trackball for 3D?

[JMulder]

I'd say it depends on which type of trackball you use. I use a 'thumb' ball at home (or a pen on my new TabletPC :)), and a 'finger' ball at work. The 'finger' ball is much more precise, and the 'thumb' ball is less precise and can cause cramping.

Either way, trackballs have one advantage over mice when it comes to precision...you can press a button without touching the ball. I can't count the number of times I've carefully placed a mouse, only to have it move when I press one of the buttons.:scream:

Both trackballs I use are Microsoft opticals, and they move pretty well. The only complaints I really have are the thumb cramping at home, and that the balls tend to pick up finger oils and get a little sticky (easy to clean, though).

[zeroice013]

Have you ever used this one? http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22&pcid=10426173-9aba-45eb-b7ce-af9ef9724d3d&type=ovr
I can get it pretty cheap so I'd like to know if it's any good.

[circle frame]

Never used that one but I used this (http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22&pcid=a9fdd4c0-41da-4045-9d6f-f087c17ffd30&type=ovr) one for quite some time, until I got sick of cleaning the ball and its holder. Not sure if I would recommend it for 3d work though. Since I found it was hard sometimes to hold down a mouse button and roll the ball at the same time.

[Maven]

I have been using a trackball at home and work for about 5 years or so. I do not like the finger balls I only use the thumb ball.

This is my favorite. http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2150,CONTENTID=5002

and I don't use cordless EVER!

[azloha]

personally i hate this. i prefer wacom tablet pen....

:thumbsup:

[tbaylymca]

Personally, I have found the logitec thumb trackballs to be of better quality (smoother ball, ergonomics felt better) than microsoft, but I haven't used a microsoft one for a few years. I have always been interested in the big "pro" kensington trackballs but never tried one. I find that trackballs are far superior to mice in any app, once you get accostomed to it. And you won’t be plagued by that nasty geek callous that grows on your wrist from using a mouse.

[djmagick]

I am a big fan of trackballs, however i use the Logitech Marble Mouse variety of them. My reasons being first that i have very limited desk space, and the trackball simply stays where i put it. Second that it gives me much more precision than i am able to achieve using a mouse. Most importantly i think is that in the long term it is much more ergonomic and allows me to use more of my fingers to move it around, i find it relacing to keep the heel of my hand on the desk and lightly brush with my fingertips with the ball. This was the original reason i chose this pointer was cramps i was getting in my hand from mousing, and i found relief right away with this configuration. As far as any precison work goes, for cameras, keyframing and lights i would say go with the trackball. For drawing, painting and retouching i would say use a tablet. i have both hooked up to my system simultaneously so i can use either when necessary.

[CHip]

Have you ever used this one? http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22&pcid=10426173-9aba-45eb-b7ce-af9ef9724d3d&type=ovr
I can get it pretty cheap so I'd like to know if it's any good.

i have two of those ones, for work and home. ive been using it at work for about a year, but the one at home i havent used as much, so it doesnt feel as nice to use. its a great trackball once its been worn in.

makes CG on a laptop easier too!

[Jaycee77]

I use a Logitech trackball (finger ball) and I love it. I use a "normal" mouse at work and the difference between the two, to me at least, is night and day. I actually look forward to coming home just to use my track ball after being forrced to use a "normal" mouse all day long. Honestly speaking I will probably always use a track ball over a conventional mouse.

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