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Reviews for Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Optical - USB, PS/2 - MPN: 9043690403

  • 5
  By member: javamonkey - Dec 3, 2004

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: This mouse fits my hand well. The movement is smooth. Good looking. Programmable and well designed buttons. Trackball + cordless makes it an excellent choice when you have limited space

Weakness: The calibration is kind of furstrating. The scroll is a bit too far from reach.

I had a logitech marble mouse for 5 years. It was a tough and nice one until I screw up my ps/2 port by updating my motherboard bios. This trackball is an eye catching when I was looking for a replacement of my old marble mouse. If you like the marble mouse this is the best upgrade. It feels pretty much similar to using a marble mouse but with more buttons to use. The forward and back button located right above the left button saves a lot of movement when browsing the web.

The movement control is excellent. Better than trackballs using thumb. If you are not using any trackball, it would take a while to get use to it. It is perfect for FPS games as well.

There are two things bother me a bit (but not big issue). The scroll is a bit too far from the ball. You have to move your index finger further to reach the scroll. The little lock button is hard to reach as well. Another thing is for the calibration. Because of the location of optical sensor, the horizontal movement was tilted 45 degree when the mouse first plugged. This can be fixed by the calibration. The calibration function isn't so efficient. I tried several times to get it move correctly. After that, the trackball is perfrect and movement is precise. I got it from zipzoomfly.com with free 2 day shipping. Feels like my good old marble mouse is back. The only difference is that it has more handy buttons to save your mouse movement.

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Reply by member: clarkhill
Mar 18, 2005

We have used the Logitech marble mouse on 3 computers for several years, and like them very much.

I've been looking at the cordless,but have been unable to find this unit at a store to get the feel of it. I tried a Logiteck
cordless which is thumb operated, but was unable to become adept with it. This review has helped me to make a decision in favor of the Trackman.

  • 5
  By member: wengelken - Dec 9, 2004

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: Comfortable, great position of buttons, good wheel, ball finger control is precise, etc.

Weakness: None

I have used this trackball for one year and, when it failed, logitech had one back in my office within five days (It has a five year warranty). However, during the period I was without it, I couldn't believe how difficult other mice were and clumbsy as well. Granted not everyone likes trackballs, or at least they don't think they do; but get used to this one, then have it taken away and you'll know just exactly what I mean. Great job, Logitech!

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  • 2
  By member: LampDev - Apr 5, 2005

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: Programmable buttons; More confortable than a mouse;

Weakness: Will not work through KVM; Weak radio signal; Extra function buttons won't work w/o software

If you want a trackball to ease your hand/wrist strain, then you should probably look elsewhere. I tried out several trackballs out in stores and took a chance with this model. I was hoping it would be as confortable as the marble vesion, but I found a lot of stress in my hand was still present after about an hour of usage from this. I am thinking that the versions with the ball controlled by a thumb would be best since it allows your hand to stay in a natural "Thumbs Up" position. This trackman makes your thumb curve inwards in order to left-click which does feel a bit awkward.

I wouldn't bother with the software included with the CD-ROM. Go straight to the logitech website and get the latest drivers for this product. It solves a lot of headaches regarding orientation of the trackball, speed, and programming the extra buttons.

A few things to note about the buttons, the default functions of a few buttons don't work like you would expect and those that do work aren't consistent. For example, if you were to press the mousewheel down on a normal wheel mouse, you would scroll up and down a web page or document. It doesn't work correctly in that it simply shows the icon but does nothing. The buttons on the top and bottom of the mousewheel are equally useless at times.

The extra buttons will not work without software running in the background. It would be nice to not have that eating up memory in the background.

I wanted to use this through a PS/2 KVM switch but was unable to get WinXP to recognize the trackman correctly and instead it mistook it for a simple 3 button mouse. Sure, I was able to move the cursor just fine in this manner, but it effectively kills any chance of using the extended buttons.

I was planning on placing the reciever of the trackman on a shelf around 4ft from where I work but I found that it would not give good results. Sometimes I would have to reset the thing all over again until I gave up on the idea and placed it almost right next to my trackman before it scrolled smoothly. Very disappointing.

