Anyone using a trackball instead of a mouse?

[Paul Shields]

My Apple mighty mouse is on it's last legs. Although I love the very sensitive nipple it has for scrolling anywhere around an image, this is my second MM and I'm sure if I get another it'll eventually gum up like the rest of them.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a trackball instead. It seems that once people get used to them they're more accurate for detailed work (like photoshoping) and are a better bet against future RSI. Looking at the following as an example:

Amazon.com: Kensington Expert Mouse Optical USB Trackball for PC or Mac 64325: Electronics

Anyone have any views plus or minus going down that path?

[JDArt]

I have that mouse. It's nice. Honestly I rely upon several input devices: wacom, MS mouse, and that thing. Helps in avoiding RSI.

[rickmorealnd]

I use Logitec trackballs on both Windows machine and Apple. I use the wireless Mighty Mouse with Powerbook. Also use Wacom tablet. I hate regular mice.

[Paul Shields]

I've just ordered the trackball on Amazon. This mouse is killing me - not so much in an RSI way, but just silly things like the ball getting clogged up. I'm also a lefty, so a lot of other mice out there are not so suitable. A trackball seems like the answer - and I can play Missile Command in my spare time just like the good old days .

[brian.austin]

I used the Logitech Trackman Marble for years. That's the thumb trackball model. I loved it but switched over to the Wacom tablet and use the mouse that came with it for now.

The ball still gets clogged up. Just pop it out and wipe your finger across the rollers. Easy fix.

[Thunderhawk]

Logitech track ball. All I`ve used for many years.

[Nikonfreak]

Kensington Track Ball. Used that for years and love it.

[yuzuha]

Logitech optical thumb marble here.

[craftysnapper]

Optical tracker ball and walcom tablet here.

[harryd]

Paul I hope you love yours as much as i love mine. I have used Kensington track ball's since 1994, the first one lasted until I updated my computer and the connections changed, the one I have now I (same as the one you linked to) bought in 2003 and it still works perfectly.

[Paul Shields]

I'm using it now and tbh am still struggling a bit with it. It's a big change after using a mouse for so many years. I shall persevere though .

[W.Smith]

Originally Posted by Paul Shields

This mouse is killing me - not so much in an RSI way, but just silly things like the ball getting clogged up.

You still have a mouse with a mechanical ball? That must be one from the second millennium, then.
Mac mice have been optical for years, already. No balls, or axles to clog up! With or without wires.

[harryd]

Originally Posted by Paul Shields

I'm using it now and tbh am still struggling a bit with it. It's a big change after using a mouse for so many years. I shall persevere though .

Someday you will get on a computer with a "Normal" mouse and it will feel like this one does to you now. I am so used to mine anything else is just wrong .

[silica]

I've been using the Kensington Expert Trackball with my Mac for over a year. I continue to prefer it to a mouse. It's much easier to scroll across the screen, and the buttons are nicely spaced and easy to depress. The configuration panel lets you modify the button actions and change the trackball sensitivity. The only con is that it is somewhat expensive.

[Thunderhawk]

Thought I`d show you the one that I use. This is the second one that I`ve had in like 9 years. I had to get this one because the old one would not work on my new(in nov 06) laptop. $20.00 U.S http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mi...s/156&cl=us,en

[grsphoto]

I use a microsoft trackball on my mac. It is designed for right hands only.
I am so used to it now I hate going back to a mouse.

The other reason I like it, is my desk always has clutter on it... no room for a tablet or a mouse.