I highly recommend checking out some smaller computer stores, both online and offline. Buy 2-3 of these right now.

Trackball Explorer

As Digdug said, stock up!

I wish I'd known this when I accidentally got two for Christmas a couple years ago! I would have kept the extra as a backup. First Vanilla Coke, now this. I swear Earth wants me to leave.

What I find utterly baffling is the completely rearranged insert/end/delete key layout--with a double-sized delete key, vertical orientation, and lack of a home or insert key (depending on style). I really don't understand what led them to do that.

That Logitech Trackman you linked to USED to be my beautiful trackman of choice (bigger buttons, smaller body, larger trackball for more control), but they completely redesigned it into that monstrosity. Keeping the name was just insult to injury. *sniff*

for trolling in video games

I just found out about this, I have one at work and one at home. The one at work has a broken scroll whell so I decided to find a new one to replace it. Ebay has them for $100+ and all retailer appear to be out.

This "bear claw" has always been my fav. mouse over all them other "wrist-rippers"...as I believe its also made top5 list of gaming mice at one time... I've been scouring the net for the past month it seems looking for another one. Sadly though I suppose I also will have to try my luck with an optical trackman... =( These are trully sad times

Don't buy a Logitech Trackman! I bought one, and it's a horrid piece of crap. It's completely unusable. The ball doesn't even roll smoothly; it feels like it's grating on sandpaper. The cursor jumps around like it's having an epileptic fit. I tossed mine in the trash after five minutes.

Maybe Micro$oft has intentions of releasing a Trackball Explorer 2.0? If not, perhaps they need to see websites like this. And they should definitely check out the prices these things are going for on Ebay. If they discontinued it from lack of profitability, seems like a $20 price hike might help them with that and would still beat the Ebay prices... Hell, I'd probably pay as much as $80 for another new one (I have two... best trackball ever).

I started using my Trackball Explorer at work a few years ago, and absolutely loved it. I left the job, but recently returned. My trackball was waiting for me in my new office -but they'd tossed the instructions for customizing the keys! Microsoft doesn't supply any online support for the product. Can anyone out there help me?

You can download the Intellipoint software here:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx

This will allow you to customize your buttons.

I have a microsoft trackball explorer, but it has recently been messing up. The cursor on screen will stop but the mouse will still be active just the cursor won't follow it's movements. I even got discouraged enough to contact micrsoft for help to no avail. I am deeply saddened at this point. The only other place i can find another one is ebay for 100+. If anyone out there knows a way to get another please help out. This mouse was ideal for gaming, graphics, and most of the other things i did on my computer. As for the logitech i don't want to even try it, it's overpriced and the button configuration is horrid. Why would microsoft ditch one of their products that was actually worth the money.

THIS IS THE BEST, ...EVER!

My computing changed FOREVER - or so I thought - when I laid my hand on the TB Explorer. Suddenly my userinterface felt different: precise, smooth, light, effortless.

I have two and both of them are crapping out, because of severe usage. MAN, what are these BureauCraps thinking? There's a MILLION mice,

1

I mean

O N E

Microsoft Trackball Explorer

in the Multiverse!

and they take it away... doGdamn...

This trackball is the best I cant believe Microsoft stopped its production...

I also find the Trackball Explorer to be the best ever. I don't understand the rationale behind the thumb operated trackballs...I don't know about you, but my thumb doesn't move as many directions as my fingertips to (I won't even go into what I think about optical mice).

I can't find anything that can even come close to comparing with this thing, we can only hope that MS comes out with an (not botched) updated model.

Mine's 5 years old and I've been trying to find a replacement (not an easy task). The rollers got gummed up & wore flat, but that's the worst, I did get them rotated & it's smooth now, but still...I want a new one (but not $150 new)! Have you seen the price of these things (even used) on ebay?!, oh wait, I see some have.

I wrote MS tech support (only contact I could find) a nice little email urging them to bring back he best trackball I've ever used, sure hope they take the hint. If I'd known about this post I'd have included a link in my email.

