Does anyone use a Trackball?

[D-Dan]

Just lately I'm starting to find using a mouse uncomfortable - aching in my two outermost fingers and lower arm etc. Now I don't want to suffer permanent damage, so I'm thinking a trackball may be the answer, and I quite like the look of this one: http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Peripherals/Mice/Logitech+Cordless+TrackMan+Optical+USB%2F+%26+PS%2F2+?productId=19545

Does anyone use a trackball, and can anyone recommend this model. I'm a long time fan of Logitech keyboards and mice, (and Aria is close enough to work that I can call tomorrow lunch).

Steve

[Glenn]

I use the MS version of this mouse http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-904353-0909-TrackMan-Wheel/dp/B00005QKHC/ref=pd_sbs_ce_img_1 its easy to use but does need cleaning once a month

[Sebby]

I've never really got on with them, but then I haven't really tried. I'd imagine that if you use it daily it would become extremely easy to use, and may well be more comfortable than a mouse. It's worth a shot.

[Rik]

Have you thought about using a graphics tablet, Steve? They take a bit of getting used to, but once you make the adjustment they are very quick and natural to use.

[mogden]

I have used thumb trackballs for the past 10 years, and the Logitech cordless one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Wireless-TrackMan-Wheel-Mouse/dp/B000092QUR/ref=pd_bxgy_ce_img_b is the best I have used (so far!).

To Glenn, don't you find the ball on the Microsoft one quite hard to move compared to the Logitech? Also VERY big compared! Assuming you meant http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22&pcid=10426173-9aba-45eb-b7ce-af9ef9724d3d&type=ovr

[Lance]

Steve, have you tried using a mousemat with a gel wrist support? I started getting the same as you whilst at work (I use a computer most of the day, every day) and found that the gel wrist support solved the problems.

[Ann]

I bought a PUK wrist support.  http://www.pukme.com/ It's been excellent for my hand problems at work.  However it was unfortunate that the owner guy selling them on ebay was totally obnoxious and used my email address to send me spam.  I believe that he also sold my address.  But it still remains that the wrist rest thingy is very good.

[Rik]

Shame about the colours.

Did you complain to eBay about the seller, Ann?

[Ann]

I got a blue one.. everything is blue in my corner at work..

Yes, I complained about him.. I did get some sort of reply from ebay but I don't think anything happened to him.

[Rik]

I could send round a rugby team for you, Ann.

Are you feeling OK now, btw?

[Ann]

The rugby team would cheer me up no end, Rik.  Just contemplating work on Monday is a bit ugh but apart from that and the inexplicable weirdness that I can't stomach the thought of alcohol just yet, I'm fine.

[Rik]

the inexplicable weirdness that I can't stomach the thought of alcohol just yet

That sounds serious, Ann. I think you should take a month off to recover.

[D-Dan]

Thanks for the answers folks.

Rik - I have a graphics tablet - but for general navigation I find it a nuisance - I only use it for graphics work that requires very fine control.

I wanted to get the Logitech cordless mouseman - but when I turned up at Aria they don't stock them - web only. So I called at Comet on the way home and picked up the Logitech corded Marble Mouse for about half the price. I figure it isn't moving - so corded is OK - and I can see how well I get on with it before I shell out on an expensive one.

I have to say that - first ten minutes - I like it already ready. Much more comfortable and I can imagine it will stop the aches since I don't have to move my hand around.

I never thought of a wrist support - doh! Well, if I don;t get on with the trackball - that will be my next port of call

Steve

[Lance]

I'd recommend get the wrist support anyway, Steve. They make such a difference!

[Inactive]

I'd recommend get the wrist support anyway, Steve. They make such a difference!

I didn't take you as someone that would need a " wrist support " Lance.. 

[D-Dan]

Well - the good news is - after all night on the PC - doing what I usually do (running my SecondLife club) - I have no aching whatsoever.

I'm still trying to adjust to the different way of moving he pointer - but this feels so much more intuitive, too.

And I may get that wrist support anyway, In. You can never have too much of a good thing.

Steve

PS - I'm still at the stage where my instinct is to push the damn thing across the desk - wonder how long before I try too hard and throw it through my monitor?!?

[Rik]

You can always turn it over... 

[Simon]

You can always turn it over... 

Yes, but then everything would be upside down. 

[Rik]

It's hell pressing the buttons too.

[talos2]

Just lately I'm starting to find using a mouse uncomfortable - aching in my two outermost fingers and lower arm etc. Now I don't want to suffer permanent damage, so I'm thinking a trackball may be the answer, and I quite like the look of this one: http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Peripherals/Mice/Logitech+Cordless+TrackMan+Optical+USB%2F+%26+PS%2F2+?productId=19545

Does anyone use a trackball, and can anyone recommend this model. I'm a long time fan of Logitech keyboards and mice, (and Aria is close enough to work that I can call tomorrow lunch).
I used to use one very much like that one ,same make anyway, because of lack of space on my workstation. They are very good once you get used to them and stop trying to push it round, the only downside I found was the actual ball would get sticky with the grease off your hands and it was essential to clean it regularly with warm soapy water to stop a build up of dirt under the ball which could be hard to clean and the response erratic.
despite this I would still reccomend one.
Steve