Who uses them? I have been told they are better especially when node editing. My optical mouse just jumps ever so slightly which frustrates detailed work.
I see that Logitech has one in most stores which is basically a mouse with a small trackball in it. Doing a little searching and the name Kensington comes up with a larger version and a scroll wheel for around $80.
Can I be satisfied for websurfing and all the rest with one these?
Posted by David Thompson (Member # 2395) on :
I've been using a logitech trackball for ages. I would NEVER go back to a regular mouse again. It's always in the same spot, I never have to pick it up and reposition it because I ran out of room from scrolling to far in any direction. I'm also lightning fast with it, much faster than I ever was with a mouse.
I've replaced the ball 3 times in the past 10 or so years and it still works like a champ. I wore one ball out and the other 2 got nicks in them from being moved and falling out of the socket.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
It seems like it would be a better tool once you got used to it. I have tried one briefly a time or two, but felt like I was totally out of control. The Microsoft optical mouse works for me, but it would be nice not to have to move it around.
Posted by Barb Schilling (Member # 13) on :
I like my wacom pen tablet for node edits
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Wacom Pens are great! when it comes to noding your images.
Save yourself some money and invest.
Thanks Barb! Two minds think 'Alike'!
It is the perfect tool to edit your work.
[ February 19, 2009, 10:52 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Since the topic was trackball mouse usage...
I use a Logitech TrackMan trackball. I have been for a trackball mouse for years. I started with a Microsoft trackball. I really liked it but was unable to find another when it needed to be replaced. I bought the Logitech and have been very happy with it.
Once I got used to a trackball, I absolutely enjoy using it. Node editing is easier. i feel my work is much more precise than when using an optical mouse. I think I work a lot quick. I have also noticed a significant less amount of pain during long term computer use.
As an off the topic at hand comment... Stephen, you will NEVER think like Barb. Ever. Don't even bother trying.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
But Bruce!
You write with a Pen!
Why wouldn't you use one in everyday Life?
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
I haven't noticed an issue with accuracy using an optical mouse, but maybe I don't know what I'm missing. In some ways I've avoided the learning curve of a trackball because I don't want to hate a mouse after that. Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Russ, I hear what you are saying...
I first used a trackball at my in-law's place. While it was a bit awkward using it at first, it was the ease I sped around the screen and such that led me to try it.
I don't hate using a regular mouse, I just don't enjoy working with it as much.
On the off subject of pens, it is an economic point that has kept me from trying that. I will some day.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Bruce you shall tell Dana the sentence of, "I Love You!"
But I just brought this home to try it out!
Supper is ready! Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Sorry did I forget to mention that you have to do the dishes for a 'Year' to make up to this =Credit?
Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
I have both a Logitech trackball and a mouse on my computer at work. I use the trackball about 99% of the time... at first I didn't use it much, but sometimes when my wrist felt tired of moving the mouse around, I'd use the trackball.
One day I realized I hadn't touched my mouse in over a week...
Posted by Dennis Raap (Member # 3632) on :
I agree with Bruce I have used one forever love it, it is a pain when I have to use a mouse. Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Jon! Your a One Finger.. work.. Man!
What has happened to using of all fingers (Called a Hand?)
[ February 20, 2009, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Checkers
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
I was thinking of this one. Posted by Dennis Raap (Member # 3632) on :
David, I am not sure how well it would fit your hand take a look at how the Logitech is built. It fits your hand like a glove. Posted by Jason Davie (Member # 2172) on :
I have a couple of microsoft optical trackballs..I love how to ball is on the side so you use your thumb t0 control it.. super accurate
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
David - what happened to the Wacom? the Wacom pen is a natural.
[ February 21, 2009, 08:45 PM: Message edited by: Todd Gill ]
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Actually Todd, I am using a graphire right now and have my eye on a Intous 3 in craigslist,
I still like doing fine art or illustration type work in Painter but for node editing I thought the trackball might be nice. Probably will go with both but money is sure damn tight right now.
Posted by Cody Reich (Member # 8052) on :
I've used one for many years. Much better for detail node work.
Posted by Patrick Whatley (Member # 2008) on :
The best trackball ever was the Logitech Trackman Marble FX. Unfortunately it was ahead of it's time and they discontinued it. You can still find them on ebay, usually for about $100 (had to replace mine last week)
I can't use a mouse at all anymore, it just seems so clumsy. The best thing about a trackball on the computer is when a customer insists on showing me what file I'm supposed to get off their jump drive they take one look at the trackball and decide they don't want to touch my computer.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
quote:they take one look at the trackball and decide they don't want to touch my computer.
Very good! Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Next Post.
[ February 22, 2009, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Darn! Did my pen mouse do this!
But I like it Alot!
[ February 22, 2009, 07:40 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
then again! I have used 'Trak Balls' in the 70's plus a Pad called Koala.
Sweet software for an old sorry "64".
[ February 22, 2009, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
So I bought a $40 Logitech trackman wheel at Best Buy today and put it through it's paces. Moving the ball with the thumb is not a good feel for me. I did some photoshop and Corel work to test along side my Wacom Graphire.
Hands down a tablet is easier for me. Looks like an Wacom Intuos III is the next move. Thanks all for the input.
Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
David, I have one that you move the ball with your fingers. Like I said above, I had both my mouse and the trackball hooked up and had to force myself to use the trackball at first... until one day I realized I really liked it and hardly ever use my mouse.
Mine looks like this:
If I get another one, I will try to find one like this one (or like Pat's)... then you can use your fingers OR your thumb.
So before you go put it on Ebay, just leave it up for a couple weeks and try to use it occasionally. It might grow on ya.....
[ March 01, 2009, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Jon Jantz ]
Posted by Darcy Baker (Member # 8262) on :
Digging up an old thread here.I just got my marble mouse like Jon is using and love the thing. Smoooth! Didn't see any trackballs on Logitec's site so figure I'll buy 2 more while I can get em new for $20 each.(shipping is extra but I want to help Checkers out...)
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