Long-time user of logitech trackman marble considering a CST-LTRAC-X, need input

[cirthix]

I've been using a logitech marble mouse for about 10 years now and have really gotten to love the button placement and other aspects of it.  I am considering upgrading for increased accuracy and sensitivity.  Hopefully people with experience with both devices can comment.

With the CST having buttons on the top and the marble mouse having them at a 45 degree angle, how do the two compare for comfort and usability of the buttons?

What about click and drag?  The logitech marble is small enough that it isn't a problem, but I'm thinking that the larger ball size of the CST may make this process difficult.

How about small and large movements? The logitech takes very little effort to move a small amount and can be controlled to move a single pixel fairly easily.  Is the CST-LTRAC just as friendly to minute movements, free of initial sticking?

What are your opinions on this?

Thanks,
cirthix

[RPro]

I wish I could use my L-Trac upside down - button placement is PERFECT this way - easier to reach the middle button and the scroll wheel. So far there is no Windows 7 x64 mouse filter driver to achieve this.

The bearings are a bit stiff in comparison to the Logitech Trackman Marble Mouse that I have. However, the logitech ruby bearings get dirty very quickly. On the other hand, I discovered that using a small amount of Finish Line's Teflon Fluropolymer Grease applied to each bearing actually keeps the Logitech's ball smooth no matter how much finger sweat dirt gets on them - it's pretty amazing.

BTW, WD40 on the Delphin bearings of the L-Trac does loosen the ball up, but I had to clean that out when I realized that WD40 could actually damage the plastic bearings! I've gotten used to the slightly-stiffer L-Trac now and it isn't a problem for general usage. Just wish the middle button was easier to reach.

[RPro]

180 degrees I mean! But upside-down would be cool...