I suggest everyone do the same, contact them any way you can find, maybe they'll get the point if we bug them enough.

Your right. I think MS is out of their minds by discontinuing this product. There is none other like it.

Just my luck (along with y'all's) to find this site while googling for a replacement for my beloved explorer trackball. First the Jellyfish boxset, then this. Usually, ebay is my friend. Damn. I have the one at home, in wonderful condition, but the one at work is limping along a bit -- 2 of the 3 tiny ball-bearing bits inside the trackball cup have come loose (seems that the plastic surrounds fractured), so that any time I remove the trackball to clean those contacts of finger-dust, I send at least one rolling across my work surface....just to add another random element of excitement to the work day.

1) My wireless keyboard continually stops working (once a month or so), I have to take out the batteries, "type" for a few minutes to clear the capacitators and reconnect...
2) The wireless mouse battery runs out far too quickly. Half the reason is that it must be placed in a special unknown way into the charger for it to fully recharge, otherwise it stops and you have to reposition it for it to keep charging for another half hour or so
3) The scroll wheel and other crap on the left of the keyboard makes it hard to get used to... I often type one character to the left of what I want when trying to enter "1" or something because of its new distance from the edge of the keyboard (the reverse will probably happen soon when I use a normal keyboard!)
4) No manual and crappy support, only an A3 sheet with a few diagrams on connecting the keyboard/mouse

The best trackable I ever used. The only down side to this device were the little ball bearings that the ball floated on had a tendency to go flying... I once had to use a vacuum cleaner and a magnet to retrieve the little devil.

However, the fact that I was willing to go through this to fix the darn thing goes to show how much I liked it.

Shame that MS decided to stop production, but most people can't get used to the track ball which is why they probably discontinued the line. Not enough M$ in it.

I think I must have gotten one of the last ones! I've been trying to find one for my husband with NO success. He has a trackball with the ball on the side for the thumb- I find it awkward and the ball is too small. I really like my trackball Explorer!
The Logitech Marble Mouse is not bad, it rolls easily... but how come no scroll wheel?

It gets even worse, I've just installed a new optical keyboard and wirelessmouse. Whatever is in that damned software, it has rendered my trackball's scroll wheel a jerky, useless mess.

I concur with everybody on this page. I wish Microsoft hadn't discontinued this product.

yup....got mine back in '02, and I absolutely love it, been using it ever since, i was even bringing it to work and home... however, its been used heavily from years and countless raids, huntings, web surfing, droppings, lan partys, colleges, people's houses, my bookbag, my car^^.......... just shows how dumb and evil microsoft is, their best mouse product gets discontinued...

look at all of us, we found this site looking for replacements, we're all sad=(

i cant even use a mouse properly anymore......

me again....um, my frontside usb port thing was broke....so, my trackball is up and running!!!!....please post any places you can buy trackball^^

addicted to my trackball explorer.........sad....no one cares..

It's a good idea to leave feedback to Microsoft about this issue (if you manage to find Microsoft's feedback email address..). I've done so on couple occasions, wishing that if many enough people write them about bringing back the Trackball Explorer, they would bring back the product.

I have five units left on various computers (one at work..), of which one is about to break. Replacements cost upwards from $100 from eBay :-(. Sometime before Microsoft discontinued Trackball Explorer, Logitech discontinued another highly regarded trackball, TrackMan Marble FX. Those can also now be purchased on Amazon Marketplace for $400+. Clearly, there must be a conspiracy to rid the world of ergonomically designed trackballs :-/. Perhaps Kensington is behind this all...

EVERYONE needs to message Microsoft about this. I only found 1 TE available anywhere online (in new condition) and it was for $175. It would be worth it, but I fear I would only delay the inevitable, as I will eventually have to get use to using something else. I would drop $200 on trackball explorers everytime if they'd start making it again. I absolutely can't use anything else. :(

Trackball Explorer is the best ever. I have 2 - work & home - but they're getting hella old. Nothing else comes close. :( I have no idea what I'll do when I have to replace them...

