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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?
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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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.
-------------------- David Thompson Pro-Line Graphics Martinsville, NJ
I'm not this dumb, it's just the paint fumes talkin' Posts: 397 | From: Martinsville, NJ | Registered: Oct 2001
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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.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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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.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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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.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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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.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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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...
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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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.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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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.
-------------------- Pat Whatley Montgomery, AL (334) 262-7446 office (334) 324-8465 cell Posts: 1306 | From: Wetumpka, AL USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote:they take one look at the trackball and decide they don't want to touch my computer.
Very good!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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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.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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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 ]
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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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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