[af_vet_rr]

A late 1990s design which Microsoft 'appropriated' from another company's mouse design, I believe it was Goldtouch, Inc. It has the best ergonomics, weight and feel for a ball mouse. The mouse is for right-handers only, with a superior sloped-to-the-right shape, two buttons and a very good tactile feedback mouse wheel.

I found a second one on E-Bay for $37, it was a steel. I have seen unopened, new in box models go for $150+ on Ebay.

I would love to convert one to current optical style while still retaining all physical components and weight.

That sounds like a certain type of Logitech mouse that I'm partial too - still using a ball, large, made in the late 90s. I picked a few up a few years ago and wished I had bought more.

I think we are like that group of people that are partial to the IBM M Keyboards (the clickity-clackity ones). Some little company still makes those keyboards (and sells quite a few). Once we find something we like, we stick with it.

[dvwjr]

Yep. I've got two IBM Model M 'clicky' keyboards, which will outlast me. The finest design of the 1980s still going strong. When I see the junk that passes for cheap keyboards today, I can see why most people stick to using the mouse.

The company is Unicomp, they eventually bought the rights to the IBM Model M 'buckling spring' technology. They make new ones, repair old IBM Model Ms and sell variations. Highly recommended!

dvwjr