I recently have had two surgeries on my right hand and found that I must discontinue using a mouse or give up using the PC. I just ordered a MTE from Amazon website listed below. I hope it is as good as everyone says, as my thumb is toast and I can not use a thumb based unit. This leaves me with very little choice. It cost me $160 for a NIB unit shipped. They had 3 left as of 4-5-07!


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_/12-4556408-9904154?url=me%3DAUPN5C9IKNFDC&field-keywords=Microsoft+Trackball+Explorer+&Go.x=8&Go.y=12&Go=Go

I'm on my second TBE. I think I got my first about 5 or 6 years ago. When it finally died after a few years, I tried a couple of others, but gave up and went back to The Real Deal. Now this one is a few years old and can't last forever. I think I'll bite the bullet and pony up the $150 so I can have a few more years of smooth surfing.

Add me to the list of totally ticked off users of the trackball. Been using it for about 5 years and it wass by far the best ever. Hopefully MS will get enough feedback to convince them to bring back this product. Like others have indicated, I would be willing to pay a good price if I knew it would be continually available.

Unbelievable. The only pointing device I have ever liked, and now the bearings are wearing out. I know gamers don't like trackballs much, but some of us actually use our computers for work. They can keep Vista, just bring back the TBE!

I use my Trackball Explorer for gaming all the time.

The message I receive is "a usb device has malfunctioned..." and of course the mouse is the only thing that does not work. I paid $75 for my trackball back in 2000 or 2001 and would gladly pay that much again for another one. I have tried the Kensington Turboball, but the scroll button is in the wrong place. After a bit, the track ball doesn't respond as well.

I don't believe that mine ever really rolled - were they really rolling bearings, or just contact points? They've all three worn flat and I've finally given up on using the thing, which is a shame. I remember how fast and far the trackball spun when I first unwrapped this baby in the Staples parking lot about 5 years ago - I couldn't wait to take it home and actually plug it in! The smoothest operation was gone after a few months, however, and tech support emails to Microsoft resulted in them sending a replacement ball (which is still in a padded envelope somewhere - the problem with the metal contact points was already beginning). I tried a Logitech Wireless Trackball for a year or two, saving the MTE for occasional use - if only Microsoft would re-issue theirs with as durable of contact points as Logitech's "rubies". In the meantime, can anyone offer hints on reconditioning the metal contact balls? Is there really a way to rotate them within the plastic, or is my best freind destined for the trashcan? Thanks!

I took the whole thing apart and used a 1/16" drill bit to get at the bearings from the back side. Once they popped out, they went back in with a fresh rounded face for the ball to glide on and still (to my complete surprise) fit snug with no glue required. Close to new feeling! It's incredible! I wrote it up here. Good luck!

I have several TE's. Since I am doig nCAD, the ball does miles. THe little balls go flat and the roller gets sluggish. I don't think the balls ever rolled. So keepinmg everything very clean helps. I wash the ball with detergent. Logitect ball bearings to do seem better and actually roll forever. I am considering a transplant on one of the really dead TE's. Re Logitec wireless TBs, the whole thing is too small for male hands and the middle button click is very stiff even with the spring removed. Can stuff up your pinkies with heavy use. So buy up SH TE's whenever you see them Cheers- Cursor speed freak.

I just used the Contact form (https://support.microsoft.com/contactus2/emailcontact.aspx?scid=sw;en;1214&WS=mscom&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.microsoft.com%2fen%2fus%2fdefault.aspx) to ask about this product's future -- it really sucks that they quit making the best trackball ever! Please contact them and let them know that there are people who'd spend twice the original retail for another brand new one (considering used ones are going on ebay for three times the original price! ! !)

