I was listening to an old episode of The Home Recording Show yesterday, and was surprised to learn that two of the three hosts use trackballs because of health reasons. Do you consider health issues when purchasing a pointing device? Do you use a mouse, trackball, or trackpad? Which model? Are you happy?
Each week we open our mic to readers and lurkers alike to come out of the woodwork and tell us your thoughts and opinion, your experiences and mistakes, what you love and what you hate. We want to hear from you, and here’s your chance.
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By Adrian Try
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Love my Apple Magic Mouse. Would never go back.
Always used to use a trackball for reasons of space, now switched to Apple’s magic trackpad. But I also don’t like the amount of motion you have to make with a mouse. Btw, I owned several generations of the Logitech Trackman where you move the ball with your thumb. I never liked the Kensington type where you used index/middle finger to move it. Those fingers are not made for moving in more than one direction.
I use a Wacom tablet called a Bamboo. It’s like working with a pen, but gives you what you get from a mouse. The Bamboo model I have allows you wo switch on and off “Touch” mode, so it can become a large track pad like on a laptop. The pen is much more precise than a mouse could ever be.
I use a mouse with the sensitivity turned way down. This way it requires less muscle accuracy, therefore my hand muscles can be more relaxed. It also helps that I don’t rest my hand on the mouse and that it’s at at a good level relative to my elbow.
I’m using the Apple Magic Trackpad. I like it a lot.
That’s all I can say about that. :)
i use a Logitech MX510 and have used it since its release date quite a few years ago.
extremely lightweight, easy on the hands/wrists, and very ergonomic.
i cant stand trackballs/pads of any sort. including the apple magic pad.
not hating, just my $.02
I use a trackball. Works tons better especially on dual monitors.
Yes I use a logitech trackman wheel, http://www.logitech.com/en-us/429/166?section=downloads&bit=&osid=9
This is an amzing tool way better than the old fashioned mouse, keeps the hand all healthy and not strained.
I love the track ball
The first Opto-Mouse in the world! Genius Traveler 355
I use an old Wacam Graphire. It needs more space on the desk than a trackball, but is definitely less likely to give me RSI than a conventional mouse. That said, I am intrigued by the Apple Magic Mouse.
At first I had to use trackpad on my MacBook, while dreaming about the Magic mouse. Later when I got the pet I have realized that my palm is too big for that thing. So I got back to the trackpad.
I use a macbook pro with the multi-touch trackpad, but for anyone that uses a mac I would highly suggest one of apple’s magic trackpads (the external version of the one in the laptops). Its like a hybrid of a magic mouse and a trackball since you don’t have to move a mouse but you can also use all of the different finger gestures like two finger zooming and scrolling. Its actually pretty amazing how much you can streamline your work flow if you take the time to “teach” your D.A.W. the gestures.
Cheers,
Have been using a trackball for a long time. (Kensington Expert Mouse) Absolutely love it.
The best thing about a trackball is you’re never moving your hand all over the desk. Keeps it in a solid ergonomic position for those long sessions
mouse! I’ve never tried a trackball….hmmmm
Wacom tablet. I’ve never been able to get used to trackballs.
Logitech gaming mouse, more precise than a pen/trackball/trackpad ever could be, comfortable for hours on end, over a very large surface (like 4x bigger than a normal pad)
Logitech Marble Mouse all the way! LOL