Anyone Use A Trackball?

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jimusic
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2014/03/29 13:32:43 (permalink)

Anyone Use A Trackball?

Hey Buds,
 
I bought this yesterday, but have yet to open & try it yet.
 
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/logitech-logitech-wireless-trackball-m570-910-001799/10156318.aspx?path=f9f20992c0068d9ce21baefbf79e0c6aen02
 
Although I'm right handed, I actually use the mouse with my left hand, my keyboard in the middle and another controller on the right, but this only comes in a right handed version.
 
So any thoughts, opinions or alternates to consider?
 
Thanks, 
 
James



 
 
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    Jeff Evans
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/29 18:03:46 (permalink)
    I use a Kensington trackball in conjuntion with the mouse.  I feel both are required.  One of the things I really like about the trackball is the outer ring that surrounds the ball itself. When you get into any browser it makes scrolling a dream and much faster.
     
    They are not for everyone. I like it though. There are some operations that you can do rather smothly with the trackball compared to the mouse.  It is important to be able to use the left and right click buttons with one hand while you are also using the ball.
     
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    Dave Modisette
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/29 22:22:10 (permalink)
    I've got th
    jimusic
    Hey Buds,
     
    I bought this yesterday, but have yet to open & try it yet.
     
    http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/logitech-logitech-wireless-trackball-m570-910-001799/10156318.aspx?path=f9f20992c0068d9ce21baefbf79e0c6aen02
     
    Although I'm right handed, I actually use the mouse with my left hand, my keyboard in the middle and another controller on the right, but this only comes in a right handed version.
     
    So any thoughts, opinions or alternates to consider?
     
    Thanks, 
     
    James


    I've got the very same model.  I like track balls because I don't have the space to chase a mouse around.  Sometimes I set it on my right thigh to give my right shoulder some relief. 

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    #3
    jimusic
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 01:58:50 (permalink)
    That's the second suggestion I've got for the Kensington track ball.
     
    Is that the one you have as well Dave, or the Logitech one I haven't opened yet?



     
     
    #4
    jimusic
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 02:05:18 (permalink)
    Jeff Evans
    ...It is important to be able to use the left and right click buttons with one hand while you are also using the ball...
     
    " />


    I'm fairly good at being ambidextrous, so I'd be ok with that with either hand.
     
    I wonder if they're coming out with a wireless version any time soon, although I don't know how much that matters to me. It would stay put anyways.
    post edited by jimusic - 2014/03/30 02:09:08



     
     
    #5
    jeffb63
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 07:25:56 (permalink)
    Years ago, when I was having neck problems, I bought a little trackball that you wear on your finger and operate with your thumb.
     
    It helped with my neck problems brilliantly but after a while I developed a lump in my wrist at the base of my thumb. The doctor reckoned it was due to using my thumb too much!

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    FLZapped
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 08:25:30 (permalink)
    I'm using the Microsoft Optical trackball, which is similar - but now obsolete. Your choice should do fine. Amazon has a HUGE selection if you wanted to go browse over there.
    #7
    Jay Tee 4303
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 10:09:22 (permalink)
    I have a Logitech wireless trackball stuck w double stick pads to a Squier Strat whose output is also wireless so  i can control transport and practice w no leash.

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    garrigus
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 10:34:21 (permalink)
    Logitech is a good brand, but I'm fairly certain you'll have to use that one with your right hand. Not sure though.
     
    I use a trackball at my keyboard workstation because there's no room for a regular mouse and it works great. No need to move my hand around. Just let it sit on the trackball and I have full control over the mouse. It sits right on top of the MIDI keyboard.
     
    Scott

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    David
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 10:35:45 (permalink)
    James, I am using that exact one at home and at work, really helped wrist issues.
      It takes a bit to get used to but for me it is excelent

    David F

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    Dave Modisette
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/30 12:34:49 (permalink)
    jimusic
    That's the second suggestion I've got for the Kensington track ball.
     
    Is that the one you have as well Dave, or the Logitech one I haven't opened yet?