After five years of rolling and clicking bliss, my TE just kicked the bucket. And the only new one I can find was $240. Just wanted to add one more voice, pleading to the folks over at Microsoft, "Bring back the best trackball ever."

I developed severe wrist pains very early in my college years and turned to the Microsoft Trackman Explorer for relief. I never looked at mice the same way again.

Now on my second TBE in 6-7 years I'm starting to see the same performance issues that led to my first one crapping out. I'm dreading having to find a new device and would like to add my voice to the please to bring back this great trackball.

I wouldn't dream of spending the $240 others have mentioned. That's just price gouging at it's worst.

I too am in the same boat, but did pony up the $150 for one on ebay (company paid for it). I sent feedback to MS, but don't expect them to do anything..

I prefer a trackball to all other types of mice. I have a MS Expr Trackball but my 3yr old son lost my ball. The bear claw part works fine, but I need a ball, any suggestions on where I can find one? Anyone got one they would sell?

rymo's link isn't working, I wish it was, I have something to add...

I had one of the balls spec'd & they're 5/64", so a 1/16th" drill bit is barely smaller, use something smaller, say a 1/32" bit to avoid accidently pushing the ball too far in under force. I have found 2 variations of the TBE, the most common has things held in place by plastic bits, the other, less common has things screwed in place (I wish it were the more common type). I'll can't confirm if the balls are the same size in both until I get a smaller drill bit.

5/64" balls are more expensive than if they'd have been 1/16", after purchasing them, I found some much cheaper on ebay. If you're handy, and pay attention to how it comes apart, you should be able to perform this procedure, just be careful with wiring and plastic bits.

It's the best (i.e., least painful) trackball or mouse I've tried by a country mile (with the exception of the also discontinued not quite as good Logitech Trackman Marble FX). I use mine at work, which leaves me with a poor subsitute at home.

Is there any other one with the ball on the right that hasn't also been discontinued? Why did Microsoft replace what isn't broken - the cult of the new??? Some issue with the patent? A dispute with Logitech? Where Microsoft's sense of public service?

PS. I should have acknowledged the new Logitech trackballs mentioned above. Has anyone else tried the Logitech Marble Mouse?

If you do use a trackball explorer, I recommend setting both thumb and finger buttons to left and right click pairs.

However, I recommend using mousekeys (Control Panel - Accessibility Options... enable mousekeys) as your main method of clicking whatever mouse you have. A lot of mouse problems come from gripping the mouse. Using the keyboard to click allows you to relax your mouse hand.

I'm left-handed and recently tried out a friend's Trackball Explorer. Even using my right hand this was the best mouse I've ever used! That tells you a lot about how well-designed and comfortable it is. If Microsoft pulled this model because trackballs weren't moving off the shelves fast enough, they might want to consider that people have become more receptive to alternate forms of mice of late, primarily because of their implementation in laptops. They also might want to consider web postings such as these.

The world (including the army of former and current T.E. users) is definitely ready for Trackball Explorer 2.0. What are you waiting for, Microsoft?

I have one TBE at home and one at work. Both are the newer type with two screws in the bottom. (The older ones have one screw.) They are both about 3 years old, and get used a lot. The USB connector began to be sensitive to movement, and pointer would stop moving. I cut off about a foot of cord with the USB connector from a worthless mouse, cut about a foot off of the TBE cord, and spliced it on. Its not pretty, but works great. My other TBE is getting flakey, and obviously has a loose connection or fatiguing wires in the TBE end. I will eventually crack it open, cut off about a foot of wire, and reapply the connections. There is one fellow who buys them used and cannabalizes them to make good-as-new ones. He sells them on ebay, and I believe he is providing a good honest service. Price is about $140, but he has no trouble selling them. I do wish MS would bring it back to market.

