4 ms·

Not quite a trackball, but apple released a separate track pad not that long ago. There are two input devices that Apple does way better than most - keyboards a

Not quite a trackball, but apple released a separate track pad not that long ago. There are two input devices that Apple does way better than most - keyboards and trackpads. Magic mouse was a complete disaster, unfortunately.

hopeless 16y ago
I'm not sure if trackpads have the same ergonomic properties as a trackball. It's possible but I might wait and see if any research or anecdotal evidence emerges
- loire280 16y ago
  Chalk me up for anecdotally noticing a huge improvement when switching to the touchpad. It's worth noting that the Apple trackpad is not only way bigger than a laptop's touchpad, it's also angled so you're not resting your hand on its edge. Also, if you've never used an Apple touchpad on a recent Macbook/Pro (the ones that are glass instead of plastic), you'll probably be surprised at how good the accuracy/tracking. They're much better quality than the Synaptics touchpads that are common in PCs.
  - jon_hendry 16y ago
    I find myself supporing my fingers over my Magic Trackpad, which is tiring. At the very least I have to raise all my fingers except the ones I want to use in a gesture. My other preferred device is a thumb-ball trackball. I have a logitech trackman, and the discontinued one from Microsoft. I find those much more comfortable, if a bit problematic for high precision. I just wish I could get a bluetooth one.
- Terretta 16y ago
  I have all of the input devices mentioned in this thread, and cannot find anything to compare to the old Kensington "Expert Mouse" track balls, with the heavy ball the size of a billiards ball, a scroll wheel around it, and 4 buttons. The ball's diameter allows pinpoint accuracy when needed, the weight allows a flick with momentum to carry the cursor across two 30" screens, the scroll wheel is under your ring finger for simultaneous use. That said, the recent magic trackpad is growing on me.

hopeless 16y ago

I'm not sure if trackpads have the same ergonomic properties as a trackball. It's possible but I might wait and see if any research or anecdotal evidence emerges

loire280 16y ago
Chalk me up for anecdotally noticing a huge improvement when switching to the touchpad. It's worth noting that the Apple trackpad is not only way bigger than a laptop's touchpad, it's also angled so you're not resting your hand on its edge. Also, if you've never used an Apple touchpad on a recent Macbook/Pro (the ones that are glass instead of plastic), you'll probably be surprised at how good the accuracy/tracking. They're much better quality than the Synaptics touchpads that are common in PCs.
- jon_hendry 16y ago
  I find myself supporing my fingers over my Magic Trackpad, which is tiring. At the very least I have to raise all my fingers except the ones I want to use in a gesture. My other preferred device is a thumb-ball trackball. I have a logitech trackman, and the discontinued one from Microsoft. I find those much more comfortable, if a bit problematic for high precision. I just wish I could get a bluetooth one.
Terretta 16y ago
I have all of the input devices mentioned in this thread, and cannot find anything to compare to the old Kensington "Expert Mouse" track balls, with the heavy ball the size of a billiards ball, a scroll wheel around it, and 4 buttons. The ball's diameter allows pinpoint accuracy when needed, the weight allows a flick with momentum to carry the cursor across two 30" screens, the scroll wheel is under your ring finger for simultaneous use. That said, the recent magic trackpad is growing on me.