Trackball versus mouse for laptop

[SaltyNuts]

I have a lap top that I play games on occasionally in bed before I go to sleep. Obviously a mouse is not very practical in this situation. I can't stand using that little pad on my laptop to click around - its awful. Is a trackball the way to go? Are they roughly comparable to mouses, just work a little different? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[frowertr]

Lots of people that use trackballs (me!) can't hardly ever go back to using regular mice. So, yes, trackballs are the ONLY way to go for EVERYTHING. I'm a trackball convert going all the way back to 1996.

But, yes, if you are lying in bed than a trackball would be perfect here. You don't have to move your hand at all. All you need is your thumb. So having a lumpy blanket under the trackball won't effect it at all like it would a regular mouse.

Edit: By the way, this is the trackball I'm referring to: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-...UTF8&qid=1461941916&sr=1-1&keywords=trackball

Not this kind: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Trac...UTF8&qid=1461941916&sr=1-2&keywords=trackball

 

[giantpandaman2]

By the way, this is the trackball I'm referring to: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-...UTF8&qid=1461941916&sr=1-1&keywords=trackball

Yes, I use that on my desktop as my everyday driver. Bulletproof and great for gaming.

 

[sandorski]

Vote++ M570

Kinda wish there was a corded version, but overall it's a great trackball.

 

[Gunbuster]

For clicking around games like a RTS or MMORPG I can see it. However you will get murdered in a FPS.

 

[sandorski]

For clicking around games like a RTS or MMORPG I can see it. However you will get murdered in a FPS.

Works fine for FPS games. Keep in mind the OP is using this in bed as well.

 

[frowertr]

For clicking around games like a RTS or MMORPG I can see it. However you will get murdered in a FPS.

I was in a Q2 CTF clan back in the day (~1997) and all I ever used was a trackball. I can't use a regular mouse in a FPS to save my life.

It's just what you get used to using.

 

[giantpandaman2]

For clicking around games like a RTS or MMORPG I can see it. However you will get murdered in a FPS.

I was a pretty decent TF2 player back in the day. (I could get a few pill/rocket airshots in while playing demoman or soldier per game.) I found the trackball made me pretty good at snap shooting, but it wasn't as good for sniping.

On a bed, though, I would say the trackball clearly beats a mouse in all ways.

 

[stockwiz]

The worst thing about all these little pads is the way they insist on programming them to "tap to click" .. logitech does this with their wireless keyboards with the mouse track pads on them.. try to disable them and they seem to turn back on right away. It's infuriating. How many people actually tap to click versus wanting to turn the thing off due to inadvertent clicks? I bet it's 90/10 for people who want that off.

I'm still using Logitech MX-518's on both my systems, unfortunately the cord on my bedroom one is starting to go where they usually go.. I'm going to have to find some substitute at some point. I wonder if those ebay clones of them are any good....

 

[nerp]

Too bad they don't make a small trackball that plugs into a USB port and stays right there like a dongle so you can use it connected to the machine like it slides out from the side.

Another thought is perhaps getting a ThinkPad with the trackpoint. Not the best for games but it eliminates the need for an external accessory.

 

[SaltyNuts]

Thanks a ton guys - I'm going with the M570 - will report back!

 

[Oyeve]

I use Kensingtons expert mouse wireless track ball. For everything. Its great in FPS as you can have acceleration on. I've been using Kensington pro track balls for well over 10 years.

 

[techfenix]

Hi guys,

Getting a new mouse for my laptop. And yes, I use to play some games on it.
But, I am thinking of buying a ASUS laptop, not sure which one yet. Need some more money also, but what I can afford is a new gaming mouse.

I checked the M570 Wireless but dont know if its to much for me. Or if its to big to bring when you are moving the laptop.

I found Amazons own mouse and Razor mouse in a chart ( http://technemag.com/best-laptop-mouse/ ) But I am not sure if these reviews are so accurate. The Razor mouse seems to have wire though, and I still would like to go for wireless.. Amazon can surely produce high end products today, so it wouldn't surprise me if its a good product.

Do you have any other advices on mouse for laptop? Both for gaming and regular use.. it should be ergonomic also..

Thanks in advance

 

[giantpandaman2]

Well, trackballs take a few days to get used to. After that, they're great. From everything I've seen, trackballs last waaaaaaaay longer than most mice. I actually haven't had a trackball break on me ever. I only switched to the m570 from my old logitech trackball because the DPI was too low for modern OS's.

If you're running on good surfaces, though, and prefer a mouse, then just get whatever one you prefer.