Any trackball fans or foes in the hive?

I've been contemplating getting one to try, but there doesn't seem to be much selection and they appear pretty pricey also, so I'm inclined not to bother.

Would I be missing out or making a mistake?

I love trackballs and would use them if I didn't play so many games. This seems to be the current equivalent of what I used to use, I had it for a good few years and was very happy with it. I found it generally faster for desktop stuff but having less fine control. Great for moving things around, clicking links, selecting things and so on, not so great for drawing or playing FPSes (although I did used to play CS with it).

 

I don't think that link links to what you think it links to.

That could have been worse.

(nod)

PB - I've tried using trackballs in the past and quickly realised they weren't for me. I've got far more control over a mouse.

Coincidentally, I've got one of these on my desk at the moment after someone with RSI brought it back to us having decided it wasn't helping her. I've had a go with it and I'm not sure I'm using it correctly, would you use one or two fingers on the ball? My hand comfortably fits with my index and middle fingers over the ball leaving the ring and thumb for the left and right click. I guess having two fingers on the ball helps with stability, but without using it for a length of time to get used to things I don't know if it's more precise.

O'course, and as with any type of ergonomics, it's down to personal preference. You can get used to anything given enough time.

If desk space is at a premium, could you not just get a bigger desk? :D
 

Yes. I use one for use with my laptop. It's a Logitech M570 and I really like it. Much easier than using the touchpad or fingering the nipple. So I finger my ball instead. Well, thumb it. And I drew a picture of or just for you.

I really want to try one of these :

http://m.dabs.com/products/3dconnexion-spacenavigator-usb-3dx-700028-4NCX.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc%20product%20search&utm_campaign=Computing%20-%20PC%20Peripherals%20-%20Keyboards%20and%20Mice&gclid=CjwKEAiA9om3BRDpzvihsdGnhTwSJAAkSewLJYBSPLRsUypRLupSUqem878IR0PNDlx1nbMvjvodQRoCs-_w_wcB

Haha. Oops.

 

This.

Spacey.

From reading their blurb on the how it works page they suggest that you'd use that gizmo for navigation and a normal mouse for getting around.

 

Not sure what the exact work flow is to be honest, but I hear lots of people raving about them for 3d cad/modelling.

My concern is that I might not have the coordination required to move it and not twist at the same time. I never could get the hang of that on my Wigwam extreme. Actually, I wonder if I still have my Wigwam extreme - could use the motion components in that to make my own one to try out.

You're the Neil Buchanan of the tech world.

Snap! I read some people complaining about the clicky button things breaking but so far it's been fine for me. Can't remember if it's 2 or 3 years old.

I don't play lead guitar in a metal band, though.

That surprised me - I only found out he was in a band after googling the spelling of his name today. :J

Looks like they had an off period, not releasing an album between 1984 and 2010. That kinda coincides with his TV career. Selfish bugger, off promoting himself on TV, the rest of the band must have been looking on aghast.

If you think that's bad, just wait for the revival of D:Ream :| :| :|

To be fair, it can only get better.

 (pyfitg)

Yeah, mine lasted me years without problems which a mouse has never managed. Also popping the ball out and giving it a clean is strangely satisfying (YJ).

 :-((