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What Trackball Mouse Do You Recommend?
Pentapod asks: "I'm giving in to RSI and looking for a trackball mouse. I've tried the Logitech Marble Wheel but didn't find it very comfortable for my small hands. Now I'm looking for a thumb-operated trackball like the Logitech Trackman Wheel Mouse or the Microsoft Trackball Optical Mouse. These two look most promising, but there's also the Logitech Marble Mouse and the Logitech TrackMan FX among others. My question to Slashdot - the prices vary by up to A$100. So is there a real difference? What is it? Is the Microsoft 'Intelli-eye' technology really 'new' and better? Has anyone done any comparison between trackball models?"
Keep in mind that a trackball alone won't solve any wrist problems you're having, nor will wrist rests as others have suggested. At best it will reduce the length of time before the problem becomes critical.
The most important thing you can do if you're having any kind of wrist problems is take regular breaks. 5 minutes out of every hour is recommended for all computer users. My theripist told me to take a 5 minute break for ever half hour at the computer. That may seem like a lot of time, but it's nothing compared to the downtime from a serious RSI problem, and I find the time is nice to clear my head and grab some caffinene. There are programs like xwrits (search for it on freshmeat) that will remind you to take regular breaks.
It's also good to do regular wrist stretches / exercises - a quick web search should give examples. I think the combination of breaks and exercises helped me more than my new keyboard, trackball, chair and all that.
Of course, none of this should be considered medical advice (IANAD). If you're having any sort of pain, see a doctor or licensed theripist.
As for trackballs, I got the ITAC Evolution as I wanted an ergonomic trackball with three buttons so I wouldn't have to do button chording to emulate the middle button. I can't say I'm happy with it though since it tends to gunk up a lot and the action isn't smooth. I'm wondering if any of the trackballs being discussed here do all three buttons without chording. Anyone?
-"Zow"
Go to a large computer store, like CompUSA here, and try them out. I can't really tell you which trackball you will like best. They vary greatly. I use the Marble+ from Logitech on all my systems now and love it. My wife hates it. She uses the thumb operated trackball they have. I hate that one. See. :)
She has now switched to the Microsoft Explorer trackball. If you think the Marble+ is too small, check the Microsoft one that looks like it. It is larger than the Marble+, but uses your thumb.
The Microsoft trackballs seem to roll smoother than the Logitechs, but I just didnt like the feel and larger size over my Marbe+.