MOUSE, TRACKBALL, PAD or WHAT?

[DGB]

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

[Nick]

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.

Or maybe a graphics tablet for drawing?

[Castellen]

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.

[MAD]

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

[Argo]

Try a BAT (flying mouse).

Or have a look here for other options.

[lurkist]

I agree, Logitech optical trackballs rule!

[jahc]

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.

[Castellen]

@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.

[odin]

@jahc:

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

[Nick]

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!

[strobe]

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

I also like trackpads, but many do not.

[jahc]

@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..

[Mike_Amiga]

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!

This link isn't working is it?!



 8-)

[strobe]

@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.