I did it back then because I was so hooked on them and second hand was obviously cheaper than new, not at all because I didn’t think you could still get them. I’ve had two I’d bought new for a good 7 or 8 years. One was the primary and got thrashed. The outside right button totally died 18 months ago, so it was replaced as a main unit and relegated to the laptop. Now the main left button is finally giving up after a year of coaxing back to life.

So when I went looking today to see if I could actually source a brand new one wow was I surprised to find not only no you can’t, but will you look at what people want for them world wide second hand – yikes!

The only upside seems to be that there is a thriving service industry for them and they seem to know the workings inside and out. So I suggest if yours is dead or dying it may well be able to be fully resurrected back into life. Seems I may be doing just that. Also seems that even a dead shell is going to be worth some quite serious money to someone just for parts – so bear that in mind too.

Lord knows its probably the most resilient hardware I’ve ever bought as well as being the best. And that’s perhaps what killed it – the niche market and the fact they just made them too damn well lol.

I’m 40 and I still have 4 serviceable mice. I reckon if I’m careful I can make 70 before I have to give this model up – and trust me I will be grasping the final dying buttons in my frail old shrivelled hand before I finally say the word goodbye

To Microsoft: can you please bring this model back. the design is perfect for many of us users and if you use the same materials they can last up to ten years.