Don't know why my previous didn't post but, in looking for something to replace my old Kensingtons, I ran across this.  Not cheap,$130 each from Amazon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWLvquarhUQ

Sorry, probably have to cut and paste.  But this looks good to me.

Doric

Looks good, but always be weary of stuff with names that self-worship, cause apperently, it's not so superior despite the name and location of manufacture.
Click Here for 'Clearly Not Superior' Trackball Problem - the ball should be rubber-coated too, bad decision to use shiny plastic.

I've always said you can't beat those Japanese and their WACOM gear when it comes to input devices.
To this day, nothing has changed.

I use a Kensington, myself.  You can get four... :)

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Orbit-Trackball-Mouse-Scroll/dp/B002OOWB3O

The only thing I don't like about mine is that it doesn't have a middle button...

Looks good, but always be weary of stuff with names that self-worship, cause apperently, it's not so superior despite the name and location of manufacture.
Click Here for 'Clearly Not Superior' Trackball Problem - the ball should be rubber-coated too, bad decision to use shiny plastic.

I've always said you can't beat those Japanese and their WACOM gear when it comes to input devices.
To this day, nothing has changed.

The shiny ball, necessary for it's operation.  Doesn't use chopper wheels for that, just the scroll wheel. Other problems as listed, less than minor, easy to take care of.  Dead phototransistor in the Kensington, fatal.

I use a Kensington, myself.  You can get four... :)

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Orbit-Trackball-Mouse-Scroll/dp/B002OOWB3O

The only thing I don't like about mine is that it doesn't have a middle button...

I have two of those, try to chord and move the ball or scroll ring at the same time.  Also, so light they don't stay put on the desk, They'll be the first replaced even though they're the two newest ones I have.  The old Kensingtons I've been using I paid $120 each.  But the new "Expert" they have, design and materials, not good.  Had one, it didn't last long before it got thrown first on the floor, then back to Kensington telling them to dispose of their own junk.  Never heard a word out of them. Doric

Maybe should have mentioned, the shape, CST bought the old Microspeed and updated it.  Also, it doesn't need additional software, electronically, it's a serial mouse. I had a Microspeed, other than it was only a two button mouse and was pretty stiff rotating the ball, it was okay.  I'll know how they are about Thursday.

Doric.

I use a Kensington, myself.  You can get four... :)

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Orbit-Trackball-Mouse-Scroll/dp/B002OOWB3O

The only thing I don't like about mine is that it doesn't have a middle button...

I have two of those, try to chord and move the ball or scroll ring at the same time.  Also, so light they don't stay put on the desk...

I tried both buttons and the ball and it didn't work; didn't think of the scroll ring; I'll have to try that  next time I boot up my Poser machine. I never had any problems with the weight, because the rubber palm rest holds it down.  It's much better than the Logitech Marble it replaced. However,  I still miss my old Microsoft mechanical IntelliMouse Trackball...

I tried both buttons and the ball and it didn't work; didn't think of the scroll ring; I'll have to try that  next time I boot up my Poser machine. I never had any problems with the weight, because the rubber palm rest holds it down.  It's much better than the Logitech Marble it replaced. However,  I still miss my old Microsoft mechanical IntelliMouse Trackball...

You installed Trackballworks?  Seems to require it.  Also, you'd have to go into trackballworks to program so middle click= both right and left. For a quick comparison, I just put both the orbit and my old Expert Mouse Pro on a scale, the orbit is 9 oz lighter.  I might be a little spoiled. 14.3xx for the Expert, 5.3xx for the Orbit.  Diameter of the ball, the Orbit is 1.575", Expert is 2.25".  The CST is supposed to be 2.25", or it should work just about like the older Kensington.  The only thing I don't like about the older Kensington is lint getting in the chopper sensors, they need almost constant cleaning.  Well, that and Kensington never really updating the software for it. 

Doric.

Doric

Out of curiosity (as you both clealy use these trackballs), what's the selling point of them, what's attractive about what they do?

To me they look like a giant upside-down mouse, where your fingertips are the working area instead of the mousemat or whatever.  What happens when you want to draw, say, a big curvy line?  Surely that would be a nightmare if you have to hold down a button that isn't moving as the device does, like it does with a mouse. And just to be clear, I'm not knocking a trackball, I know a lot of people like them but I'm buggered if I understand the attraction - I literally cannot think of a single task I could use it for where it would be better than a standard mouse.

