Why Microsoft discontinued this line of Trackballs I will never understand.  It is simply the best general use trackball ever created.  I've used plenty of trackballs, preferring them to the mouse, over the years and I have tried almost all of them: none come close to the comfort, ease of use and durability of this model.  There is a reason these sell for more than $250.00 used and upwards of $600 - $700 new (when you can find a new one), because they are worth it.  I'm just glad I bought my two years ago when they were still retail priced at around $70.00.

Yes, I have 2, one at home and one at the office.  I have been using them almost exclusively for over 7 years, and they both function as well today as they did out of the box in 2002.  I spend all day on the computer at work and all day at home where I am completing a Master's degree.  I have never had any problems with fatigue.  I have never had any problem with functionality, either.  These trackballs have each outlasted multiple computers and several keyboards.  I even take one traveling to use with my notebook computer...I wouldn't leave home without it.  I even game with it.  Once you teach yourself how to use the trackball efficiently, you will find it far superior to a mouse, even in gaming.

The software is solid, and compatible with Windows 98, XP, 2000, and Vista.  I can't attest to Mac OS compatibility, but I understand it works well there as well.  The hardware cleans easily by popping out the trackball and wiping the inside of the tray with a soft cloth.  If you use a lot of hand creams you may experience the trackball sticking a bit, but that is mitigated by not using the trackball with gobs of hand cream on your hands, or waiting until your hands have dried before using it.

If you need a trackball for finely detail graphic arts use, this may not suit your needs.  You should look for a task specific model.  But if you just need one for general computing, office functions, even gaming, this is the best you can get.

I just wish they didn't stop making it.  I'm afraid, when I do finally need a new one, that they will cost even more (if you can find one), or I'll be stuck with a Logitech Trackman...which I have put to the test a couple of times when my employer offered it to me, and decided I did not like near as much.  Not even close.
Why Microsoft discontinued this line of Trackballs I will never understand. It is simply the best general use trackball ever created. I've used plenty of trackballs, preferring them to the mouse, over the years and I have tried almost all of them: none come close to the comfort, ease of use and durability of this model. There is a reason these sell for more than $250. 00 used and upwards of $600 - $700 new (when you can find a new one), because they are worth it. I'm just glad I bought my two years ago when they were still retail priced at around $70. 00. Yes, I have 2, one at home and one at the office. I have been using them almost exclusively for over 7 years, and they both function as well today as they did out of the box in 2002. I spend all day on the computer at work and all day at home where I am completing a Master's degree. I have never had any problems with fatigue. I have never had any problem with functionality, either. These trackballs have each outlasted multiple computers and several keyboards. I even take one traveling to use with my notebook computer... I wouldn't leave home without it. I even game with it. Once you teach yourself how to use the trackball efficiently, you will find it far superior to a mouse, even in gaming. The software is solid, and compatible with Windows 98, XP, 2000, and Vista. I can't attest to Mac OS compatibility, but I understand it works well there as well. The hardware cleans easily by popping out the trackball and wiping the inside of the tray with a soft cloth. If you use a lot of hand creams you may experience the trackball sticking a bit, but that is mitigated by not using the trackball with gobs of hand cream on your hands, or waiting until your hands have dried before using it. If you need a trackball for finely detail graphic arts use, this may not suit your needs. You should look for a task specific model. But if you just need one for general computing, office functions, even gaming, this is the best you can get. I just wish they didn't stop making it. I'm afraid, when I do finally need a new one, that they will cost even more (if you can find one), or I'll be stuck with a Logitech Trackman... which I have put to the test a couple of times when my employer offered it to me, and decided I did not like near as much. Not even close.