Customer Reviews for Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan®
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Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan®
A cordless trackball for those who use their computer day and night.
Average Customer Rating:
(192 Reviews) 192
Rating Snapshot 192 reviews
5 stars
97
4 stars
58
3 stars
25
2 stars
7
1 star
5
161 out of 192(84%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Review 1 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
eaglemac
from Nashville, TN, USA
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Great Purchase
Date:December 29, 2012
I have used Logitech products, especially their mouses since the late 80's. Always a quality product. This mouse is probably the best I have ever used, I draw in CAD and animation software and this mouse is extremely comfortable for long sessions. Perfection would be adding it to their Unifying system in order to get rid of the klunky receiver.
+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Rexmons
from Clifton, NJ
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Best Mouse I've ever used.
Date:December 21, 2012
I've been using this mouse since it came out and I haven't found anything that comes close to it. I've dropped it several times off my couch and it's still working like a champ. I have a second one I use with my laptop but unfortunately it can be awkward at times because the USB wireless dongle is so large. I hope that in future models Logitech will consider making this mouse with a Unifying receiver.
+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
2
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Fredrik
Good intention but with flaws
Date:December 19, 2012
This is a great trackball in terms of design and features. The shape is perfect for resting the hand and the ball is large enough to have good control. I also prefer to use fingers instead of the thumb to move the ball.
The really bad thing about this device is the cordless feature that has been a hassle ever since I got it. it looses contact and discharges batteries way too often for my pleassure. Please make a new verison that is WIRED and have better precision, like the Marble Mouse. I will definately upgrade if it was available.
+1point
5out of 9found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
4
out of
5
Felkore
Great Mouse
Date:November 29, 2012
While it may take a bit of time to for some people to get use to because of the roller ball location: once you do, you will not likely want to use a more conventional mouse again. Because of its capabilities you can rush through documents and stream through pages. Using the index finger to control the ball prevents fatigue.
+2points
3out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
3
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Doc
from Ontario
Expertise: Tech Savvy
A bit outdated
Date:November 29, 2012
I've used this device for years and was generally pleased with it's performance. But I have to say the design is long overdue for an overhaul.
What surprises me is that the device is still being offered but with no updates to the latest technology. The wired receiver is cumbersome and has far too short an operating range, If we have to contend with a cord for the receiver then the device need not be cordless, also the unit consumes batteries at a much faster rate than contemporary designs.
I've since switched to using the M570 Trackball wireless and I fail to see why features of the later, excellent battery life and the longer ranged unifying receiver can't be incorporated into the Trackman. I've grown used to using the thumb controlled trackball, but would much prefer the finger control and added buttons of the Trackman were it not still using outdated technology.
What surprises me is that the device is still being offered but with no updates to the latest technology. The wired receiver is cumbersome and has far too short an operating range, If we have to contend with a cord for the receiver then the device need not be cordless, also the unit consumes batteries at a much faster rate than contemporary designs.
I've since switched to using the M570 Trackball wireless and I fail to see why features of the later, excellent battery life and the longer ranged unifying receiver can't be incorporated into the Trackman. I've grown used to using the thumb controlled trackball, but would much prefer the finger control and added buttons of the Trackman were it not still using outdated technology.
+18points
18out of 18found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
4
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Chayil
from Woodbury, MN
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Excellent Mouse, great if with unifying connector
Date:November 12, 2012
I am on my second trackball mouse, fell in love with it almost 8 years ago. Regrettably, this unique device is still being packaged with the USB enabled connector and cord instead of just a unifying connector.
Please upgrade the connector device in your next revision to include just the unifying connector and the trackball mouse. Other than these remarks it is an excellent mouse device.
+21points
21out of 21found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
3
out of
5
akeleven
A Real Workhorse but too large for small hands.
Date:November 4, 2012
I've had this trackball 6 yrs at the least. The only problems I've had are:
1. Cat hair got wound up in the thumb wheel - I thought it was broken for a year and then took it apart for some reason. Cleaned out the cat hair and it works fine again.
2. NEVER wash the ball with soap. It will drag like you wouldn't believe - takes ages or lot of rubbing alcohol to get it moving again.
3. Drop the thing (I use it riding on my right thigh) and the ball heads out to parts unknown. Usually takes a while to find it again. Would be nice if there was a removable ring holding the ball in so it can't fall out.
1. Cat hair got wound up in the thumb wheel - I thought it was broken for a year and then took it apart for some reason. Cleaned out the cat hair and it works fine again.