I had two big problems which led me to buy this trackball:
- My mouse's wire was getting on my nerves because it kept hanging on the dozens of other wires in the back of my desk
- Feeling numbness in my hands from my previous mouse

This trackball didn't solve either. I am considering giving it to my brother as a gift, then getting something else for myself.

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Reply by member: okiru
Feb 1, 2007

Regarding numbing in hands from mouse use... I too have had numbness (specifically in my right index finger). A visit for chiropractic work or deep tissue massage will do wonders. Your numbness may have something to do with sedentary work and or pinched nerves. Besides, a massage is always a good thing. Worked for me.

  • 4
  By member: perinda - Sep 3, 2004

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: Easy and comfortable to use, scroll wheel, customizable buttons.

Weakness: On a Macintosh (OS X-Panther)- documentation/instructions are a little weak, confusing.

Several other Mac users have experienced similar problems. The tracking speed is too fast, making it difficult to be precise with the cursor movement. The most logical solution would be to look at Logitech's configuration software (as in past experiences with other trackballs/mice).
-No solution for controlling tracking speed at all, and NO mention of it in the documentation... not in paper nor on the CD read me file).

Fortunately, I found the Logitech discussion board and read the experiences of other Mac users. That's where I had learned that tracking speed can be controlled in the Mac's own control panel.

One warning- some users have reported that they have to reset the tracking speed often. I haven't had that trouble (yet). Even so, it's a great product. The Mac driver might need a little work.

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  • 5
  By member: tykobird - Aug 31, 2002

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: It is easy to use, easy to set up. Excellent if you have any wrist problems.

Weakness: None

I would highly recommend this product. Thanks to Logitech, they did it again, great item. There are no cords to fuss with, it does everything you need it to do plus aloft more. I love the trackball and the buttons are easy to use. All in all it is a great item. Love it, love it.

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  • 5
  By member: alasam - May 14, 2005

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: Easy to use, programmable buttons, does not need much space

Weakness: None

I found this wireless trackball very fun to use. It has all the programmable buttons that can eliminate a lot of cursor movements. For those who used to mice may found some problem with trackballs at first. But, it is easy to control after a little practice. I like trackball because I can use it in limited desk space. It does not need much space to move around like the mice.

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  • 5
  By member: wantley - Dec 30, 2006

AS GOOD AS IT GETS!

Strengths: Compact, comfortable, accurate, easy to program, stylish, works FLAWLESSLY with Mac OSX

Weakness: None!

The Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan is an extraordinary device. No more needing a square foot of desk space to manipulate a traditional mouse. All of the controls fall naturally beneath my hand, and many normal mouse functions can be either programmed or adjusted by Logitech's easy-to-use software

Moreover, I cannot understand the problems some folks seem to have with using this with a Mac. I've owned at least three of these, and used them with a Mac G3, a G4, a Mac laptop, and now a Mac Pro. It has performed perfectly--and 100% reliably--with all operating systems from (I think) 8.x through 10.4.8.

To be sure, it takes a little time (less than an hour) to adjust to using a trackball, but, that done, it is MUCH less stressful and much easier than a traditional mouse. And did I say it doesn't have to move around on your desk? Say goodbye to your mousepad!

The wireless connectivity is equally painless, and works flawlessly. There's just a single USB connection (from the transmitter) that can be placed just about anywhere out of the way.

I intend NEVER to return to another kind of mouse!

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  • 2
  By member: bhoyett - Nov 14, 2004

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: alot of useful buttons than the old model, very ergonomic, very smooth trackball, very convinient...

Weakness: bad movement when there's something minor blocking the trackball and the reciever.. go with wired!

the "it works, but would not purchase again" comment does not reflect on logitech. I'm a fan of the company and their products. this is my first wireless track ball, and if there's something blocking the trackball and the reciever, it would slow down the movement of the track ball. I would never buy a wireless again... if you're limited on space, and there will be something blocking your between the trackball and the reciever, this is not for you. other than that, logitech rules.!!

