Does anyone use a trackball instead of a mouse for games besides me?

[Helevitia]

It seems as though most people use mice for games. To me, the trackball seems the logical choice because it is stationary. Mice tend to get off base and I find myself constantly re-centering the mouse. I guess there is one thing I kind of do different and that is I rest my index and middle finger on the trackball on the middle digits of those two fingers where as most people use the tip of there index finger. My brother is insane, he uses the Logitech with the trackball on the side where you need to use your thumb and he plays games like this. I don't know how he does it. blah blah blah...



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I can never think of a good signature...~

[xippo@work]

Yes, your insane. BWAWHAHAHA!
Just kidding...

Use what you like. Most ppl use a mouse, but I know your not alone.

xippo

[ALBPM]

BWAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! I guess I'm insane too

I use a Logitech Trackman Marble FX. I use it for graphics and just don't feel like changing to a mouse just for games.

Paul

[Greebe]

Dave, I've tried my Marble + (proper name for the thumb ball one) for games like UT... but it sucks (look like Pauly "Spinner" Mahl LOL). Went back to me mouse

Now I do like using it for Forsaken... in that, it's bad to the bone

[ALBPM]

The Marble+ (thumball) did suck even for graphics...LOL

Hey I'm not doing as many backflips as I used to...

Paul aka Darth_Spinner_Mahl

[Helevitia]

yeah, that thumb ball gives me severe cramps when using it. My brother swears by it but did admit it took almost a year for his thumb to get used to it
I'm using the Logitech Marble Mouse. It gives me total control.

Dave

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I can never think of a good signature...~

[cyringe]

Trackball for 3D-shooters ain't easy!
My GF use a Marble +, and I hate it!
The precision sucks! I told her I'd gladly pay for a good mouse, but she says no... Women!

[Greebe]

Dave, given that I've been using Logitech thumballs for ~8 years or so. Never had any troubles with thumb cramps... maybe you should take a Midol? LOL

Hey "spinner" most people think my thumbs are double jointed... they are simply extended. (The last digit bends back ~85-90 degrees on both)

[ALBPM]

OUCH!!!

[Guyver]

I'm with you Paul, Marble FX...

It works well, and I've improved enough using it that my cousin can't just sit still and pick me off anymore....

Guyv

[Kruzin]

One of them track balls about crippled my thumb. It was the original trackball that Logitech put out, and was horribly un-ergonomic. Now, I just stick with my big ol Mouseman wheel cordless and all it's buttons...

[ALBPM]

Well at least "Old Spinner" has been weened off the joystick.

Oh!! Shit!! I'm leaving myself open with that one...LOL

Paul

[Helevitia]

The icon for my thumb doesn't do me justice. Here is a pic of my "REAL" thumb. I don't have any trouble finding the "G" spot



Dave



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I can never think of a good signature...~

[Greebe]

DaveO, mine goes back a tad further than that!.

Pauly, I see that! So your not playing "Pole Position" anymore or what?!!! ROTFLMAO

[Greebe]

Kruzin, I have that one too... and yah it's brutal on ya. Logitech used Porscha Design out of Italy to come up with the layout. That might work for marketing, but sucks in practice. Anyhoo I modified mine (have two actually, one for parts) to support your palm/wrist better. It's been retired for about year now, but saved as a backup.

OT, Did I ever mention I use to make custom joystick handles out of polyurthane for the true jetjock back in high school?... have one in a "Coors lite" jet (actually it's a BD-5 jet) and another that Burt Rutan owns. Ah, the joys of being an EAA member! (#596311 (Experimental Aircraft Association))
It's a great $50 a year subscription, that I'd reccommend to anyone interested in flying/aircraft design or just wanting to know "how do you do that" with materials (fiberglass/metal/wood/etc). Much of it spills over into other areas (like RC planes (another hobby) and Yes, even my computer.