[ducatidds]

Anyone upgrade from the track wheel to the center mouse have any issues with the transition. I was thinking of "upgrading" but was wondering if anyone misses uses their right thumb? Was it a seemless transition?

[John Clark]

Switched from the 7100t to a Pearl 6 months ago and never looked back. I love the trackball. The wheel seems so archaic now. I still use my right thumb on the trackball. Did I mention I love the trackball?

[ndub33]

My right thumb subconsciously went to the side of my Pearl for a couple of days. Funny thing is, I still have my 7130c as a spare. When I occasionally grab it out of my drawer, my thumb now subconsciously rests at the bottom center of the display where a trackball would be. The assimilation isn't difficult at all.

[riddick021]

I just went and checked out the pearl at a cingular store. Im not a big fan of the trackball it kind of reminded me of my old sony ericsson. I hope RIM doesn't make their whole line up like the pearl. Its too polished for me. I need something that looks more rugged like my 7100i. Maybe if they left the chrome out it would look better. I don't know if its just me but I think chrome paint looks really tacky.

Just my $.02

[John Clark]

I had the 7100t before I got the Pearl. The Pearl is far superior to the 7100t...not even comparable. I've had the Pearl 6 months and aside from the trackball darkening a little with use it has performed flawlessly. I've dropped it (no damage, thanks to ShieldZone - Home of the iPod Screen Protector) and have had no problem with it's durability.

[Chinasaur]

John,

What about the trackball sticking due to lint and crud? I've read some threads elsewhere about users cleaning the device every few weeks?

Have you encountered dirt/grime buildup? Or is possible that those people were just dirt magnets?


TIA.

[John Clark]

Yes, I've picked up dirt. I usually just blow on it and problem is solved. It's happened maybe three times in 6 months. I, personally, wouldn't even consider it an issue, but I suppose it is.

I did remove my trackball assembly and clean it last week for the first time in 6 months. It didn't need it, I just tried to color my led and cleaned it while I was in there. I cleaned the rollers with alcohol. It did smooth it out a little when I put it back together.

The trackball is a winner in my book.

[takeshi]

I'm still getting used to it but I've had my 8800 for less than a week so far...