why Trackball???

[Andi R]

Hey all,
I often see pics of studios where the Editors use a trackball for Pro Tools instead of a mouse. WHY? What is better with a Trackball? I´ve never used one and am quiet curious...

Cheers,

Andi

[JustMe]

ahh... you've never used one?

be carefull, because if you try it you may never go back.

anytime i have to use a regular mouse, it just feels awkward and antiquated by comparison.

they are considerably more expensive, but because of the comfort, ease of use and cool programmability, using anything else - at least for me - would just be going backwards .

my .02

[Chris Cavell]

I find editing is easier and more precise with a trackball. It also allows you to use scrub and shuttle modes easily, and uses less desk space.

[dodo]

Kensington expert mouse. I love it.

[Carl Fuehrer]

Kensington is the only way to got for a trackball. I have having to move my hand all over the place with a mouse, run out of desk surface and find a dedicated spot on the console or desk for the mouse pad. I feel I get way more precision with a trackball.

[neomodo]

it is a preference thing I suppose - I have tried trackballs and meeces and graphics tablets and personally, I can't stand trackballs. Even though in theory they are supposed to be better in terms of Repetitive Stress issues they make my hands and wrists hurt more - and I feel as though I have a lot less ability to control stuff... It's one of those things ya either love em or can't stand them I guess... My microsoft optical intellimouse is just fine... then again I'm one of those types that can't handle video games on account of the number of buttons one has to deal with... Left, Right and Scroler wheel is about the extent of my dexterity.

I will say this - if you are interested in doing the trackball thing, don't buy a cheap one go with a Kensington or higher end Logitech. Otherwise you won't really be able to gaugue properly. Them's ain't cheap but like the guys above you may find you won't know how you managed without one before...

[Andi R]

Hey all!
Thanks for your responses!
I´m getting more and more curious, I´ll try and find a shop where I can test them... found these 2, what do you think of them?

Kensington Expert Mouse Optical

Itac Mouse Track Evolution


cheers, Andi

[JustMe]

haven't tried the kensington optical.

from a cursory look at their site, itac looks a bit lacking in programmability compared to kensington.

i use both the kensington expert and turbo mouse.

tried the expert/turbo pro, but sold it pretty quickly because the newer body design was inferior where comfort is concerned(says me). you might not mind the shape, it has a scroll wheel/button and 6 quicklaunch buttons, and i've seen a few folks here using them.

kensingtons rock.

hope you can find a place to demo one.

[Andi R]

kensingtons rock.

hope you can find a place to demo one.

me too!

[Matt Whritenour]

now for the big thing about which trackball people like better,
Thumb or Fingers?