I have had a few of these in the past, not knowing they were going to discontinue them I was pretty hard on them. now I have one that I paid 50$ for it DOA. no joke! thankfully I was able to repair it. the problem with it was with the extremely thin usb cable. they almost always fail right where the wire goes into the trackball. when the one I use now arrived I replaced this cable with a nice fat one. works like a charm! Now if only Microsoft would find this page and take our comments seriously. Bring back the Trackball Explorer!

p.s. I use a little bit of silicone based lubricant to keep my TBE slippery. the stuff I use it made for lubeing up Rubiks cubes for speed cubing, but I think Armorall is the exact same stuff. just spray it, wipe it, Let it dry and enjoy.

oh yeah, here is a couple pics of my first TBE http://me.256k.net/casemod/uvalan/AngryMods+021.jpg http://me.256k.net/casemod/uvalan/AngryMods+020.jpg

I should mention, before I had the trackball explorer, I had a logiteck trackman FX and LOVED it. the only thing that was missing was a scroll wheel. that one is still in use by my mother who also has arthritis issues and can only use a relaxed hand position when using her PC. I have replaced the cord on that one, as well as replacing the microswitches for the left and right mouse buttons a couple times. (Ive replaced the switches in my TBE as well) New microswitches can be purchased through radio shack or mouser. I am using a logitech cordless optical trackman right now, and hate it. it constantly quits, and I am forced to unplug&replug the receiver, about once a day. what is the point of having a cordless trackball anyway? when it ust sits in one spot its whole life. anyway. the design of the cordless trackman is lame. scroll mouse is in a lousy spot and the thumb buttons are too small to quickly locate. if logitech would redesign this one the right away, I would buy stock in them. *laugh*

It's mentioned above that the earlier TBE models had one screw on the bottom and the latter models had two. That's interesting to me because usually it's the newer versions of products that minimize assembly points (perhaps for quicker disassembly?) Anyone happen to know what internal differences -- if any -- these two model have?

Afters years of strong service, my TBE has decided to act up on me. Seems like one of the ball bearings decided to go from wearing away to poking away, and has scratched my once smooth trackball. Hopefully I'll be able to get a replacement trackball, and just rotate the ball bearings, and it'll work fine again.

Along with everyone else, I also hope that a new version shows up one day. I've discovered that the TBE is perfect for my laptop, as it can be used anywhere (No need for space to shove it around). The only thing that'd make it better in my opinion is to make it wireless.

*Sigh* If only.

I have one its still working -have had it for about 7 years.ITs starting to move a little sluggishly.I alwasy take out the ball and clean it thoroughly with a neeedle to get the crud out from around the little ball bearings. I ahve one that pops out and I have to eyeball that thing so I can retrieve it if it falls out. I can't believe MS discontinued this mouse.I love it and would gladly pay $100.oo for another new one but that's a pipedream. E-bayers have realized how desperate we TBE addicts are and how much we are willing to pay for these things! Can someone please give some go or a short url link to write to MS to re-issue this mouse?

I love my trackball explorer!! I have two at home and two at work. I had my boss buy me an extra when I heard that they were discontinued. This is the only mouse I can use without wrist pain. I agree that the logitech imitation sucks. I too would love to find a way to tell MS to bring this mouse back. I was just on their site and they have no trackballs at all any more. What a shame. I can’t believe that it was costing them too much to produce this mouse.

I beg Microsoft to start the production of their sublime trackball line.

I miss my two MS Trackball Optical sooooooooo much I’d cry. :s

There’s no replacement for it out there.

Logitech’s thumb-operated trackball is utterly useless:

It’s way to small for my adult hand – MS’s Optical Trackball has way better ergonomic for my adult hand.

To make things even worse – Logitech’s thumb operated trackballs, are totally lacking the extra buttons the MS Trackball Optical has, which is a major draw back when gaming shooters etc.

