Alternatives to using a mouse?

[lyons]

The console I mix on doesn't really have any comfortable place for using a mouse, so I'm considering getting a trackball (even though I've never really used one, and it would probably take a while to get used to).

I'm leaning towards the Logitech cordless Trackman, since its one of the few cordless trackballs I could even find.

Any other suggestions?

[Logichead]

Kensington Trackball Pro.

Also do a web search for x-keys - they make input devices you can make macros with.

....H

[Charles Dye]

My fave is the Kensington Expert Mouse 7.0 Trackball (http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=165411&Redir=1)

4 Programable Buttons
Scroll Ring
Wrist Pad

http://images.acco.com/KENSINGTON/K64325/K64325-4259.jpg

This thing rocks! Been using their trackballs for years.

[robmacki]

My fave is the Kensington Expert Mouse 7.0 Trackball (http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=165411&Redir=1)

4 Programable Buttons
Scroll Ring
Wrist Pad

http://images.acco.com/KENSINGTON/K64325/K64325-4259.jpg

This thing rocks! Been using their trackballs for years.

Same one here.
Very Smooth.
Shift + Scroll = Linear scroll
Shift + Option + Scroll = Waveform height.

I know guys who use the Wacom Tablet (http://www.wacom.com/index2.cfm?lang=en)
They claim it's faster, easier and less stress on the wrist.

[PSN Big Al]

Charles got me hooked on using a trackball. This is the one I
started out with and haven't quit yet:

http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/12302.jpg

Logitech Marble Mouse (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2150,CONTENTID=5003)

I wasn't sure if I was going to like it and this unit is only about
$20.00. Cheap way to give it a try.

I guess I'll have to be upgrading to Charles recommendation
above. :)

[PRobb]

I have a very similar Logitech that I love for everything except running DAWs. For some reason, I feel very clumsy in PT without a mouse.

[lyons]

My fave is the Kensington Expert Mouse 7.0 Trackball (http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=165411&Redir=1)


This thing looks pretty sweet, but the space on the console where I want to put it is about 4.5" x 4.5".

I can't find anything online, do you know the approximate dimensions?

Edit: NM, found the dimensions, I guess I'll try the Logitech one.

[jfee]

Hey,

I've been thinking of switching, but I'm pretty quick with a mouse.

How long until I'll be quick with a trackball?? a week? a month? longer?

Thanks,
j

[Charles Dye]

I'd say pretty fast. A week maybe.

It's pretty intuitive + the buttons are great, cuz you can set them all for different tools that you use for editing. I scream on the thing.

[PSN Big Al]

Yeah, it only took me about a week. I can't go back now. :)

[EricTheKid]

It's pretty intuitive + the buttons are great, cuz you can set them all for different tools that you use for editing. I scream on the thing.

I'll second that motion. We use that mouse, here at the studios and configure the buttons for editing, similarly. [Two Thumbs Up]

Futhermore, I'd venture to say that they're pretty durable. I mean, don't go throwing it around the control room, or anything!! :Uh oh: But they're sturdy. :Wink:

Kesignton does offer a "5 year warranty" with their mice. The replacement process can be a real pain in the @ss (customer service, receipts, etc. ...you get the picture)... but it's there if you need it!

[jord]

To throw another wrench into the gears, I'm a graphic tablet person, myself. I have been working with a Wacom for years. I find that my audio editing is a snap and drawing automation more natural with a pen. I've programmed the various buttons to suit me best when I am in Logic (such as bringing up the tools palette).

jord

[Brendo]

I work on a MacBook Pro and often find myself using the trackpad even when the mouse is connected...

[jord]

I work on a MacBook Pro and often find myself using the trackpad even when the mouse is connected...

For the longest time, before I picked up a graphics tablet, I was using a plug-in trackpad (made by Alps Electronics) on my desktop as I am somewhat unable to use a mouse (RSI!!) and it was amazing. If anything, I have been trying to hunt down a USB version for years (I can't seen to find one at my local Staples/Business Depot), but wound up settling on a graphics tablet. If I see one, I would definitely pick one up in a heartbeat. Something about fingerpainting audio that takes me back. :very happy:

jord

[Dubnick]

I do some work with a band that has Kenny has done a lot of work with and they've all mentioned individually, at one point or another, the fact that Kenny uses some sort of pen-mouse with Pro Tools and that he's blazingly fast with it.

[Brendo]

For the longest time, before I picked up a graphics tablet, I was using a plug-in trackpad (made by Alps Electronics) on my desktop as I am somewhat unable to use a mouse (RSI!!) and it was amazing. If anything, I have been trying to hunt down a USB version for years (I can't seen to find one at my local Staples/Business Depot), but wound up settling on a graphics tablet. If I see one, I would definitely pick one up in a heartbeat. Something about fingerpainting audio that takes me back. :very happy:

jord

http://www.cirque.com/pages/?section=10&page=72

I think what I like about this trackpad is that it's very satiny smooth, unlike others... toshiba are especially glossy... and the fact that it's WIDE, like my screen, not a restricting little square.

And the two finger scroll and right click, of course.

[jord]

A definite find... Cirque must have bought (or licensed) the technology from Alps as the touchpad that I had was an Alps Glidepoint. Nice to know where it wound up. Ordering a Smart Cat tonight (after going through the "haven't you bought enough already" shtick with the wife :Razz: )!

jord