Comments | draconid: Trackballs

draconid

Trackballs

Apr 05, 2007 14:07

Does anyone have any experience of trackball mice? I need to get a new mouse that is comfortable for my RSI and I can't find any of the huge ones we have at work online anywhere. Besides, because of space issues on my desk, I think a trackball is the best plan. Yesterday in Maplin I tested the shape and size of one (it was in a box so I couldn't ( Read more... )

computers, trackball

Comments 6

miss_next April 5 2007, 13:22:10 UTC

I've never used a trackball mouse, I'm afraid; I've got a Quill at work which I find extremely comfortable, but sadly those are expensive.

draconid April 5 2007, 14:00:06 UTC

Ah, yes, I saw one of those when I was looking around. While I think it would be lovely and comfortable for my fingers I like the idea of the trackball because I don't have to move it around on the desk. If I knew it would do the job for definite I'd probably get one despite the cost - but yeah, they are a little expensive just to test..

jfargo April 5 2007, 14:14:54 UTC

I have the one with the ball in the middle, and love it.

Other than that, I have no input, sorry.

draconid April 5 2007, 14:38:56 UTC

I've ordered the cheapest (ball in middle) mouse for now. If I like it I might get the £40 version with hundreds of buttons!

amanda April 5 2007, 15:48:25 UTC

I have tried both. I found that because the ball at the side sticks out a fair bit (which may have been a design flaw in the one I used), it actually caused problems with my thumb. But then I have arthritis in my hands.

For me, with my condition, a ball in the middle is easier, since you use a couple of fingers to move it...which also means you're not placing strain on just one digit, and you'll find you move your writs less with a ball in the middle.

My friend bought me mine for a christmas pressie. It's a microsoft one, which is actually shaped to fit your hand. I'll look and see if I can find a link for it. He got it from PC World, and it wasn't all that expensive. I've used it regularly for over 2 years now, and I've never had ANY problems with it.

the_fantum April 5 2007, 15:57:16 UTC

.. I have used trackballs as conditions demanded since 1995 .. I now use a Microsoft Optical Trackball at work, and it is as good as any I have tried .. including Logitech .. and better than many. It will help relieve those aches and pains in the wrist and elbow ..