I like that it's large and substantially built, I'm all for that, but the concept, I don't get the attraction compared to a mouse.

Out of curiosity (as you both clealy use these trackballs), what's the selling point of them, what's attractive about what they do?

To me they look like a giant upside-down mouse, where your fingertips are the working area instead of the mousemat or whatever.  What happens when you want to draw, say, a big curvy line?  Surely that would be a nightmare if you have to hold down a button that isn't moving as the device does, like it does with a mouse. And just to be clear, I'm not knocking a trackball, I know a lot of people like them but I'm buggered if I understand the attraction - I literally cannot think of a single task I could use it for where it would be better than a standard mouse.

I like that it's large and substantially built, I'm all for that, but the concept, I don't get the attraction compared to a mouse.

I used the Logitech marble for a long time an it worked well but as you say it has limitations so I also have a Wacom tablet.  Once I retired I used the computer a little more and found the trackball was not good for my hand so more recently I have moved on to using a vertical mouse.  It seems much more natural and I no longer have the cramp in my hand. Whatever mouse I use it will still be used in conjunction with my 3D connection navigator which I would be lost without.

I've never heard of a vertical mouse, lol, I'll have to look it up!

I tried both buttons and the ball and it didn't work; didn't think of the scroll ring; I'll have to try that  next time I boot up my Poser machine. I never had any problems with the weight, because the rubber palm rest holds it down.  It's much better than the Logitech Marble it replaced. However,  I still miss my old Microsoft mechanical IntelliMouse Trackball...

You installed Trackballworks?  Seems to require it.  Also, you'd have to go into trackballworks to program so middle click= both right and left.

I had done that that, and it doesn't work... :(

You installed Trackballworks?  Seems to require it.  Also, you'd have to go into trackballworks to program so middle click= both right and left.

I had done that that, and it doesn't work... :(

Same result I got.  The newer Expert doesn't work either.  That's why I'm looking at other things. Doric.

Just checked out those vertical mouse thingummies; have to say I could never get used to holding a mouse like that either!
Weird stuff.

I can get the optical version of my MS Trackball for only $650; only 3 left in stock... :D

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-D68-00007-Trackball-Explorer/dp/B00005853Z

I first replaced the mechanical IntelliMouse trackball with the MS optical trackball version that had the ball controlled with the thumb, but didn't like it much, so it was quickly retired.  It's sitting in a box somewhere around here; I should put it on eBay...

What on earth ... what's with the price of that?

If that's how much they can charge for those things I just might go into making them once I have my relocation sorted!
Wow, the profit margin must be incredble!

Less than a month and I could retire in even greater luxury :-D

Out of curiosity (as you both clealy use these trackballs), what's the selling point of them, what's attractive about what they do?

You'd have to try one to understand. It's not hand motion, it's only finger motion.  I don't have good control when moving my arm, but all I have to move is a finger, usually two on the ball, thumb on left click, pinky for right.  Never runs off the mousepad, no need for one.  Sits right on the keyboard drawer, no problems.  I don't even have to look anymore, just move my hand and it's on the ball. Doric.

Just checked out those vertical mouse thingummies; have to say I could never get used to holding a mouse like that either!
Weird stuff.

Actually the hand seems to fall naturally into the position, I took me lass than an hour to get used to and it seems just like the cursor is being moved solely by your hand.

Cheers Doric, I'll definitely try one out if I come across one hooked-up to a computer, mainly out of curiosity though, I really doubt I could get along with one, and like I said, those vertical mice seem equally weird.  That said, if you have a problem with your arm, I can at least see some advantage in them.

Interesting device.

What on earth ... what's with the price of that?

They are not made any more.  Used ones sell for $100-200 on eBay.....

@Hornet
Sorry, must have crossposted, and understood, I still don't see the attraction though.

@Rod
It's a wonder the Chinese haven't jumped on it then and infested eBay with millions of clones :-D

Yahooo!  Got them this morning, both on computers, Flawless!  The only thing I had to do was go into control panel and adjust the cursor speed, otherwise, plug and go.  Smooth, no problems, even  posed a model, no problems.  Wings, it's got the center button, works perfect. Removed the kensington software, not needed and probably better off not causing any problems.  I'm happy.

Doric.