    I have the Logitech.  I used to have a Microsoft trackball and that was my favorite but it's no longer manufactured.
     

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    #11
    jimusic
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/31 01:26:47 (permalink)
    I think I'm gonna go for the Kensington one, whereby I can use it with either hand - and place it where convenient as well, as I'm also limited in space to move the mouse.
     
    Thanks for all the replies Buds.



     
     
    #12
    kristoffer
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/03/31 15:46:33 (permalink)
    I dont use a trackball, but using a Logitech Touchpad for the same reason as several here: both space and wrist issues. 
     
    Looks about like this: 
    http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/touchpad-t650?crid=1153
     

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    #13
    jimusic
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/04/01 02:39:35 (permalink)
    kristoffer
    I dont use a trackball, but using a Logitech Touchpad for the same reason as several here: both space and wrist issues. 
     
    Looks about like this: 
    http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/touchpad-t650?crid=1153
     


    I actually have the version one down from that one as well.  
    I should spend some more time fiddlin' with it. 



     
     
    #14
    dwardzala
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/04/02 10:25:29 (permalink)
    Another endorsement for trackballs.  I originally bought one to use with my laptop (non musical stuff) so that I didn't have to find a flat space to move a mouse around on (I hate the touchpads on laptops).  I like it so much that I swapped out my mouse on my sonar rig for one, too.
     
    I use the logitech one.

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    #15
    Living Room Rocker
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/05/01 14:01:52 (permalink)
    I use Kensington trackballs, but not the super duper one mentioned above.  I use an Orbit http://www.kensington.com/us/us/4493/K72337US/orbit%E2%84%A2-trackball-with-scroll-ring for my studio desk and an Orbit wireless http://www.kensington.com/us/us/4493/K72352US/orbit%E2%84%A2-wireless-mobile-trackball for my mobile laptop studio.  Both have a scrolling ring feature; the wired has a tactile ring like the Expert model and the wireless has a touch ring that you swipe for scrolling.  Both also have lock scrolling (for scrolling with the ball) when both buttons are pressed simultaneously.  I like the orbit over the expert simply because it takes less desk space.
     
    As for logitech's trackballs, I've used them but they are ackward (thumb ball), bulky and not comfortable to me.  The design seems to make ergonomic sense, but isn't practical in use.  My thumb just doesn't have the same "throw" as my fingers.
     
    Kind regards,
     
    Living Room Rocker
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    Littlefish
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/05/17 00:37:03 (permalink)
    This felt really awkward for the first few days. Now I love it.
    Jeff Evans
    I use a Kensington trackball in conjuntion with the mouse.  I feel both are required.  One of the things I really like about the trackball is the outer ring that surrounds the ball itself. When you get into any browser it makes scrolling a dream and much faster.
     
    They are not for everyone. I like it though. There are some operations that you can do rather smothly with the trackball compared to the mouse.  It is important to be able to use the left and right click buttons with one hand while you are also using the ball.
     
    " />





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    sharke
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/05/28 02:35:22 (permalink)
    Some people swear by trackballs, other people hate them. Maybe it has something to do with the size and shape of your hand. I used one for a while a few years ago and loved it initially, then after one particularly epic Photoshop/Lightroom session I realized that my hand hurt like buggery. It was all seized up. I trashed the trackball the next day and went back to a regular mouse. 
     
    Another option of course is the vertical mouse, these are (purportedly) good if you have tendon problems as they force the arm and wrist into a less damaging position. I used to know a woman with crippling tendinitis and she swore by hers. 

    James
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    jimusic
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    Re: Anyone Use A Trackball? 2014/05/28 15:10:10 (permalink)
    sharke
    ...Another option of course is the vertical mouse, these are (purportedly) good if you have tendon problems as they force the arm and wrist into a less damaging position. I used to know a woman with crippling tendinitis and she swore by hers... 

    Hmmm. I've not heard of a vertical mouse. I'm curious though. 
     
    Any links there, sharkey?



     
     
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