So I am digging madly for my ol Merble FX that was beginning to get finicky to see if I can revive it. Just went through the info on the current models and am not buying b/c of the funky wireles receivers required..
Any chance that a Marble FX might become available soon that talks to that little unifying receiver? I’ve never used any pointing device anywhere near as good. The thumb and finger contact with the large heavy ball was key. As was the weight that allowed you to spon it across the screen and then catch it.
Any sign Erik or anyone else is actually considering this?
Thanks
October 15th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Surely Something can be done!
I just got back from Micro Center looking for a pointing device and all I could think is “Nothing Compares to the Trackman Marble FX.
I have a few of these stored away as well but non of them support USB.
Is there a way to hook them up to a USB port?
October 15th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Never mind. i looked above and just placed an order for the PS/2 to USB converter.
Thanks
October 16th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I use two Marble Wheels model T-BB13 for at least 12 or 13 years now.
I can’t believe anyone uses a mouse without being threatened by a gun to their head. But thats just me.
Sadly, Logitech Setpoint no longer supports the double click feature of the scroll wheel, but other than that , these two still work PERFECTLY.
They do require some intense cleaning of dust from time to time (you have to take them apart to get at the innards)
I see some clowns selling these on Amazon from $40 to $300.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Hi, I bought one of these yesterday from a second-hand bookshop for three (3) euros. Unfortunately, I can’t use it on my mac, not even with a PS2-USB adapter. Although it’s clearly been opened at some point, I tested it on a regular PC and it works fine.
If anyone’s interested, I’m willing to part with it for the three euros plus postage (which brings it so 15US$ or thereabouts (I think, but I can check). Mail me at iljajj@gmail.com..
For me, it’s back to the cordless trackman wheel, which I like much less
November 17th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I’ve been using my Trackman Marble FX since 1999, maybe 1998. I’ve never stopped using it — for the past 5-6 years it’s been my office pointing device, but before that it was what I used primarily at home.
I’ve never had a problem with it, and it’s showing no signs of giving up (god, I hope it never does). The most I’ve ever had to do was periodically take the ball out and scrape out the gunk. I’ve thought about venturing and taking it completely apart for a thorough cleaning, but I can’t bear to think what I’d do if it broke on me.
The logo has all but worn off, and the part where my thumb has sat is turning a bit yellow — but it’s still awesome.
I would buy 5 of these things if I found them for sale at a reasonable price. If Logitech brought back a product that was the same (NONE of the existing trackballs are), with wireless/bluetooth, I would buy it instantly.
I’ll send an email to Logitech, also.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
i’ve used my trackball for 9 years with no problems. i’ve had windows millenium then windows 2000 i’ve just bought a new computer with windows hp but i can’t get it to work does anybody have an answer to the problem? please e-mail me. thanks charles
December 15th, 2009 at 2:09 am
I recently pulled out my dusted FX to put it to use. Luckily, Lenovo still makes their docking station with a PS/2 port, even on the some for the latest T series. However, for a few other machines I ordered IOgear converter. I will know in a few days if it works. (Previous attempts with a cheap PS/2-USB adapter were not successful.) I have big hopes for IOgear as it is suppose to be the best…
December 15th, 2009 at 2:13 am
If you got a PS/2 port on your box, go to LOGITECH website and get a driver. This mouse is suppose to work on most Windows OSs. Per manufacturer, *n*x flavors are on their own.
December 17th, 2009 at 8:52 am
IOgear GUC10KM is my new best friend. FX works great on Win (Vista/XP 32bit).
January 4th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
I’ve been using the Logitech TrackMan Marble FX for several years and must agree there has not been another product that compares. I’ve used a variety of ‘marble’ mice, tablets, and the traditional mouse. I’ve suffered from severe tennis elbow and only the TrackMan works on a long term basis for me.
The reason: the TrackMan allows you to place your hand in a neutral position putting much less stress on the tendons attached to your elbow. There are other ergonomic features of the TrackMan, but for me that is the most important. Of course it may be I’ve not had other problems, such as carpal tunnel, because of my use of the TrackMan mouse.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:57 am
The TrackMan FX really is the best mouse. I happen to have wireless USB version and it’s been w/ me for almost a decade.
What on Earth is Logitech so busy doing that they don’t bring this mouse back. All they need to do is a quick Google search to see what people think (and want). Logitech, are you listening? Do you want to make money and new customers? Let’s go!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Logitech is busy producing gaming mice, tons of them, MX500, MX501, MX502, … Super-Ultra MX999.
I have to admit, I never experienced the FX, but if it is even better than the TrackMan “Cordless” (LOL!), which I love from an ergonomic perspective, I’ll fall in love with it. Hopefully they’ll manufacture updated versions of these in the near future. I doubt it.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I personally love this “mouse”. Mine finally died after some 12+ years. I am using a MS trackball that has some angle on the hand but I really do miss the trackman. Everyone should write to logitech like I have a couple times and request they bring this line back.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Oh how I wish they would introduce the Marble FX again, but this time with USB and no silly “wireless on a trackball” shenanigans.
When I recently got a new computer I didn’t bother to check wether it had PS/2 ports or not. I just forgot about it. Turns out it has a PS/2 connector for the keyboard, but NOT for a mouse. Yikes! I’ve gone through three USB-to-PS2 adapters, all with the same result, ie. the red button didn’t work.
When I finally found a Chesen PS/2 Keyboard+Mouse PCI card, how could I resist buying it? Unfortunately it turned out to be a USB-to-PS2 adapter on that card as well, so, still no luck.
A few years ago I almost gave up and bought the little lumpy cordless trackball from Logitech. It looks kind of similar, but as it turns out is very uncomfortable to use. The ball is too small, the buttons are misplaced and above all, the resolution is way way too low. While my Marble FX glides elegantly over the screen, the little cordless lump gives a very ugly staircase effect when doing anything but straight horizontal or vertical lines. Also, the real dealbreaker is the misaligned sensor. All moves are about 45 degrees off counter clockwise. This can be helped somewhat with Mouseware but not entirely.
Oh my am I ranting or what?
Please, please, if anyone from Logitech reads this; bring back the old design of the Marble FX, but with a USB connector. Don’t change anything else. Don’t move the buttons. Don’t change the size of the ball.
January 24th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
I sadly lost my Logitech Trackman Marble FX mouse just recently. I had to have purchased one of the first ones that they ever made and now it finally died. I knew for a while that they discontinued it and was hoping that they would bring it back. Now a very short time after it has broken I have had to cancel my online gaming account due to RSI while using a older ‘standard’ mouse. I have tried all other Trackman mice and feel that they are a waste of plastic and circuitry, while the balls make great toys for the cats.
Damn you Logitch for canceling the best Trackball you have ever made.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I’ve been using the Trackman Marble FX at work from almost when I began my work as a programmer. That is every day use since around ’97-98. The left button was troubling me for a time, a few years ago, but just blowing hard under the button seems to clear out what ever was there. I’m still using Windows XP at work.
I’ve just plugged in a new (used) Trackman Marble FX that I found in an ad, I got it in the mail today. It worked immediately, just plugged it into a simple PS/2-USB adapter I already got for my old “normal” mouse and keyboard. Here I’m running Windows 7 on an Apple Mac Mini (using Boot Camp). I almost never use the OSX, and if it’s correct that the Trackman does not work in OSX, I guess I never will use OSX again, but I’m not sorry…
(I like the Apple quality hardware.)
It feels good to have the best trackball at home too, now. The left button is (of couse) not perfect… I did not expect it… will try to blow it clean somehow, anyway it works quite ok, and now this will also be a backup unit if my faithful old servant at work would ever fail.
I was so surprised when I discovered that Logitech had stopped producing it in favour of other trackballs not as ergonomic.
If I could wish something for a new version, I would like it just a slight bit larger. My fingers would be even more comfortable if there were about 5 mm longer between the resting place of the hand and the farther side of the ball (or if the ball was slightly larger). No need to make it wireless, this is a very stationary item, but a USB version would be good.
But even today without any improvements I rank this as the best. Nice to see that there are so many of us!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I’ve had my Marble FX for about 10 years now. My suggestion to anyone have button issues is to take the base off and use a can of compressed air. Mine worked like it was brand new after I did this. Just be sure to hold it upside down while you take it apart so nothing falls out. I hope that Logitech will start making this design again.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I have a Marble FX that I have been using since that latter 90′s and I ran into the same issue when I upgraded to my new Phenom IIx4 955 motherboard that had only USB ports. After some extensive looking I found the PPA PS/2 To USB adapter for 7.99 at the local Fry’s store. I have connected my marble FX to an IOGear PS/2, 2-port KVM switch with the adapter pluged into the USB motherboard and the KVM attached to the adapter. I have not tried to program the buttons, but on both my X4 and 5600+ all basic mouse functions are there and switching between the two systems has not been a problem, the FX is completely seen by both systems. But over the years the ball has taken a beating….if anyone has an extra one they are willing to part with please let me know.
February 21st, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I am a tinkermister and this it a true problem. I had an FX 10 years ago and have never forgot how well it worked for me and the carpal tunnel…. Ya my hand is not loving PC games LOL. My third Trackman® Marble® is just ok.
What if I or we could DIY an FX ?
Any ideas?
March 30th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Only recently did i find out about trackball mice and seeing how the best one has been discontinued is anything but great. If i ever see one of these somewhere i will do my best to make it mine! Nice article you have here, every loss is a gain ^__^.
April 4th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
My deepest condolences for your wife.
May she RIP
May 6th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
I just dug mine out of storage when I’ve started hitting the computer heavy again. I bought mine brand new at best buy, IMHO it’s the best and only ergonomically correct trackball ever made.
Now that I’ve read a few posts, I’m almost inclined to start looking for a spare one or two on ebay, but I’ll wait until I see if it helps my wrists after use for a while. I’m hoping it does, at least it feels decent. This trackball always fit my hand like a glove, and that’s originally why I bought it.
Hopefully logitech, or some other company that steps in if they don’t get on the ball, releases a new one someday. I know I would buy one instantly.
July 29th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I have one and it is still in good running order, I bought it new when they first came out, I seen one on Ebay for $300 I almost bought it, When I bought mine, my friends said I was crazy for spending that much on a mouse, but now ober a decade has past and still using it. Logitech needs to pull their heads out of their butts and make a laser version of this, but that will never happen because everybody wants small and cute. oh please there is not much small and cute in America..LOL