2. NEVER wash the ball with soap. It will drag like you wouldn't believe - takes ages or lot of rubbing alcohol to get it moving again.
3. Drop the thing (I use it riding on my right thigh) and the ball heads out to parts unknown. Usually takes a while to find it again. Would be nice if there was a removable ring holding the ball in so it can't fall out.
Ergonomic problem is the wide reach it takes to right drag, left click. I look at the website monthly hoping that a smaller version is finally available.
0points
3out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Ken
Expertise: Proficient User
As Good As It Gets
Date:October 25, 2012
I love everthing about this trackball. I use the Micrsoft trackball explorer for years until died. I wanted to find a replace, but the prices are somewhat CRAZY!
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Cymon
best trackball or mouse
Date:October 7, 2012
I have been using a cordless optical trackman for well over a decade. I'm currently on my third one because even though they do eventually get worn I have yet to find a better trackball or mouse. I use it both for basic computer work as well as mmorpg gaming and it performs wonderfully. My only requests is to *PLEASE* upgrade it to the unifying receiver and make it rechargeable. Those 2 improvements will guarantee it remaining viable for easily another decade
+13points
14out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Berto
from Sun Valley, ID
Expertise: Tech Savvy
I have used this for years!
Date:September 15, 2012
BUT, the USB dongle is the only thing that needs to be different. I am currently on the market for a new laptop and equipment and would like to be free of the bulky wireless receiver. Please consider updating this wonderful mouse with the tiny and convenient unifying receiver.
Otherwise, this mouse has been the best thing ever!
+13points
14out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
4
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Stuart
from Devon, UK
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Best Ergonomically Designed Trackball
Date:August 29, 2012
I have used a trackball for over 20 years. This is by far the best designed trackball from an ergonomic perspective for right handed users. Putting the ball offset to the right makes a huge amount of sense as it allows the fingers to move the ball, and does not depend on the thumb. Anyone designing a trackball that requires you to use your thumb on the ball obviously does not use a trackball and does not appreciate how much easier it is to use your fingers on the ball.
I echo the comments about cleaning, but there is probably little that can be done about that.
The only thing wrong with this is that it is wireless. Why on earth is it wireless? The trackball does not move around on your desk! All it does is require you to keep changing the batteries. Please make a version of this that has a cord and you will take 90% of the trackball market for as long as you make it.
+4points
5out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
1
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Ergonomics
4
out of
5
Aunt Fritzi
from Pennsylvania
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Call me a reluctant fan
Date:August 15, 2012
I've been using this trackball model ever since it came out; I've worn out two at work and two at home. I'm a fan of this trackball because it's the only one on the market with a scroll wheel, finger-operated ball, and multiple buttons. That's the configuration I prefer. I've tried the thumb-operated trackballs; my thumb just doesn't have the fine-motor control that my fingers do.
But I'm reluctant to recommend this trackball because the manufacturing quality seems to be slipping. I've bought and sent back two in the last two weeks for the same problem: they wobble. This model has four little rubber feed on its base, and on these two units, the feet were not all at the same height. As a result,they rocked from front to back. This is not due to a warped desk; they wobbled on any flat surface.
The other reason I'm a reluctant fan is the cordless connection. I don't mind the corded dongle. In fact, I keep mine about 6 inches from the trackball because otherwise the connection gets lost too often. Even at this close proximity, the connection disappears about once a week, requiring me to hold down the "Connect" buttons on dongle and trackball. I really don't understand why a large trackball like this needs to be cordless. I'd much prefer a cord to the hassles of losing connections and replacing batteries.
I'll keep using this trackball, once I find a unit that doesn't wobble. It's the only trackball that fits my style of working. But I wish Logitech would improve their Q.C., and I'd love to see a corded version.
+7points
8out of 9found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
3
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
3
out of
5
OosthuizenJ
To Consider after frequent use
Date:August 13, 2012
A wonderful product in general. Software is adequate but would have liked a preset setting for orientation. Left mouse buttons do wear out but this is due to the soft plastic button's inside housing creating a grove as it wears on the circuit boards switch. this can be repaired easily by opening the trackball and filling the grove of the housing. The wireless receiver picks up from up to 3-5 meter depending on interference.
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
4
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Track Man Fan
from Phoenix AZ
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Love it but...
Date:August 11, 2012
I completely agree with MSTrackballFan from Nashua, NH... It's past time to update this model with the Unifying Receiver.
