[milhous]

I'm with you. I'm using a Logitech TrackMan Wheel, and though it operates at a low resolution, is still a very efficient means of moving the mouse across high resolution/multi-screen setups. Microsoft must have something against trackballs, and they shouldn't. I'm sure they could do well releasing a slick trackball that could compete against Logitech and Kensington.

As for the latter, the iPhone in 2007 pretty much set the bar for how mobile interfaces should be done and then everyone just fell in line. And on a sidenote, the trackballs on older Blackberries were very unreliable, so there's that aspect to it as well.

[function_seven]

The trackballs on the BlackBerries were absolutely perfect... until some tiny amount of dirt/oil/etc got in there. Then they were glitchy little bastards.

I also have the Logitech Trackman. I swear by it, and will never go back to using a mouse. I started with the wired version, then reluctantly bought the wireless model when I needed another one. The wired sells used now for $300.

FYI, Pledge or similar furniture wax works wonders on the trackball. I pop mine out every couple of weeks and give it a good waxing.

[205guy]

I had exactly the same history: started with the Microsoft trackball (guided by the fingers), and when that died, switched to the wired Logitech trackman (ball is under the thumb), and now that's unavailable so have the wireless one. Both trackmans work the same, but I'm stationary so prefer the wired version.

In the end, I prefer the ergonomics of the trackmans better because of the thumb ball. I even put a small bean bag under it so it is tilted backward and easier on the wrist (like my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard).