Microsoft Optical Trackball User Opinions?

[pyarnall]

I am a SolidWorks user with a 3D Connexion Space Mouse on my left hand and a cordless Microsoft Optical mouse on the right. My right hand is bordering on repeteitive stress injury and I want to pursue alternatives. The Microsoft Optical Trackball looks promising as it uses the thumb to control the ball with the other controls more or less normal. I would greatly appreciate any comments from users of this device or similar to reduce the gripping action required with a mouse.

 

[roamer1]

I have alot of trouble with my hands, a regular mouse will wear me out in a couple of hours... I can highly recommend a PS/2 Logitech TrakMan (? $80 USD). The very large ball is easy to operate, and the formfactor is much more natural. I can also highly rate a glidepoint or touchpad similiar to those found on laptops (I think mine was Synaptics), although the Trakman is more versatile and useful for my particular disfunction. Other helpful things: a desk deep enough so that my forearms could fully rest on the desktop, and a really good chair with a high back (lumbar too, while you're at it) and armrests. Silly things, I know, but believe me- they make all the difference in the world.

 

[ToryG]

Trackball's are great for people that have hand problems or Carpal Tunnel. The Logitech optical Trackball is what I have used for years, but the MS trackball is great also. The only bad part of a trackball is that you will still get the optical sensors that get gummed up. If you don't do any gaming then a trackball will really save you. Gaming will wear your thumb out after a few minutes.

ToryG

 

[chaosinc]

as for my opinion on trackballs, i prefer the logitech models. logitech trackman wheel is what i am currently using. i find that it is even superior when i do game.
won't go back to a mouse again.
knoweldge is power, spread the power

 

[pyarnall]

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I have ordered the Logitech Wireless Optical Trackman (ball) and I'll give that a go. I am sure it will take a while to retrain my muscle memory habits with a mouse, but anything which reduces the constant gripping is going to help. If any of you are 3D CAD folks, I can't speak highly enough about the 3D Connexion Space Mouse Plus. This alone takes a big load off the mouse hand. A "must have" item.

 

[Panoff]

I've been using a trackball for over 10 years. I would never go back to a mouse.
I started with a Logitech trackman and am now using a MS Optical. In my opinion, this is the best. Once you get onto using your thumb, I'll think you'll like it.

 

[adkmom]

Here's another option- assuming you do not need super-fast, ultra-precise movement (as in games like Unreal, etc...):

Available PS2 or USB. I bought USB because I could leave the PS2 hooked up at the same time for games- I use the finger mouse for internet cruising. Sit back, relax!

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-b...nline&catalog=cablesonline&query=finger mouse

Or, if you want to get really fancy & tech cool:

http://www.bosswave.com/mouse/finring/index.shtml

Mom