Do you like your trackball better than a mouse?

[brewerbob]

Bluesky:
I was referring to the vibration thing that the "iFeel" mouse does. I need to go to BestBuy and try these things out first hand (haven't even tried it or a trackball out yet).

Actaeon:
That was a good idea that was too simple

 

[sitka]

now that's a mouse

DROOL

 

[MADCAP]

I use a mouse and I don't move my arm or wrist. I anchor my wrist on a hard gel wrist rest, and move the mouse with my thumb and little finger. This is comfortable and very economical as far as movement.

And I must tell everyone about this. I just bought the Logitech Wheel Mouse, the little blue optical one. This thing kicks ASS! It moves so fast and is soooo accurate. It is one of the best things I have ever bought. I'm glad I didn't buy one of those big heavy things. This is fast, light and easy to use. And the best part is it only set me back $25. This with a five year warranty. I'm happy.

I could have got the Microsoft optical for $20. But I tried it and all of them were too big and slow, and the click on the buttons lagged in comparison. This goes for all of the Microsoft opticals. They fit well in your palm if you use your arm to move it. But I don't do this.

As far a Trackballs, they are more of a pain for me as they cramp up my thumb, and seem unnatural. And they are less accurate for me as I have my technique DOWN with a mouse. Especially if I have my wristrest handy.

 

[Cerb]

Ever since Doom I have used a mouse...for FPS, I cannot get myself to use a trackball.
I always liked the logitech marble one that had the ball coming out of the side and the buttons on the other...but alas, too small for my hand. Now M$ makes one just like it but twice as big...so I have one ordered...a PS/2 optical mouse and a USB trackball

 

[Sir Fredrick]

I'm using a trackman Marble FX+ at school and my parents have a Logitech Marble Mouse here at home. I'm not a big fan of the marble mouse, but the marble FX+ is wonderful, and both beat a conventional mouse. They're easy to use and precise. And with the Marble FX+ scrolling has never been easier - even side to side!

 

[iknowcomputers2]

<<
Confessions of a track-ball freak:

I used to swear by them, and had the same Logitech track-ball for two years and never thought I'd go back to a mouse...
>>

huh, i thought once you were a track-ball user you always were, their was no going back, it was in the genes or something

oh wait, that's something else, my bad . . .

 

[fs5]

I've had a Logitech Marble Trackball for close to 4 years now, still works like new (optical) and thumb based. It's great in my opinon but if you're not willing to put in the time to get used to them, go w/ a mouse. Here's the latest model of the logitech, wireless and it fits my palm PERFECTLY. The FX version is not good IMO>

 

[Zipperhead]

no

 

[rockhard]

Ive got a logitech marble trackball (sideways ball for thumb use) which is cordless
I used to hate being cramped up to the puter desk with a normal mouse
Now i just sit back on my living room chair and either put the trackball on my knee, or if i lay back, pop it on my stomach.
Browsing has never been so comfortable
I also have a MS Intellieye mouse runnin at the same time on the same puter so that i can use it for FPS games when required, tho' i prefer the trackball for RTS games. Win2K seems quite happy having 2 mouses running at the same time, but i only installed the logitech software.

Why not try running both a trackball and a normal mouse together on the same puter so u can have best of both worlds

Just got the new trackball by MS (the black cheaper one with the side ball again) for using with my laptop. I hate laptop mouse controls
This doesnt feel as well made as my logitech but i do like the explorer style extra buttons for scrolling back and forth through web pages.

Oh yeah, took me about 2 months to get to grips with the trackball but wouldnt go back to normal mouse, only for FPS.

Heh, sorry about the mini review

rockhard =)

 

[owensdj]

brewerbob, I switched from an optical mouse to a Logitech Trackman Marble Wheel. The Trackman Marble Wheel has an optical trackball for your thumb, two buttons, and a scroll wheel. I really like using the trackball better than a mouse. My arm used to get tired after a whole day of moving that mouse around. With that Trackman, I just move my thumb a little. Also, the Trackman takes up less room on the desktop than a mouse pad.

