Yeraze's Domain 3.0

Almost a decade ago, back at Ideal Software, a co-worker turned me on to the beauty of the Logitech Trackball. The simple grace and beauty of that simple blue trackball was only surpassed by the beauty of the MarbleFX laser-based, 4-button trackball.

I still have that MarbleFX trackball, and still love it. Unfortunately, the buttons are starting to wear out and it’s pretty badly stained from the sweat and grime of everyday use. I would love to simply replace it, but Logitech has discontinued it. They discontinued it so long ago that even EBay, purveyor of all things unwanted or discontinued, doesn’t have them anymore.

So here begins my quest: To find a new trackball. The requirements:

1. Corded – I’ld like to get one of these at work, but security does not allow cordless peripherals (So no bluetooth)
2. No thumball – Drive it with the Index finger
3. Minimum of 3 buttons, but more is better
4. (Optional) Scroll Wheel

So far, the only thing that even comes close is the Logitech Marble Mouse, but I don’t like how the ball sits perched atop in the middle. I much prefer the ergonomics of the original MarbleFX, which the Logitech Cordless Optical Trackman approaches. But, like I said earlier, cordless isn’t really an option. Any suggestions?

I’m not “locked in” to Logitech, so any vendor will suffice. I just want something high-quality, comfortable, and usable.

Update 9/18/06:
Just checked Ebay again, and now they have some MarbleFX up.  However, one is at a bidding price of $91  and the other is at a “Buy it now” of $150.  Geez…..
[tag:logitech][tag:trackball][tag:peripheral][tag:mouse]