This mouse works with typical scroll mouse functionality in every Linux distro I've tried. It uses a generic USB (optionally PS/2 which it comes with an adapter for) connection and works "out of the box" in most distros.
Depending on your distro, you may need to edit your XF86Config/xorg.conf to get the wheel to work, otherwise it's literally plug and play. If the mouse isn't working at all I'd check your kernel/distro's USB subsystem and if just the scrollwheel isn't working then no other mouse with a scrollwheel will either until you add the zaxismapping line shown in the code below:
Code:
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "TrackMan"
Driver "mouse"
# generic, works if your distro autodetects the mouse
Option "Device" "/dev/mouse"
# to hard code for USB will be specific to your distro,
# but typically something like /dev/usb/mouse0
# I haven't seen a distro (kernel really) that doesn't detect
# this mouse on USB under /dev/mouse
# hard coded for PS/2
# Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
# rarely, the wheel won't work even with zaxismap or
# movement is erratic, if so use this protocol.
# otherwise you can leave it at what it detects as
Option "Protocol" "IMPS/2"
# for scroll wheel
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection
Like sparkfist mentioned, it does require pulling the ball occasionally to clean the 3 pins that it rides on of dust. Unlike older Logitech trackballs and most other brand ones though, this one uses a new design with the bottom of the trackball well open and that helps minimize the collection of dust that inevitably makes wheel movement feel sluggish.
The trackball debate is really a preference thing, some like it some don't. I don't see why it irritates some so much that others have a different opinion than them about mice, let people like what they want, we call that individuality! Thanks to my friend who hates trackballs, mine was free so trackball haters don't bug me even if I bug them :)
