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waterbuck · Feb 20, 2005, 04:16 AM

What do you use to optimize work and gaming on your Powerbooks? An external mouse, trackball, gamepad?

IF you use a trackball, it looks like most non-corded ones involve wirless 2.6 GHz frequency stuff, not bluetooth. Is that a problem?

If you do use a Bluetooth device as mouse or trackball, what do you recommend?

Why would bluetooth be better than "wireless" (RF) connectivity?

waterbuck

Randman · Feb 20, 2005, 04:21 AM

I use the Logitech Wireless Trackman at home and work (doing graphic design and layout, page design, and related work). It's comfortable, fits my hand quite well and very customizable. The batteries also last quite long. The wireless sensor plugs into the USB but it's not a problem.
I've tried a good number of mouses and trackballs, wired and wireless and the Logitech gets my vote as the best.

waterbuck · Feb 20, 2005, 04:54 AM

Hi-
Is the trackman acually a trackball?

Also, is it compatible for lefthanders?

Thanks

Randman · Feb 20, 2005, 04:56 AM

Don't think it would work for lefties, sorry.

azt33 · Feb 20, 2005, 07:10 AM

I've got an MX900 that I use with the PB, and I'm very glad I got it. It works fine, no need for batteries as it has rechargable which recharge when you put the mouse in its hub. It connects without a hitch, and I can use all the buttons. In fact, I've assigned all the buttons to work with Expos�, works wonderfully.

The reason that I opted for a BT mouse is, that I also use it outdoors, and you don't a receiver or anything sticking out of your laptop to make the mouse work. Just turn BT on on your laptop, the mouse is recognized almost instantly, and mouse away!

As you can tell, I'm one happy MX900 user!

Randman · Feb 20, 2005, 07:30 AM

What's the difference between using a mouse at home and on the road? For that matter, just using the track pad on the road?

I tavel with my PB and usually use a tiny wired Western Digital mouse (like really, really tiny) when I need more than the trackpad.
One less thing to carry in the bag.

I like having a wireless home at home with the external keyboard or hooked up to a second monitor and if the Trackman had a bt-enabled model, I'd consider it.
Until then ...

azt33 · Feb 20, 2005, 02:04 PM

Well, Randman, I don't really like using the trackpad, mainly because it lacks the extra functionality the MX900 has. I use Expos� frequently, and having the buttons *literally* under your thumb is just easier than pressing F**. I know, I'm lazy...

Randman · Feb 20, 2005, 02:18 PM

Not really, just always interesting to hear how and why people might do things differently.

iREZ · Feb 20, 2005, 02:27 PM

I'd get a MX900 if I could justify spending that much on a mouse (poor college student). It's the only mouse I'll consider upgrading to over my two button wired ho hum logitech, of course if they release the MX1000 then that's a different story.

Keiretsu · Feb 20, 2005, 02:45 PM

Logitech V500 http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=9508

azt33 · Feb 21, 2005, 06:33 AM

iREZ, I got the MX900 for �60, which is quite cheap when all other stores here sell it for �80-90.

Keiretsu, I looked into the V500 too, but it's not BT, so that means a(nothe)r thing sticking out of my USB port, which I hate to have. It looks very nice though.

Randman · Feb 21, 2005, 06:37 AM

Apart from needing to actually move your hand (a pain when you use a mouse all day at work, then go home and use one as well), you don't need mousepads with a trackball.

jmagic · Feb 23, 2005, 06:07 PM

i just use a wired logitech mx510

looking for a good bluetooth mouse that wont break the bank though

mhuie · Feb 23, 2005, 07:02 PM

When I'm at a desk, I use a wired MS optical mouse. I absolutely hate wireless mice (fast RF or Bluetooth) because of the lag.

waterbuck · Feb 23, 2005, 07:52 PM

Yes-
That lag is part of my interest.
A wireless desktop sounds like a dream and for some of my regular work, a tiny lag may not be a big deal. I have been thinking about getting a bluetooth trackball once they are on the market, to use for regular work with spreadsheets and such.

On the other hand I have wondered about how lag might affect gameplay and in that area I have been leaning toward getting a USB "game-quality" external mouse particularly if shooting and targetting is involved.

thanks...

Paco500 · Feb 23, 2005, 09:32 PM

I use a Kensington Wireless Expert mouse, and kind of regret the decision not to get the wired version. It still takes up a USB port, and having a wireless big stationary object is kind of silly. It takes expensive batteries (2 C's- I know expensive is relative). I have the Apple BT keyboard and just was into the wireless idea, and I love Kensington trackballs- been using them since 1989.

If they ever come out with a BT version, I may pick it up. It'd save a USB port, which are a bit of a premium on a PowerBook with a BT keyboard.

As far as performance- I can't tell the difference between it and a wired mouse. I play WoW pretty regularly- it's no FPS, but it seems to work fine.

MichaelSullivan · Feb 23, 2005, 09:48 PM

http://www.dvforge.com/themousebt.shtml

ericssonboi · Feb 23, 2005, 11:41 PM

I also use the MX900 with my Powerbook. It works great.. once you open up the Powerbook from sleep, it connects right away...

If you have the money.. go with the MX900..

waterbuck · Feb 24, 2005, 12:20 AM

too bad I'm left handed. It seems to be designed explicitly to exlude us....

MX900's mouse is just for righties

ericssonboi · Feb 24, 2005, 12:33 AM

I'm left handed and i've never used a mouse on my left hand...
It feels "weird" when i put it in my left hand... just doesn't feel natural
It just one of those things you learn...

waterbuck · Feb 24, 2005, 12:50 AM

You know--it's an interesting point that I do use my right hand for a lot of standard point and click at work mousing, but somehow with FPS gaming I have to switch to left...
Do you do any first-person shooters with that right hand mouse?

ericssonboi · Feb 24, 2005, 01:00 AM

Funny.. I havn't gamed in a long time...
And when i did game... i didn't use a mouse...
All keyboard ... never got used to using the mouse for gaming... and then i just stopped playing...

If you do a lot of gaming.. I'd suggest a wired mouse.. as its more precise and it won't die on you in the middle of a game.

Wireless is good for clutter free desktop work..
After going wirless with the MX900... I hate using wires... hehe..

Wireless Internet (Airport Extreme)
Bluetooth Mouse (MX900)
Powerbook

Great combo

Randman · Feb 24, 2005, 02:18 AM

Originally posted by azt33:
Well, Randman, I don't really like using the trackpad, mainly because it lacks the extra functionality the MX900 has. I use Expos� frequently, and having the buttons *literally* under your thumb is just easier than pressing F**. I know, I'm lazy...

The Trackman has 8 configurable buttons and scroll buttons.