topic Re: Input Device Upgrade in Installation & update

Input Device Upgrade

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Feb 2004 22:33:55 GMT

We currently have all "stock" mice that have come with the various workstations, all mac some G4's and a couple new G5's, and have finally decided it's time to upgrade to better pointing devices. Any suggestions or recommendations of what to buy for both mice and trackballs?

Re: Input Device Upgrade

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:38:30 GMT

I've been using the Kensington travel mice very happily; both fixed and retractable cord varieties. I like the small size and I have found that two buttons and a scroll wheel are all I want. Kensington makes larger ones too if the small size does not appeal. Mine work in OSX without any special drivers; just plug them in and everything works as expected.

I have never liked track balls so I can't be of any help there.

Re: Input Device Upgrade

Dave Jochum — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 02:19:56 GMT

I use a Kensington Expert Mouse Pro. I've used dozens of other devices over the years and, personally, I don't think anything else compares. I've never liked mice, even the cordless variety, due to the real estate they demand and the extra effort neccesary to use them. With a trackball your hand barely moves--it's all finger work. I've never experienced a single glitch with Kensington software, and I've used their products since the late '80's. Plus, the software allows me to do many things that I would otherwise have to move my hands and eyes to the keyboard to accomplish.

My Powerbook is another issue for another time.

Re: Input Device Upgrade

__archiben — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 11:04:10 GMT

i use a macally 'icemouse'

very nice to hold and use.

~/archiben

Re: Input Device Upgrade

JCovarrubias — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 16:23:24 GMT

I use between 2-3 computers at my workstation area, and I use an old Kensington Turboball [edit: it has five-buttons inc. scroll] on my G4 notebook. I'm a big Kensington fan for trackball devices in general.

The mouse I use with Windows is an older Logitech Optical dual-sensor (though the new MX series Optical mice are amazing I hear).

Re: Input Device Upgrade

Rick Thompson — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 18:36:22 GMT

I would highly recommend going with a 5 button mouse. I use a Kensington Optical Elite and love it. Having a scroll to zoom with is something I would never give up without a battle. I have a button set to Macs Expose and one set to delete... plus double click and one for the contextual menu. Your work efficiency will take a dramatic shift going from a standard Mac pone button mouse. I tried the cordless version, but found it too heavy.

Re: Input Device Upgrade

Ignacio Azpiazu — Mon, 01 Mar 2004 22:33:46 GMT

Is there anyone out there who having got used at some point to a trackball still prefers a mouse?

Re: Input Device Upgrade

Dave Jochum — Tue, 02 Mar 2004 00:27:37 GMT

Ignacio wrote:
Is there anyone out there who having got used at some point to a trackball still prefers a mouse?

Just to be clear, I use a Kensington Expert Mouse Pro TRACKBALL. My previous post may have been confusing--sorry. Anyway, I am NOT one that prefers a mouse.

Re: Input Device Upgrade

JCovarrubias — Tue, 02 Mar 2004 12:37:36 GMT

JCovarrubias wrote:
I use between 2-3 computers at my workstation area, and I use an old Kensington Turboball [edit: it has five-buttons inc. scroll] on my G4 notebook. I'm a big Kensington fan for trackball devices in general.

The Kensington Turboball is a trackball, and I prefer these devices when space is limited, otherwise I like optical mice (mouse's).