It does take a while to get used to a trackball after you've been using a mouse. You'll keep wanting to move your whole hand instead of just your thumb. Your thumb has to get used to doing precise pointer movements.

One possible disadvantage to the Trackman Marble Wheel is that it's right-handed only. I'm actually left-handed, but I've always used a mouse right-handed, so this was not a problem for me.

Trackman Marble Wheel at Buy.com

 

[sandorski]

Logitech trackman marble+ is the ultimate gaming pointing device. IMO.

I hate using a mouse now, I literally get nauseated using them.

 

[Maverick]

I think all these posts just show that it depends on the user.
I knew a guy in high school who could out-rocket fight anyone in quake2 with his trackball.
But I also knew a guy who could rail people from across the map with his mouse.

It all depends on what you like and what you're used to. Trackballs take a lot of getting used to, but they can be deadly accurate when you become proficient.

As far as non-gaming use I don't think it really matters...I personally stick with a mouse just because trackballs aren't very common and if I have to switch it becomes a pain. I wouldn't want to get into the situation where I'm used to doing things a certain way at home with a trackball but I have to do things differently at work with a mouse.

If you really are thinking about switching...I'd suggest borrowing one from someone for 2 weeks to see how you like it before you make a purchase...trackballs can be way more expensive than mice.

 

[Dufusyte]

Logitech Optical Marble symmetrical trackball, golf ball sized ball moved by fingers, great for fps! Only has two buttons, but I use it for gaming because the trackball gives such great mobility.

There is such a wide variety of trackballs. i would not recommend every trackball. In fact, the symmetrical Marble is the only one I would recommend. Thumb balls always seemed freaky to me, but then again I've never used one except for the ones on display.

One day trackballs will rule the world.

 

[lenjack]

If you get used to one, you will find it difficult (about 2 weeks) to switch to the other. If you're just starting out, do yourself a favor and go Trackball, with index finger ball. My ultimate...Logitech Trackman Marble FX.

 

[TheOverlord]

i just got a logitch cordless trackman fx and its the best thing ever...no more shifting my had around i keep my arm still and work with ease...and with no cord i can more into wherever is comfortable to work...best of all i got it for 30 bucks from jgs300z in the For Sale section here on anand's...hes still got a lot of mice up for grabs i recommend looking him up, good trader

 

[Technonut]

I just received an MS Optical TrackBall, and I think it is great. I have a 20&quot; monitor, and like being able to sit back with it on my leg while I websurf. It is great for gaming/apps also. This thing is very fast (tracks ball movement 2000 times per second) and accurate. Smoothest mouse I have used to date.

EDIT: I purchased mine from jgs300z also. Brand new, current model retail box, 3 year MS warranty, for a very good price!

 

[Philly C]

I used the Logitech Trackman FX for about 2 years and I loved it. But as soon as I saw the new Microsoft Trackball Explorer, I had to try it. Guess what I'm using now.
All trackball users check it out here

 

[EvilKnevil]

well..it all depends on personal choice- just like how some people prefer ergo keyboards to normal ones...

my personal choice is a trackball

had a kensington orbit and now have a logitech marble mouse

wish it was USB tho...

 

[rockhard]

Philly C - How do u find your Explorer Tackball for gaming?

I found the thumb operated trackballs not much cop for gaming, but seeing as the Explorer is mounted for fingertip operation, do u find this better?

rockhard =)

 

[spaceman]

I just got a rb 2000 my hands are small,i must admit this mouse really takes some getting used to

 

[Namuna]

At work I use the Microsoft Intellimouse with Scroll
At home I use Kensington Trackball

Trackball:
* Small footprint
* Long scrolls without having to pickup
* Takes a little getting used to
* Gotta clean the rollers alot though, especially if you've got sweaty hands
* IMO, there's NOTHING better for UT/Q3 type games than using the Trackball

Mouse:
* The scroll wheel is quite useful
* Need some desk real estate for rolling
* Standard equipment, nothing to have to get used to


Good luck in finding something you like.