Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball V1.0 and PS/2

Rating:
Summary: Highly reliable!!!!!!
Review: Although I am not the greatest Microsoft fan, this product has given me over 2 years of daily use with NO! and I mean NO! problems except cleaning every couple of months or so. In fact when I purchased a new computer 3 months ago I bought a new one to replace the mouse, and it works great and I expect it to for a long time. I am not being critical but I can't imagine what the devil is wrong with those who say they have had trouble. Maybe I am lucky and bought the only two good ones made. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?

Rating:
Summary: When it works, it's a delight
Review: During six months, my trackball worked fine; then, suddenly, it did not work. I don't know why and I feel upset. When I call Microsoft I usually get good support until it comes to the point where Windows parametering might be the cause of my difficulties. In that case, Microsoft support people tell me I should go back to the PC manufacturer (the people that included Windows software in my machine). Other difficulty with this special kind of mouse: it does not like dirt or grease. These problems should not be considered as major difficulties. In fact, this device is providential. Especially when you mouse device does not work fine on your portable computer. That's the case for me and I cannot think of leaving my old good portable PC for a new one. Microsoft trackball is especially interesting when you travel a lot and must work with your portable computer on your knees (in trains and planes).

Rating:
Summary: no xp drivers, this product is doomed
Review: Excellent product, but beware that no new drivers exist for XP and you may have problems with it on your new machine. So if you just found one on Ebay, Congratulations, but you'll have to go back to Windows98 operating system.

Rating:
Summary: Tired of Cleaning
Review: I have been using this trackball for about a year. Because your fingers touch the ball, it gets much oilier and dirtier than a regular mouse where the ball only touches the mouse pad which doesn't have skin oils. The trackball builds up dirt too easily and the dirt then sticks to the rollers inside the unit and then it doesn't track. A a delicate cleaning and tedious cleaning is then required. It's annoying. I would get an optical trackball instead. Worth the extra money.

Rating:
Summary: Gets dirty too easily.
Review: I have been using this trackball for about a year. Because your fingers touch the ball, it gets much oilier and dirtier than a regular mouse where the ball only touches the mouse pad which doesn't have skin oils. The trackball builds up dirt too easily and the dirt then sticks to the rollers inside the unit and then it doesn't track. A a delicate cleaning and tedious cleaning is then required. It's annoying. I would get an optical trackball instead. Worth the extra money.

Rating:
Summary: Tired of Cleaning
Review: I have to clean off the rollers and ball of this mouse about once a week because the slightest bit of dirt or oil will make the mouse completely unusable. I've gotten into the habit of making sure my hands are clean before I use the mouse, because the slightest residue on your hands from hand lotion or greasy food will gunk up the mouse. Even with regular use, by clean hands, the mouse still needs to be cleaned out about once a week. It becomes unusable if I don't clean it. I truly regret buying this. I do have to say it's a comfortable design, and the infrequent times it does work, it's nice to use. However, the times it does work are few and far between.

Rating:
Summary: best ergonomic mouse
Review: I must honestly say this is the best mouse on the market (at least for me). I've browsed the stores, bought all different kinds of mice including trackballs, scroll wheels, and opticals, yet none even compare to the Microsoft Intellimouse Trackball. It's comfort alone is all I need to be convinced that it's the right choice. Other trackballs almost instantly create a sharp pain in my wrist (avoid these mice like the plague). A regular mouse and or a scroll wheel alone is just too limiting. Previous reviews may complain about dirt/oil fouling the ball, my advice is...wash your hands occasionally! Nevertheless, the trackball simply pops out with a 1/4 revolution twist and is easily cleaned. Sadly, it's getting hard to find this product in stores. Definately, an excellent mouse, A+++.

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing
Review: I purchased the Microsoft trackball in late August '01. Within 2 weeks it was beginning to show problems, and then quit working. It would move horizontally, but not up or down. I tried to clean it in hopes of solving the problem, no luck. I'm going to return it. My son had one these mice, same result. I'm an admitted Microsoft junkie, this was very disappointing, save your money.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Design - Same design in optical needed
Review: I've been clinging on to my old trackball because it is so well designed. The new ones are either awkward, too large, etc. I do occassionally clean it. If they had an optical of this one, I'd buy in a heartbeat. I have had it for 98, 98 2nd ed, and now XP and it works fine. Microsoft: Keep It Simple!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Design - Same design in optical needed
Review: I've been clinging on to my old trackball because it is so well designed. The new ones are either awkward, too large, etc. I do occassionally clean it. If they had an optical of this one, I'd buy in a heartbeat. I have had it for 98, 98 2nd ed, and now XP and it works fine. Microsoft: Keep It Simple!