Need Help With My Trackball

ghostrider · #1

The bearings in my Microsoft Trackball Optical have gotten to the point where they no longer function and it makes the trackball very hard to use. I’ve noticed this on other units in the past. Is there any way to fix this? I like the features of this trackball; 5 button, daisy wheel. Is there any way to fix this? I’ve tried to contact Microsoft about this in the past, and their customer service on this issue has been terrible. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Vincent · #2

The Rollers as you call them bearings have most likely worn out, It happens and is a downfall to older technology. Your best bet is to try to contact Microsoft, you should be able to RMA it if still under warrenty. I think its a 1 year warrenty, if its been longer than that , then I guess you are buying a new one. The newer models really dont have wearable rollers anymore. they have imporved and should last alot longer.

I have actually never used one, as when I fix peoples pcs, I bring my own eqipment, some people can be really really dirty.

ghostrider · #3

Thanks Vinny.

ghostrider · #4

Any recomendations for a new one?

rickh · #5

Hey Ghostrider, have you tried taking the ball out of the base and cleaning it? When you have the ball removed clean the contacts inside the base also and then blow it out with canned air. What can happen is the ball collects residue from your fingers and that then collects onto the contacts. Hope this helps.

ghostrider · #6

I've done that at least once a day since I got it. The rolers have just stopped working, like Vinny said. Unfortunatly there is really no other way to do maintenence other than take out the ball and wipe out the cavity. That is fine for the contacts, but does nothing for the rollers.

This is my third one of these, the second one came in the box like this and I had to get it replaced. When I was in the store looking for a new one, I opened another one like this, that's two that were NIB like that. I don't think there is much I can do now that they have finally worn out. I want to get a 5-button trackball that either won't have this problem, or is more serviceable, while being ergonomic.

David Lowry · #7

ghostrider,

Might I suggest trying out a Logitech Trackball?

I have 2 of them and there are no rollers in them at all. Only a ball for the thumb, and an optical sensor, and some plastic things that the ball rides on. Logitech Optical trackballs last a LONG time.

Peace,
David :)

ghostrider · #8

David Lowry wrote:ghostrider,

Might I suggest trying out a Logitech Trackball?

I have 2 of them and there are no rollers in them at all. Only a ball for the thumb, and an optical sensor, and some plastic things that the ball rides on. Logitech Optical trackballs last a LONG time.

Peace,
David :)

Thanks David,
I'll look into them. I want one with the 5-button/daisy wheel. Those forward and back buttons come in handy.

Vincent · #9

I really wouldent buy, a Logitech or any logitech product for that matter. I thyink they are crap products ,made with cheaper plastic and other components.

I dont relaly have any recommenedations, because I persoannly would never use one, my computer tasks dont call for one

The Deacon · #10

Have to agree with David. I have a Logitech trackball that I bought about five years back when I started to show signs of carpal tunnel. I've used it at work ever since. It's still going strong, and I'm a programmer, so I'm on my computer darn near all the time at work, and because of the software we use, I use the trackball there a LOT more than I use a mouse at home. That model (with a ball about the size of a billliard ball and accessible by both you thumb and fingers) is no longer made, and only has three buttons but, aside from removing the dust bunnies from the little nylon "pin heads" the ball rides on and the optical sensor about once a month, it has been mantenance free.

Zwaplat · #11

Vincent wrote:I really wouldent buy, a Logitech or any logitech product for that matter. I thyink they are crap products ,made with cheaper plastic and other components.

I dont relaly have any recommenedations, because I persoannly would never use one, my computer tasks dont call for one

I don't know where you get this ? Logitech is actually one of the best, if not THE best for things like keyboards, mice, webcams, etc.
If you're talking about crap products with cheap plastic, talk about Acer. But that's a whole different story :) .

VultureParade · #12

I've also never had a problem with ANY Logitech product. I'm typing this on a Logitech keyboard and I used a Logitech mouse to click on the "reply to thread" link.

I've been using Logitech stuff for about eight years and they make a solid, dependable product.

There are a few very expensive trackballs out there. But I'm talking in the 400 to 500 dollar range. Since I don't know much about trackballs I don't know what the benefits are to these very expensive models, but if you want to throw down the dough they are an option.

But for the basic trackball requirements I don't think you could do much better than a Logitech.

-Bryan

David Lowry · #13

Wow Deacon,

I had no idea you were a programmer and used the Trackball due to Carpal Tunnel. I do the same. I have Carpal Tunnel also but I'm usually fine as long as I use a Trackball.

I also agree that Logitech is better than Microsoft. I have tried Microsoft mice and they have always been worse than Logitech.

:)

Peace,
David

Vincent · #14

I service 50+ pcs a week, I work for companies Like Dell, gateway, Hp, IBM and others. Also random users, I also work IT at my school. I have yet to see a High quality Logitech prodcut and I have seen thousands. The majority of Mice and keyboards That I replace are Logitech. I find them to be cheap and trouble some. I only replace with other brands.

But its your money so buy what ya want.

As an Engineering student i also spend alot of time programming, I find Logitech keyboards to mess with my wrists and are not as comfortable.

speak of programming what do you guys do.

I know Java, C, C#, and assembly and a few more

David Lowry · #15

To each his/her own :)

The Deacon · #16

Started out working with Clipper and Quicksilver on PCs against dBase databases. Then worked a number of years in a mainframe shop using COBOL against a DB2 database. Did some RPG and a bit of FORTRAN programming on the side for a while. (Y2K was very very good to me!) Took courses in C and C++, never really put them to any practical use. Back in the DOS days, knew enough Assembler to use it for subroutines in Clipper when it would improve runtime. Now work in a shop where we use Oracle products, their database, with Designer to build the database structures and the basic structure of the interactive programs to access them, Developer to flesh out the interactives and build reports.

David Lowry · #17

The Deacon wrote:Started out working with Clipper and Quicksilver on PCs against dBase databases. Then worked a number of years in a mainframe shop using COBOL against a DB2 database. Did some RPG and a bit of FORTRAN programming on the side for a while. (Y2K was very very good to me!) Took courses in C and C++, never really put them to any practical use. Back in the DOS days, knew enough Assembler to use it for subroutines in Clipper when it would improve runtime. Now work in a shop where we use Oracle products, their database, with Designer to build the database structures and the basic structure of the interactive programs to access them, Developer to flesh out the interactives and build reports.

Cool man. I like how you're "old school" :D

I'm a network guy at heart and build servers and configure routers and switches (Cisco stuff). I know a bit of C++ but never use it. I am good with HTML and Macromedia Flash stuff.

Nice to have another computer dude here :)

Vincent · #18

I do some cisco also, I have a CCNA,