Trackball for Editing?

I've read a few older threads about using a trackball instead of a mouse or tablet for photo editing, and am wondering if anyone cares to share some more specific details? I currently use a mouse for editing but I'm developing some wrist pain, and the mouse I have just isn't working well in general. I have a Wacom Tablet as well but I just cannot seem to get used to using it (I really really wanted to like it but I just dont). Perhaps it's because I'm editing on a 17" Macbook Pro and the screen resolution is very high so I find it hard to select various tools in LR and Photoshop....

So...I've never used a trackpad before but I kind of like the premise. I understand it may be better on the wrist which is a plus. What is the learning curve like when using these for the first time? Does it work well for photo editing (ie is it easy to maneuver around the screen, select brushes, paint in effects etc?)

I've only really looked at the Logitech Wireless Trackball and Kensington. Any input as to which style is better (ie center ball vs offest ball?)




Thanks!

Stephen Elms said:

Stephen Elms wrote:

I've read a few older threads about using a trackball instead of a mouse or tablet for photo editing, and am wondering if anyone cares to share some more specific details? I currently use a mouse for editing but I'm developing some wrist pain, and the mouse I have just isn't working well in general. I have a Wacom Tablet as well but I just cannot seem to get used to using it (I really really wanted to like it but I just dont). Perhaps it's because I'm editing on a 17" Macbook Pro and the screen resolution is very high so I find it hard to select various tools in LR and Photoshop....

So...I've never used a trackpad before but I kind of like the premise. I understand it may be better on the wrist which is a plus. What is the learning curve like when using these for the first time? Does it work well for photo editing (ie is it easy to maneuver around the screen, select brushes, paint in effects etc?)

I've only really looked at the Logitech Wireless Trackball, but are there any others you guys would suggest?
Thanks!

Click to expand...

Hi Stephen,

Years ago I started having problems with my wrist, arm, shoulders and kneck as a result of too much mouse work and it was recommended to me to go to a trackball. It seems a little awkward at first and if you're a heavy duty gamer you'll have to put up with a decrease in speed however I wouldn't go back to a mouse. I don't find it to be an issue for photo editing. As far a maneuvering goes I have no problems in that area.

I have used Logitech trackballs for years and highly recommend them. The one's with the thumb ball are the easiest to use (for me anyways). I have several of the wireless units and they have good battery life. I also watch for deals on the wired one's as they are getting hard to find and are nice to have as backups.

Thanks for the reply..>I just saw that BestBuy has them for $59.99 so I'm gonna go grab one and try it out...Worst case scenario I can always return it