Re: Suggestions for and comments on trackballs?
On Sat, 17 Feb 2001, Richard Cobbe wrote:
>Greetings, all.
>
>Over the last several months, I've been having increasing pain in my
>right wrist. A co-worker suggested that this is due to problems with
>standard mice and recommended that I try a trackball instead.
Look at the Mouse Systems one--3" diameter ball... Logitech makes a good
one as well, but I'd go with a larger ball with RSI injuries: some of
the movement can be pushed back up the arm...
>So, I'm looking for a trackball that will work well with potato/X. My
>primary goals:
>
>* at least 3 buttons that work in X.
Trivial: most trackballs have too many rather than too few.
>* I'm using potato and kernel 2.2.18, so I'd need a PS/2 connector.
?! I've used various kernels/Debian distributions and NEVER got limited
to just a ps/2 mouse. In fact, I was prevented FROM using a ps/2 mouse
oftener than I should've, but never had issues with a good old fashioned
serial.
>* the ball should be under my fingers, not my thumb, as it generates the
> most pain.
Again, go with a 3" or larger trackball. The larger the ball, the less
often you're wrist is going to move. Remember the old Centipede
trackballs that you used your palm to control because they were so big?
>* Compatibility with gdm is not an issue, as I never use it.
>
>* Other random features, like scroll wheels, extra buttons, and wireless
> connections, are extra. Ideally, I'd like to avoid these, as they
> probably drive up the price, but I'll take them if I have to.
Find youself a good old fashioned serial mouse systems or equivalent
trackball. Should be OTO $5-$15. Three buttons, 3" ball, no frills.
>I'm looking at the Kensington Expert Mouse, Kensington TurboRing,
>Kensington TurboBall, and Logitech Cordless Trackman. (All the other
>Logitech trackballs have the ball under the thumb or only 2 buttons.)
I've never used the cordless trackman, but the corded ones are passable.
>What experiences have people had with these devices under Linux?
>
>Do people have any other recommendations for trackballs (or other pointing
>devices, for that matter)?
Have you considered a touchpad? Cirque and Synaptics are well supported.
You can actually use a touchpad without any wrist movement at all...
>Thanks kindly,
>
>Richard
>
>(I'm subscribed, so no need to CC me.)
>
>
>
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