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  • 2
  By member: godelfin - Nov 10, 2005

OK... wouldn't recommend or buy again.

Strengths: Visual appeal

Weakness: Poor placement of controls, difficult to use, not accurate

I bought this item because of the positive reviews and wasn't in the least worried that it might be "difficult" to use. Not only is it difficult but also impractical. I wanted to find a device to alleviate wrist and joint pain from chronic mouse usage, and had hopes that a trackball such as this would improve my situation. So far, no luck. I haven't tried a wired product from Logitech yet, so I don't know if my dissatisfaction stems from the fact that wireless devices tend to lack a certain control due to signal interference. Be that as it may, this thing is sort of a torture device I force myself to use, not because it has any beneficial features, but merely because I bought it and didn't return it because I thought I would "break it in" and "get used to it." Unfortunately, I no longer hold on to such hopeful wishes and have resigned to fate.

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  • 5
  By member: redyer - Nov 12, 2005

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

I bought it to relieve my hand problems and finger problems with a regular optical mouse by MS. It has done that well, and I like the device.

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  • 3
  By member: araura - Sep 24, 2005

A Satisfactory Track Ball

Strengths: Fancy, easy to set up.

Weakness: The signal is not very good, easy to be interrupted.

I brought this track ball from staples and used it for a few months. It's not as good as i imagined but still satisfactory. This stuff is very big but not heavy, sensitive to any finger move. But the most annoying thing is that the signal is just like IR or such things and it's so easy to be interrupted. I can't understand why it's not like Logitech MX700 which has an almost omnidirectional and universal wireless signal. To use this stuff properly, I must face it to the base directly and can put anything between them. It's just not good.

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  • 5
  By member: Ercum - Apr 10, 2005

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: Sroll Wheel, Custimizable buttons, ease of setup

Weakness: Wheel placement

This trackball is replacing my old Logitech Marble Mouse, and I love it. The buttons respond well, and the mouse fits my hand like a glove. I have no problem with the wireless signal, as I simply dropped the receiver over the edge of my desk, and it still works fine. I only have two minor complaints, one is that the wheel is a little far from the trackball and therefore is difficult to use(ease is increasing as I own and use the mouse longer). The other complaint is really more of a comment, in that I use Firefox with Mouse Gestures, and I haven't yet found something useful to use the forward back buttons for, because I have been using Gestures for so long.

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  • 3
  By member: rugild73 - Oct 20, 2004

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: quality piece of equipment

Weakness: Quite bulky. A person with a small hand could have a problem

Let me start off by saying that if you are an impatient person, this trackman would not be for you. Conservatively, I would guess it would take about 2 weeks to become adept at using this mouse. I bought it for my wife and after 2 days she gave up. I'm going to keep it for myself and hope that after 30 days I will be comfortable with it....right now its a little awkward. Would I buy it again? I guess I'd have to flip a coin.

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  • 4
  By member: klpriv - Sep 20, 2004

Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan Trackball

Strengths: Shape is comfortable on the hand; ideal for use with laptop so that mouse can be stationary.

Weakness: Need to adjust for Mac.

I've purchased other logitech products in the past & have always been satisfied. This product is an updated version of a prevous model I owned; appears I will be equally pleased with this one. Other review was helpful for Mac users, as I am using this with a Powerbook laptop.

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  • 5
  By anonymous - Dec 24, 2005

battery life

Strengths: bought this unit on 8/19/05 and just changed the batteries today has been in use for 6-8 hours a day 7 days a week (wow) very comfortable to use easy to keep the ball and socket clean

Weakness: the control buttons are in a weird place (no biggie)

this is far and above better than the micro$oft version that was stickey and just plane huge in size only prob is the paint is comming off the "select" button again no biggie best mousr i have ever us

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  • 3.0
  testseek.com - Nov 23, 2009

Logitech Cordless Trackman Wheel

Testseek.com has collected 2 expert reviews for Logitech Cordless Trackman Wheel and the average expert rating is 60 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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