The only explanation that Microsoft Execs are still working with mice, and have no understanding for trackballs is simple: They work for one hour everyday on their computers. The rest of the day is spent in meetings, power point presentations, committees, blah. They lost touch with the real world. People who use trackballs usually use the computer for eight to twelve hours a day. Between reading the morning news, to running the house finances, to calling friends and family on line, to playing a couple of games, to seeking advice and reading, to going to school on line, to the actual work that makes a living via of CAD, graphics, Office, databases, trading, e-commerce, etc. If you do not end up with carpel tunnel using a mouse, then you are not doing all of that. If Microsoft has the least common sense there is in its execs, they would have killed the mouse in return of the more expensive healthier trackball. But, they care about only one thing, and it is not money. It is simply “ego”.

I need another one :( Mine has doggy hair trapped in the plastic area underneath the ball and I can’t blow it out!

I just received a fairly used one in the mail from ebay. Took it apart (there are screws under the rubber pads on the bottom). Very carefully (with a dremel and an .04 bit—1/16" I think is too big) drilled up to the balls from behind. Be very careful to not drill too much. Turn the red cup to your working surface that may have to catch the ball, and push the ball out with an even smaller bit or whatever. Then push the ball back in at a different orientation and set it in place with the trackball itself. Works great. Just as easy to spin as my Marble Mouse USB Trackball which is fairly free. If you prefer to get new balls I recommend stainless steel from mcmaster-carr or you can get the carbide ones from smallparts.com. I was a little nervous replacing the balls especially with a harder material that instead of wearing, may mar the ball. PLEASE do not do this and ruin your trackball. They are expensive and hard to find. If you are not confident that you can drill a .04 hole into a curved surface etc. etc., find someone to do it for you. Good Luck, this thing works like a dream now.

Dave: There are screws on the bottom of the mouse. If you remove those, you will probably be able to carefully remove the dog hair; but if you are not sure that you are capable of safely doing this, then don’t attempt it. Dog hair isn’t worth $400 on ebay. Well, your dog’s hair isn’t. (no offense, maybe Paris Hilton’s is though. xD )

Art: Thanks for the tip, I’m sure that it will come in handy when mine goes to crap.

Yeah, I really don’t understand why anyone would stop making a one-of-a-kind product that caters to the people that actually care about the mouse they buy, in order to make 5 or 10 more products to cater to a demographic of users that has no idea what they are doing or looking for, and will just buy the cheapest mouse that looks like it might work.

people that use trackballs are people with specific tastes and needs, and the Trackball Explorer met and sometimes exceeded those needs. These people are the type of people that stick with a good product. This means that as Microsoft improves upon the design and comes out with new ones, the users will return the favor by buying them and suggesting future improvements, which will then lead to more new versions, which in turn means more sales. Not only that, but these people, like me, who spend hours each day on the computer are willing to spend more money on a product that they are accustomed to. Microsoft could double the price that they had been selling the TBE for when it was discontinued, and the TBE users would still flock to the stores to get their hands on one. The final, and perhaps on of the biggest factors is that people who spend hours on the computer are usually fairly popular within their area of expertise, and seeing an expert so happy with a product would encourage more and more people to buy said product, increasing the sales exponentially.

P.S.: If enough of us told the average person (that isn’t on the comp for hours a day doing more than just using facebook…) that Microsoft products sucked, and explained many areas in which Apple is superior to Microsoft, I’m sure that we could noticeably damage Microsoft’s sales. I don’t think that we should do that, because I am a proud PC user, but eventually they will need to learn to respect the minority.

Any one have replaced the USB cord? any tips would be great!
I have my original trackball explorer that i have to rebuild.

There are several threads on forums, several petitions, and even a section on wikipedia concerning people’s frustration with the continually shrinking trackball market. Get your voice heard somewhere the companies will actually listen. Flood their in-boxes and there forums, and help get tech sites in on it. Flood the internet.

Public attention yields results.

Yes. I agree. The Microsoft Trackball Explorer was the best trackball ever produced. Mine is getting worn and difficult to move. I have tried different lubricants with minimal results. A regular mouse hurts my wrist if I do a lot of mousing. I have tried different lubricants with minimal results. Perhaps more comments will encourage Microsoft to produce a similar trackball.