I would readily recommend this everyone if it had the Unifying Receiver... And buy too!
GB
I would readily recommend this everyone if it had the Unifying Receiver... And buy too!
GB
+7points
8out of 9found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Advantage
Good Product
Date:July 24, 2012
I started using the trackball style mouse many years ago. It has much more flexibility in maneuvering on the screen. This mouse is as good as the Microsoft trackball I was accustomed to. I was glad to find that Logitech, another trusted name had a product similar. Even more pleased with its performance and durability.
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
4
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
MSTrackballFan
from Nashua, NH
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Best trackball going, but hate the transceiver.
Date:July 18, 2012
Hands down the most comfortable trackball currently out there, but this unit hasnt changed in nearly a decade and could seriously benefit with a small, unifying micro-dongle like the Wireless Trackball M570 has. The giant transceiver that comes with this trackball is roughly 1/3 the size of the entire trackball itself....and it comes attached to a very long USB cable (not very practical for laptops). I love using fingertip control rather than thumb for long, strenuous mouse activity. Setpoint lets you remap buttons (even to keystrokes), plus you have a couple extra buttons to work with on this model (not just forward/back). Rubberized grip feel is nice but wears out and will peel over time....I actually ended up pulling off the peeling rubber stuff from my 6+ year old trackball and now it looks brand new....nice shiny plastic lies underneath the rubber grip stuff if you work at it. Almost spent another $60 to replace it, but now it looks brand new.
This outdated wireless technology does not work well near speakers....so make sure the giant dongle is not placed near your monitor and speakers. It may take you a while to find the "sweet spot" where the dongle works best. You need to periodically pull out the ball and clean underneath it (but use canned air dusters so you dont smush the buildup into the ball-bearing-like sensors...trust me on this).
LOGITECH.....please update this trackball....its been a long time for one design. Just put the M570 circuitry into this model so we can have 2 great trackball options. This design needs a refresh to get with the times.
+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Bill
from Phoenix, AZ
Expertise: Proficient User
After seven years I can't find anything better.
Date:June 21, 2012
Like anything else they eventually wear out. I have worn out four of these since they were first introduced and I can't find anything that comes close to it.
Every so often (once a month?) I have to clean it. Your hand has natural oil on it that ends up coating the trakball. This attracts dust and fine hair like cat hair. This material collects on the three contact points located in the socket the ball rests in. When this stuff dries it turns white and becomes solid. Eventually it disrupts the smooth operation of the trakball. The result is that the pointer on the monitor will start to skip and the ball "hangs up" a bit when you try to move it.
The solution is easy. First, pop the trakball out and wipe it with a clean dry cloth. Do not use any cleaner on the trakball as this will cause it to not move smoothly on the contact points when you replace it. Trust me on this.
Every so often (once a month?) I have to clean it. Your hand has natural oil on it that ends up coating the trakball. This attracts dust and fine hair like cat hair. This material collects on the three contact points located in the socket the ball rests in. When this stuff dries it turns white and becomes solid. Eventually it disrupts the smooth operation of the trakball. The result is that the pointer on the monitor will start to skip and the ball "hangs up" a bit when you try to move it.
The solution is easy. First, pop the trakball out and wipe it with a clean dry cloth. Do not use any cleaner on the trakball as this will cause it to not move smoothly on the contact points when you replace it. Trust me on this.
With the ball removed you need to clean the accumulated crud (it looks white) that has built up around the three contact points. I use a set of third world dental tools I picked up at Harbor Freight Tools for $3.00. You can also use a toothpick. Using the tool gently scrape the crud around the contact point until it is gone. Be careful not to exert too much pressure on the tool as you can damage the contact or even pop it out of the socket.
After cleaning the contact points and the ball the only thing left to do is wipe the rectangular window at the bottom of the ball socket clean with the clean dry cloth you used to wipe down the trakball.
Last thing I do is use an air compressor to blow out all the loose crud. A spray can of Dust Off (or similar) works too but make sure you use short bursts and hold the can upright when you do this so that the liquid in the can does not end up on the Trackman. Otherwise, you will end up cleaning that crud off the socket as well.
If you hold the Trakman upside down you will see four tiny black rubber pads that are design to help hold it in place on your desktop. These are ok, but if you're like me they don't hold all that well when you are gaming.
My solution is this. You know that convoluted rubber matting used in a kitchen cabinet or a tool box, comes in a roll, white or black and available at your nearby WalMart store? Buy a roll. Cut it maybe 12" X 5" or 6". Put the Trakman on top of this and I guarantee it will never move again. I use a "Handstand" beanbag wrist rest to counteract the carpel tunnel problems I have.
