[nsxpower]

I am looking for a new mouse to supplement my iBook ... using the trackpad is a pain (especially when you have to do it for a long time).

I used to have a Logitech Optical Mouse, which was awsome, but lately I have been looking into Optical Trackballs ... however I have never used one and would like to hear some impressions and recommendations, if any.

Thanks. (If everyone kicks in with their $0.02 one day I will buy Microsoft).

[OldManMac]

I have a Logitech Track Man Marble Wheel, which is almost two years old, and I use it for 90% of the work I do on my iMac. I got used to it quickly, and I can spin the ball to any position on screen very quickly. The ball is controlled by the thumb; I have also had trackballs where the fingers control the ball, and I never got used to them. For graphics work, where precise cursor placement is a must, I have a M$ Intellimouse Optical mouse attached to the other end of my keyboard. They're both very ergonomic and comfortable to use. I don't have a lot of space on the desk, which is why I went to the trackball for the majority of my work.

[Macola]

I would definitely recommend an optical trackball--I've found trackballs in general to be much better than mice in terms of ergonomics and RSI. I used Kensington trackballs for a long while but they kept getting gummed up. I kept waiting for them to come out with an optical trackball and they never did, so I bought a couple of MS Intellimouse Explorer models and they have been great.

[dadder]

I agree 100% that a trackball is the way to go. I've been a Kensington fan since I began graphic design as a career (about 9 years ago). The Kensington Turbo Mouse Pro is what I've stuck with over the years. Whatever you do, don't go cheap. I recommend spending at least $80 or more for a good one. I think that's why trackballs usually get a bad wrap is because some that try to get into them usually go for the $19.99 ones and become dissappointed. I've tried others, even the Kensington Orbit. That was a piece of junk. That had the optical sensor like mentioned above. I would NOT buy one with an optical sensor. They get gummed up also and there are just as many things that can go wrong with them. Little hairs or dust molecules can reach places you can't clean and your sensor gets screwed up. At least with the wheel/bearing trackball, you have a really good chance of maintaining it and keeping it operating smoothly under your own control.
I recommend forcing yourself to use it at least three weeks. Don't give up! That's the hardest time and you've got to give yourself a chance to get past the stumbling. Also, you may feel irritation on the top of your hand between your wrist and your knuckles. There's some muscles/tendons that you'll be using a lot there that will have to get used to the activity. But hey, better than your arm and shoulder and neck from a mouse. That should only last about a week.