Logitech TrackMan Marble FX Trackball

by Logitech

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 3.3 x 2.5 inches ; 8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000JBUI
• Item model number: 904257-0403
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #28 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Accessories > Keyboards, Mice & Input Devices > Trackballs
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

If you're used to a traditional mouse, then the Logitech TrackMan Marble FX may take a little getting used to. But despite its large, clunky appearance, this mouse has it all. Designed for those with limited desktop space, the TrackMan Marble FX remains stationary. You operate it by moving a large marble with your fingers while a sensor inside the mouse interprets the movement.

Solid and well built, the TrackMan Marble FX has a large, eye-catching red marble. Its weight and rubberized bottom keep it from sliding on your desk, and the curve of the mouse fits most hands (except lefties). Those with small hands may find it hard to reach the left-click mouse button, making double-clicking tricky.

Installation is not as quick as most plug-and-play mouse devices, as you must install Logitech MouseWare software to fully take advantage of the TrackMan Marble FX's features. However, the manual walks you through installation, making set up easy and quick.

Perhaps the nicest feature of this trackball is the four programmable buttons. During setup, you can program which buttons you want to perform certain functions. Most will want to set the far left and right buttons as on a typical PC mouse. However, the two middle buttons can be set for functions such as universal scroll, auto scroll, zoom, drag lock, or HyperJump and CyberJump--pop-up windows with shortcut functions in Windows 95 and Internet environments.

If you're in the market for a trackball and have the time to learn to use a new type of mouse, then you'll want to consider the TrackMan Marble FX. Its durability and low maintenance make it superior and easy to use.

Pros:

• Sturdy and well constructed
• Programmable buttons
• Dirt resistant

Cons:

• Difficult for those with small hands
• Not designed for lefties
• Requires software installation

Product Description

Product Type TrackballManufacturer Part Number 910-000806Manufacturer Website Address www.logitech.comMovement Detection OpticalPackaged Quantity 1Standard Warranty 3 Year LimitedManufacturer LogitechProduct Model 910-000806Product Name Trackman Marble TrackballProduct Line TrackManProduct Series MarblePointing Device Connectivity Technology WiredPointing Device Wireless Technology Not ApplicableGreen Compliance YesNumber of Total Buttons 2Pointing Device Host Interface USB

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still Unrivalled as Best Trackball Device, May 23, 2000

By 

J. Hardy IV (Snohomish, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Logitech TrackMan Marble FX Trackball (Personal Computers)

Once upon a time I got sick of the gunk build up on all the mice and trackballs I had used, it got to the point where they would bump and jump on the mouse pads. I was intrigued when I saw the technology used in the Trackman line, detecting position using the tiny dots on the ball. Now having used the FX Trackman at home and at work for over 3 years, I find that it is the still the best input device of its kind, including the new MSFT optical mice. Once one gets used to the button placement and develops the dexterity to utilise the trackball, constantly smooth and consistent movement will reward them. With no moving parts for the tracking assembly the user only rarely [once a year?] has to pop the ball out and clean the sensors. This trackball does very well in digital art work with Photoshop and is especially excellent when used to play classic trackball arcade games through Mame32 emulation, Missile Command, Tempest, Centipede, Arkanoid, etc. The tertiary buttons are recognized and used as scroll wheel counterparts in Win2k; it's a nice fluff feature. My only wish would be that Logitech eventually upgrade them to use USB so I can plug them into my MSFT keyboards. Otherwise, highly recommended.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Puts the mouse where it belongs THE TRASH!, December 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Logitech TrackMan Marble FX Trackball (Personal Computers)

I just started using my new Trackman Marble FX, and I gotta tell you GET ONE! This thing is so smooth, so precise I wish I had one months ago, I have never used any pointing device that works as well as this one, and believe me I have used about every version of a mouse there is, nothing comes close to this trackball! If you're in the market for a new mouse forget about it! Try a trackball you will not be disappointed.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than average trackball, February 16, 2000

By 

"tony_vengraitis2" (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Logitech TrackMan Marble FX Trackball (Personal Computers)

I do digital image editing as a hobby, and I wanted to find an accurate input device to handle fine line editing. I tried two different Kensington trackballs, but both had problems whenever I used slow, flowing movements. Even with clean rollers, the ball would never roll smoothly enough for minute editing. Logitech's use of optical tracking make the motion nearly flawless, almost no straying, even with a pixel-wide brush. I agree that the setup of the ball and buttons requires a bit getting used to, but the new hand position is more comfortable once you adapt to it. Others who are complaining about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are probably trying to force their hand position to match the usual angle they've used with other trackballs. You need to look at the instructions to see how to rest the arm and wrist properly for this item. I only dropped a star off the rating because it's too dang expensive! It's worth it, but I wish they would give us a break.