Microsoft D67-00001 Trackball Optical Mouse

While I don't always think M$ is a computing Godsend when it comes to software, this trackball is the best input peripheral I've used yet. I have what I think is a larger than normal hand, so I find most mice and trackballs are too small for me to use comfortably. This causes my hand to tire out rather quick. This trackball however is of a decent enough size for me to rest my hand on without much fatigue. The USB PS/2 adapter is a nice touch. I love the narrow back/forward (By default) buttons on the outer edges of the primary and secondary buttons. Web and folder browsing is definately faster with those. The scroll wheel button as a double-click also is a nice option. For those hardcore mousers out there, it will take a bit of time to get used to a thumb ball, but I think it pays off as I now feel that I have better control. It also requires less desk space because the unit doesn't have to move around a la mouse. Mouse pads need not apply as well. Some grit occasionally gets in the small bearing that the ball moves on, but they are easliy cleaned with a brush of the finger, and they never get as nasty as regular mice. The software is nice and easy to set up with a graphic interface that shows the buttons you are setting. I know some people that can appreciate that. I bought one a while back for home, and then asked work to '[give]it up' and help out my ergonomics. Now my other home PC is needing one. My one gripe with this trackball is that it could have been improved upon by layering it with a thin coat of rubber to make it even more comfortable. This is a small gripe to be sure, as I can be at the computer much longer with this than a conventional mouse before my hand bothers me. Read more

Sadly Microsoft stopped making/selling these over a decade ago, but they fit my hand and work for gaming (at least for me) better than any other mouse/trackball on the market. So when I find one in good condition, I often pick it up, nice to have spares... hopefully they'll last longer than I do. Not sure if this review covers the seller too, but shipping was fast, well packaged, and everything works perfectly. Read more

I have had this track ball for over five years now. It's currently hooked up to its second computer. I agree the outside buttons are a little narrow, but I learned to live with it. I only wish it had two more buttons making a total of seven. They are completely programmable, and that is a very nice feature. For those of you that have had problems with it sticking, I used to have the same problem. I would take the ball out, wipe it off in my shirt, wipe out the inside real good and put it back in, and it worked fine. However, I don't know if you are all having the same problem or not. Sometimes dirt will get into the tiny ball bearings under the trackball. Just wipe it out really good and apply preasure - that's all it took for mine. I'm ordering another one just in case mine breaks at some point. But like I said, I've had it over five years (closer to six years) and haven't had a problem with it at all. I was hoping they would produce a newer version of the same thing with two more buttons - but I'm starting to give up on that notion now. It does suck that microsoft has stopped supporting this trackball. They ought not do that.... just not right. Read more

Count me along with those that don't like this trackball. I made the switch from the conventional mouse when I started to notice my wrist aching. The thumb control seemed like a good idea. I like the ergonomics of this trackball. The buttons are well placed and the scroll wheel works great. But this device fails miserably in the most important area - the trackball itself. Quite simply, it is not smooth. The motion is jerky, making it difficult to get teh cursor on words when editing type. I do a lot of word processing and cut and paste throughout the day. This is a nightmare with this unit. Gunk quickly gets caught up inside the ball cradle, which must be cleaned daily. And I thought the opticals would be maintenance free. I am always taking out the ball and wiping it down to try to make it spin smoother. It works for a bit and then I am back to the jerky motion. My best advice, which I will follow from now on, it try it before you buy. Not recommended. Read more

I just find it to be the best pointing device that I have ever used. Somehow or other I conned my brother into buying this for me one Christmas & I've never let him regret it. I've had it so long now that I'm not even sure of the year that I got it & I've never had a problem or issue with it, & I dread the day that I do, as they are irreplaceable for the most part. To protect against that day I ordered what was supposed to be a used trackball in excellent condition for just under $90. I guess it was! NOW, the problem is: The like new unit which I ordered was never delivered, & I still don't know why but it was cancelled prior to delivery! Therefor the rating that I gave the trackball is for the one that I've had all along & not for the one which I attempted to purchase! jmk-nbsc Read more