Trackballs

[Sixpac]

I just upgraded my mouse from a MS Intellimouse Optical to a MS Optical Trackball explorer.

(I'd link a picture of the MS Explorer Trackball but they split their image into 4 parts)

Just had it for 2 hours and the trackball doesn't feel that comfortable as the mouse. I do like that I don't have to mouse my hand around (saves desk space) but what I don't like is that both left and right click buttons are to the left of the trackball.

Hmmmm, now I wonder what people here have to say about their experiences with Trackballs. How are the Logitech trackballs?


[This message has been edited by Sixpac (edited 08-22-2001).]

[sharder8]

Sixpac --

I have the Logitech Cordless Wheel Trackman and it is shaped to fit the palm of your hand. The ball is on the thumb side and the two buttons are on the finger side. I really enjoy it and it has been working extremely well. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

It sounds like you found yourself a "Left" handed Trackball! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif I've never seen one set up like that!

Harder

[Sixpac]

Nope its the regular MS Trackball Explorer.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouse/trackballexp/trackballexp.asp

sixpac

[korgul]

This is the one that I just bought about 3 weeks ago. It takes a little getting used to but i would not go back to a regular mouse.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouse/trackballOpt/trackballopt.asp

It is a great mouse if you play games. A flick of the thumb and you are facing the other direction. Killer

korgul

[RayH]

I'm using a Logitec Optical Tracball. The ball itself is probably the best I've ever had. No problems.

But I really don't prefer the shape. It tries to be a bit designer looking like a mouse. But the buttons are on each side.

I actually prefer a very unassuming flat tracball. It's more ergonomic!

BTW, I've always used a trackball because I'm a southpaw and have no room on my desk for a wandering mouse!

[This message has been edited by RayH (edited 08-22-2001).]

[conjh13]

Hmm... You say the buttons are to the left of the ball, but it's the trackball in the picture on the link you posted. Well, in that case, the only thing I can think of is you've got the trackball turned the wrong way. I find that hard to believe...

Looking at the pics you posted, the ball is supposed to be used by the index finger, there's a button on the left side for your thumb, and the left and right buttons are intended to be used by your middle and ring fingers.

I use a Logitech trackball. Of the trackballs Logitech currently offers on their site, it's most like this one (http://www.logitech.com/cf/products/productoverview.cfm/89) , but it's an older, less ergonomic model, though it is optical. I had an intellimouse optical when I bought this one, and I soon gave the mouse to my sister. (She likes mice. Eh, computer mice.) http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif Yep, I love the trackball.

[Cody]

conjh: no, you are wrong. There are two ADDITIONAL buttons on the right. Those are for assigning yourself.

The "normal"buttons are on the left to be used with your (thumb, I believe).

[Sixpac]

Thanks for all the replies. I went back to www.londondrugs.com (http://www.londondrugs.com) and exchanged my MS Trackball for the Logitech Trackman Wheel.

I like the Logitech 'cause the ball is smaller and the buttons are on the right side of the trackball which I feel makes it a more comfortable mouse. Also the ball is much smaller then the MS one. All in all I find it fits my hand better. I am 30 but I don't have Basketball player hands. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Sixpac

[Sixpac]

Well, since using the Logitech Trackball

<IMG SRC="http://www.logitech.com/lang/global/images/productov89.gif" border=0>

for about 3 hours, it feels more comfortable and I like that the click buttons are to the right of the smaller trackball.

I just flop my hand onto this standing Mouse and my fingers just 'seem' to find the buttons properly and the trackball. Feels alot better.

The two things missing on the Logitech over the MS Trackball is the two extra mouse buttons. Personally I never use them (have also a MS Intellimouse Explorer). But I will need to test this Logitech sucker out on UT. I do really like the cool "))" besides the trackball though on the Logitech!

I just don't know about the MS trackball, the ball is much too big for me. Usually I find Microsoft Mouse products to be superior to anyone else but I think Logitech has a winner with their product.

Thanks Logitech! Works great!

Sixpac

[This message has been edited by Sixpac (edited 08-22-2001).]

[surrealchereal]

Well, I prefer the logitech cordless wheel mouse, fits my hand better. As a matter of fact I have a couple track ball mice I should probably sell. I don't think I will go back now that I have the latest Logitech cordless it's perfect for me. It also opperates in a space no bigger than about 5x7
inches. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif