Question 1

Mouse assistant 5 did not recognize this trackball as an Elecom device even after multiple installations and computer restarts. Is there a fix?

Accepted Answer

When I tried to download Mouse Assistant 5 using the directions from the manual, I kept getting an old driver.  Use Kendall's link above to get the latest version - at this writing the latest version is ma512000.

Question 2

like my elecom m-dt2drbk. any comparisons?

Accepted Answer

I had a M-DT2DRBK as well, I bought the HUGE and I'm using it for about 2 weeks. 
  I bought the HUGE basically because I felt the M-DT2DRBK was not 100% comfortable, it is too small and I need to keep my palm far from the trackball, but the HUGE is not right as well.  On both if I "sit" my palm where it should be everything is off place, looks like who design the Elecom Trackball have a really small hands or at least a small thumb. If I cut of my thumb tip segment the HUGE start to fell good. 
  But the HUGE is a better trackball than the M-DT2DRBK, the ball is huge and comfortable, it run smooth, the buttons clicks are more "precise" , the wheel feel much better than the M-DT2DRBK and the wheel clicks is something you can use on the HUGE. The Fn's buttons still wrong, very difficult to use but on the HUGE they move one of the Fn's buttons to the side of the right click, much better. The right click is more comfortable as well.
  I am using trackball for about 20 years and I believe if they 'fill' a little more the place where the palm should be this will be a perfect trackball.

Question 3

Shows ships in 2 months, also shows prime 2 day shipping.  which is it?

Accepted Answer

Probably means much less than two months, but they are covering their options (CYA) just in case something goes wrong with the overseas delivery.
As this item seems to be very popular, it keeps going in-and-out of stock.  Two months is their default statement as to when the mouse will be in stock again and ready to ship, but it didn't take that long for my previous orders.

I have ordered this product twice.  The first order in August 2017 said "two weeks" on the product page, but it actually took seven days.
The second order in September 2017 said "ships in two months" on the product page, but actually arrived sixteen days later.

I would say go ahead and place the order to Get In Line for the product.  That way you will be "first in line" when the item returns to stock.  I purchased mine "through Amazon" rather than a 3rd party seller as I figured if there was a cancellation/delay/refund issue, would be easier dealing directly with Amazon than a 3rd party seller.

..Unrelated... Since their software is proprietary you will need to download a recent (mid 2017 -5.1x or later) version of the software to have it recognize this mouse and gain access to the three extra Function Buttons.  Older versions of the software came out before this mouse did, so will treat it as an unrecognized device.  A few people have gone from the smaller DEFT mouse to this HUGE one without upgrading the software, with the newer (HUGE) mouse being "not recognized" a a result. So if you plan to use the three proprietary F1-3 buttons, be sure to have a recent version of the software.  Links are scattered in the Answers and Reviews, etc, or just hit Elecom's website.

Question 4

This item ships from Japan.  Is the instruction manual in English?

Accepted Answer

You can download the multi-language 2-page manual right here on the amazon product page, there is a link for that manual under "technical specification".
There is also a manual for their proprietary software, and one possible link for it (I found it using google back in August) is:
  www.elecom.co.jp/global/download/utility/mouse_assistant/windows/pdf/manual_win_en_v1.pdf

From what I could tell, it seems to be the only release to date for this series, or at least this looks to be V1 and I couldn't find a 1.1, 1.2, etc.
The default Japanese version is also the same version, so guess that's all there is at the moment.

Brand	ELECOM
Product Dimensions	8.89 x 13.89 x 21.01 cm; 134.94 g
Item model number	BMA-HT1BK
Manufacturer	ELECOM
Series	M-HT1 Series Case
Color	Case - Compatible with M-HT Series
Power Source	Corded Electric
Hardware Platform	Laptop, Personal Computer
Operating System	Linux, Windows XP
Are Batteries Included	No
Item Weight	135 g

ELECOM Hard EVA Travel Protection Storage Case fits ELECOM Trackball Mouse M-HT1 Series Black (BMA-HT1BK)

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