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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: DGB on January 04, 2003, 08:52:45 PM

Title: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: DGB on January 04, 2003, 08:52:45 PM

Hi All,
I am looking for some alternative to the old Amiga mouse.  I had a trackball once but it gradually got worse as time passed and finally it got to the point where it was beyond help.  I tried cleaning it but that just didn't do it.  The mouse is fine for text and gadgets but I never liked it for working with paint and photo programs.  I have a Logitech wireless for my Pee Cee  that isn't too bad and I like not being restricted by the wire but I still don't like it for paint and photo work.  Does anyone out there know of an alternative?  Maybe some kind of pad and stylus arrangement...   Anyone, Anyone???

Dave

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: Nick on January 04, 2003, 09:01:13 PM

Get a Punchinella Mk3. You could then use your Logitech mouse. Best to get a Logitech one as they are fully supported. Some other ones may not work anyway.

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: on January 04, 2003, 09:18:21 PM

Or maybe a graphics tablet for drawing?

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: Castellen on January 04, 2003, 11:16:34 PM

It's mainly personal preference to what you use, but personally I like
trackballs.  Mainly the Alfa Data ones.
Though it's not a cordless device, you're not restricted by the cord becase you
don't move the whole unit like you do with a mounse.
Rather than moving your wrist or forearm to use it, a trackball only involves
moving your fingers.
Plus I find them more precise than a mouse for graphics work.

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: MAD on January 05, 2003, 12:31:05 AM

Hoya!

@Castellen

I got an Alfa Data trackball (a Crystal one) but it's quite old and
weary now... Where could I find a new one for a reasonable price?

Thanks in advance.

Be funky

M A D

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: Argo on January 05, 2003, 12:37:32 AM

Try a BAT (flying mouse) (http://www.freshangles.com/fastforward/technobuzz/articles/38.html).

Or have a look here (http://www.almaden.ibm.com/u/zhai/papers/siggraph/final.html) for other options.

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: lurkist on January 05, 2003, 02:08:44 AM

I agree, Logitech optical trackballs rule!

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: jahc on January 05, 2003, 04:29:44 AM

I dont know how good PC serial mice are, but you can plug them into your Amigas serial port and use a serial mouse driver off aminet. Do a search for "serial mouse" and you will find a few there to try. I havent done this myself, but you may want to give it a go.

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: Castellen on January 05, 2003, 12:07:34 PM

@MAD:
I'm not sure exactly where you'd find a new Alfa Data trackball these days.
Chances are Eyetech, Power Computing, Software Hut or the likes may have one?

I've had to do a few repairs on mine to keep it going.
Plus you have to open them regularly and completely clean the 3 rollers and the
concave indent on the bottom case under the ball to keep them rolling smoothly.

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: odin on January 05, 2003, 12:13:58 PM

@jahc:

But where can you find serial mice in this day and age....almost as rare as Amiga mice.

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: Nick on January 05, 2003, 02:21:29 PM

I`m no big fan of trackballs. They just seem wrong. I don`t know why.
For graphics work you can`t beat a good sized graphics tablet!

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: strobe on January 08, 2003, 01:56:41 AM

I absolutely hate logitech trackballs. I prefer larger trackballs like my Kensington Turbo Mouse.

I also like trackpads, but many do not.

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: jahc on January 08, 2003, 02:14:16 AM

@strobe

I want to get a trackpad for my desktop PC, do you know where I can get one from? I think it will help my RSI a lot.. I've only rung one small computer shop but they didnt have any in stock. Dont have a yellow pages here so I cant just go through the book..

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: Mike_Amiga on January 08, 2003, 05:05:49 AM

Anythings better than the hockey puck I'm using right now., but can't be @r$ed to fork out for the stunning new infrared mice apple are producing these days.

Yes, thats right. They have lazers in their eyes.

ARGH! (http://pub69.ezboard.com/fmonstrousthehavenofmonstersfrm3.showMessage?topicID=43.topic)

This link isn't working is it?!



 8-)

Title: Re: MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?
Post by: strobe on January 08, 2003, 05:50:22 AM

@jahc:

For minimal hand movement nothing beats a big ass trackball on ball bearings. Trackpads can be tricky, a lot of people hate them. A Kensington Turbo Mouse works well for me, but it's $100 new.

I have a bunch of trackpads but they are all ADB. I don't use PCs much.