I've got a Microsoft Sidewinder (The first one, forgot the name).
I like the arrangement of the 4th and 5th button. It took a while to get used to, however I prefer it now.
The software is also very easy to use for setting macros and such.
Lastly, I think it looks brilliant!
The only downside (Not sure if it's the same on the X8) is the mouse-wheel. It's TOO smooth, it makes rolling a precise amount of times a little difficult meaning I often overshoot. When used to change weapons this gets annoying.