I just got an 8100 from a family member who's trackball was "broke" popped it out with my nail and re-seated everything and ... Long story short...my wife is now a member of the Bb family!!!
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i second going to that cnn site and buying a trackball from them...which comes with a new ring. they are located in hong kong but i've now bought two times from them without problems. I swear i go through a trackball every 4 months.