The Trakman will eventually wear out like anything else and you will have to replace it. So until I find something better I'm hanging onto my Trakman. It works for me.
After cleaning the contact points and the ball the only thing left to do is wipe the rectangular window at the bottom of the ball socket clean with the clean dry cloth you used to wipe down the trakball.
Last thing I do is use an air compressor to blow out all the loose crud. A spray can of Dust Off (or similar) works too but make sure you use short bursts and hold the can upright when you do this so that the liquid in the can does not end up on the Trackman. Otherwise, you will end up cleaning that crud off the socket as well.
If you hold the Trakman upside down you will see four tiny black rubber pads that are design to help hold it in place on your desktop. These are ok, but if you're like me they don't hold all that well when you are gaming.
My solution is this. You know that convoluted rubber matting used in a kitchen cabinet or a tool box, comes in a roll, white or black and available at your nearby WalMart store? Buy a roll. Cut it maybe 12" X 5" or 6". Put the Trakman on top of this and I guarantee it will never move again. I use a "Handstand" beanbag wrist rest to counteract the carpel tunnel problems I have.
The Trakman will eventually wear out like anything else and you will have to replace it. So until I find something better I'm hanging onto my Trakman. It works for me.
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
ShalimarWildcat
from Pensacola, FL
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Outdated Wireless Technology
Date:June 9, 2012
This is a great mouse, and the only pointer i have used for my personal systems in the new millennium.
That said, I have to parrot the complaints on the wireless connectivity.
I am on my second trackball and while the buttons never wore out on my, i have experienced being 'out of the zone' quite often.
It is very annoying as often the only thing i need to do is lift it off of whatever surface it is on and suddenly it responds again.
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
4
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
4
out of
5
Joe
from Western US
Expertise: Proficient User
Trackman cordless optical trackball
Date:June 6, 2012
I have to agree with the other reviews about the usefullness of this cordless Trackman. It's great. There is an adjustment period and learning curve, but like any coordinative learning process, once you're used to it, there's no comparison to using any other mouse device. I haven't tried any of Logitech's other trackball devices, but this one's designed well, and appears to be a high quality piece of kit. Initally, I bought this for my kids to use on their new iMac. After they ignored it in favor of Apple's over-sized trackpad (ugh), I took it over and never looked back.
Highs: Great responsiveness, versatile set of buttons, long battery life, very good ergos, reliable, well designed. The assignable buttons work out great for CAD jockying, where there's lots of constant button action: left & right clicking, ctrl and shift key modifiers, middle click, scroll-wheel manipulation, page motion, and of course rolling the ball - I use all 8 buttons on this thing, and have a few of them custom-programmed to suit my personal preferences and needs on my PC. For a few manuevers I click or hold two buttons simultaneously while jogging the trackball to move/rotate/shuttle. Surfing the net's great with this, too. It just works better and more efficiently than a conventional mouse. The ball itself is very precise and predictable in its response. Logitech got the ball's speed/acceleration scaling right. It can shoot across the width of two monitors with a single flick of the ball, yet precisely split hairs with the curser
Lows: The scroll wheel feels notchy (but I guess some people prefer notchy spinning to smooth). It could use higher resolution scrolling IMO, but it does work OK. A smooth spinning scroll wheel would have been more consistent relative to the fluid feel of the trackball itself. Here, I think Logitech goofed the design on the scroll wheel. The device in general takes some getting used to - like a couple weeks to become natural at it. The receiver module is rather large - it's OK for desktop use but not entirely practical if you're going mobile a great deal.
It's kind of like playing an easy musical instrument; put in the time and it's extremely rewarding. If you stick with it, it's leaps and bounds more effective than a mouse or trackpad.
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Cordless Optical TrackMan®
Overall Rating
Quality
4
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Ergonomics
5
out of
5
Jason
from Fort Smith, AR
Expertise: Tech Savvy
Trackballs are l33t
Date:June 4, 2012
only thing i have a problem with is that the left click button wears out after awhile i think the warranty covers it but im not completely sure. (been more then 3 years since i bought it anyway so doesn't help me if it does.) anyway the ball itself is great but the thing it fits into gets this grey stuff stuck to it all the time so i have to clean it out every couple days or so. other then that its perfect. would be totally AWESOME if you made it glow in the dark or something though!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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