This always happens to me. A good product I find the best gets discontinued. The same happened here. Fortunately about five years ago I bought a carton of six off Amazon for $24.99 ea. I thought that was expensive at the time. Now I wish I had bought a few cartons. The ones I got were generically boxed with Chinese instructions. Maybe the Chinese manufacturer was bootlegging them. Maybe we should find them. I’m sure there must be a black market over there for them.

Hard to believe no one ever tried to make a configuration like the explorer. Just ergonomically king of the trackballs. No contest.
Logitech came close with a cordless that’s “close” (but no cigar) but for me, cordless sucks. Always dying when you’re in the middle of something. Maybe a wired mouse cord can get in your way but a trackball… you don’t move it. So why cordless?

I used the website listed in a previous post to contact MS about my hopes for them creating a 2.0 model. In case people missed it, I have relisted the website here:

https://support.microsoft.com/contactus2/emailcontact.aspx?scid=sw;en;1214&WS=mscom&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.microsoft.com%2fen%2fus%2fdefault.aspx

Here is what I posted on the MS website:

I just wanted to voice my concern. I work on a computer in excess of 12hrs a day. I have carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues, so I can’t use a regular mouse. I HAVE to use an ergonomic trackball unless I want to buy stock in Advil. Microsoft had the best trackball mouse on the market with the Trackball Explorer 1.0. Unfortunately, MS execs obviously lost their minds in their decision to discontinue the best trackball in the freaking universe.

PLEASE, PLEASE tell me that there is a MS Trackball Explorer 2.0 model coming soon to a store near me. I’d pay big $$ for the new model, as would every gamer, CAD engineer, and heavy PC user with half a brain on good ol’ planet earth.

Hi I have a trackball explorer also and need some help with the order of colors in the wiring inside the trackball for the USB cord, there are two black wires and an green a red and a white, but I do not know what order they go in, any help would be great if someone was willing to crack one open and let me know,,,

Thanks

I do not know why this trackball was ever discontinued. Yes it was a high priced item, but nothing comes close to it. I brang one with me so I could do my work in comfort, just like when I did my work back at home. Quite a while ago I contacted MS about buying the plans so I could start making these things again because I am at a loss without one in my hands. My plan is to continue showing everyone how great a product this mouse actually is until MS comes to their senses.

I did’nt realize until I started looking for a replacement for my Trackball Explorer just how valuable they really are to people. I’ve been using trackballs ever since I started using a computer. The Trackball Explorer is the best trackball ever. I’ve had 3 of them at 30 bucks each. Then to my dismay I found out they were discontinued and selling for up to 499 bucks online. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that microsoft discontinued it because they last too long and there is no money in a mouse that lasts as long as the trackball explorer. I use mine for everyday computing and serious gaming. My trackball takes some serious abuse and it will not die. However over time the ballbearings do wear out and the buttons get mushy. Usually takes about 3 years. I have searched far and wide for a similar style to no avail. Like someone said earlier I think the closest thing to it is the wirless logitech which is absolutely useless for gaming. I don’t understand why microsoft would discontinue such a fine product just to have ebay buy up all the stock and make a fortune on it. Its a shame. I can see here in my ventures to find one that it is a problem and it should be dealt with accordingly. There is a demand for this product and if it means paying a little extra to microsoft to have this mouse then so be it. But paying 200 for a used and 499 for a new one to some greedy entrepeneur on ebay is seriously wrong.

I bought mine about 5 or 6 years back(can’t quite remember) and haven’t bought a mouse since. This is like a ‘God Send’ for computer use. With such big hands, every other type of mouse is horrid and painful for me. As for the trackballs that use thumb…. no way!!! They’re the worst. My comfort level drops within minutes whenever I’m forced to use any other type of mouse.
Sad news now is that I moved recently and somehow the ball ended up missing… I haven’t found a solution for that. This thing I thought was indestructable. My puppy even chewed through the wire and I was able to splice it back. Now, with the ball missing, I don’t know what to do. I do know that time spent in front of the pc is now to an average of about 30 mins max per day. I used to do alot of gaming and playing around with video effects and 3D modelers… Now I think I’m screwed. This sucks. STUPID MICROSOFT!!! And everyone else who invents great things and discontinues them!

If you are like me and have the fooling Microsoft Trackball Explorer, Logitech track ball or Kensington Turbo Ring pointing devises, you will undoubtedly find that after some time in the Microsoft Trackball Explorer, and Logitech track ball FX the 3 small bearings will get flat spots and the big ball starts to stick, Plashing helps but not for long. The only solution is to replace the balls. One option is to go on e-Bay and send it into one of these places charging from $46 to as much as $80 to supposedly refurbish the device. Well let me tell you, the USB cable is more then likely fine and the addition of shielding is BS as the device needs none, and messing with the inside is a raspy for damaged parts. Infarct I saw one of theses “rebuilt units” the PCB was superglue in place and they did more damage then they actually had to fix as the butanes never worked the same again. So what can you do? Simple take a X-acto number 11 knife and slightly dull the tip, using the tip pry gently under each ball from the top once the big bal is out. The little buglers will pop out try not to damage the plastic so go slow and be patent. Once the balls our out you will be left with 3 little holes.

Order 3 Ruby Balls #B 2.00 R price is $10 from http://www.swissjewel.com/ Install the balls by carefully dropping them in to the holes and snapping them in with a genteel pres from your finger nail. Don’t crush them in its is not necessary. The result is a fantastically smooth rolling ball for a fraction of what the e-bay rip-off place charges and you never had to open the mouse

Enjoy. Fell free to email questions

http://microsoftcorp.suggestionbox.com/

I’ve had mine for about 8 years and still love it. Want to get second one for work, but the prices have gone crazy. If you want MS to bring it back use the link above and suggest away.

Has ANYONE found one UNDER $500, yes I now see them for that???????? BEST one EVER made for PHOTOSHOP period>>>

I have been using one for 10 years and absolutely love it. If Microsoft will not longer be making them, I wonder if the would sell the rights to the design to some other manufacturer?

We at least need to start a petition to bring them back. And if they ever do, I’m buying 20 of them for safe keeping. :)

They’re up to $499 new on amazon.com! I’m sure glad I bought 5 of ’em when they were in the $70-100 range a couple years back.

This is an amazing product. It’s so absolutely perfect for my needs.

I had to Google this thread to find my own web page link, only to discover it was broken. Oops! Here it is fixed: Reconditioning the Microsoft Trackball Explorer.

I came back because my trackball is starting to drag again, and I’m considering replacements this time. Can anybody say for sure whether they are 5/64" or 2mm? Is the difference significant? I’ll probably try 2mm since that’s very slightly bigger and at least one of the holes has likely been widened by my drill bit attack.

Does anybody have a working link to a source of ruby bearings? I tried that swissjewel link above and couldn’t find any prices or ordering links. Or can somebody recommend a metal of different hardness that still won’t scratch the trackball?

My second one just died today! the led went out on it. The first one i had worn out the metal “bearings” the track ball rides on.I custom made bearings for the ball to rest on. took small screws and polished the ends screwd them in from the back side of the plastic housing, took some adjusting but it worked for about 2 more years.Now this one has a bad led, guess ill start researching and see if i can replace my led…i bet it works…

Wish they wouldnt have stopped making these, best pointing device ever. Better yet saitek or someone should design a better one. ah well

My TBE was starting to drag as the bearings were worn flat so I took them out and turned them around and glued them back in. The ball works fine now, but…. I can’t remember whether the red wire on the ribbon cables was facing toward the front of the trackball or the back. There is a six wire and an eight wire ribbon cable. Again if anyone can tell me whether the red wire of the six and eight wire ribbon cables goes to the front or back of the trackball that would be great!

Thanks