[Link]

This IS for laptop users, whether it be a powerbook or any other product:

Do you regularly use an external mouse/trackball with your laptop? Is it because the internal device is lacking features, or do you use it ONLY when being used as a desktop (external monitor, keyboard, etc) -

I imagine people will have slightly different rules, maybe both! Really, I'm just looking for whether or not you use an external device and if it's because the internal one sucks.

Two more notes: 1. I am a laptop user, even though mine are quite dated now so they're DEFINITELY not my main machines anymore, lol.. 2. For those who use a tablet for drawing, or any other device suited for a SPECIAL purpose, just choose no.

You're definitely free to explain any other things too, just answer the question closest to yours.. I didn't include a "both" option because I wanted to see a more definite answer than just a "high 50% area"... typic

Now, my opinion? With the latest craze of trackpads, I'm not sure what to say, except every Powerbook/iBook I've used at a macworld OR a store had really poor tracking (going from one side to the other would be a jumpy process) -- I would imagine the trackpads are either worn out or dirty, but they didn't seem too badly so.

Then again, the only "mainstream pointing device users" to ever get an option THEY wanted were the trackball people, and trackballs have disappeared for ages (they look weird, take up loads of space, etc) -- don't blame it for happening.

I liked the trackpoint, thought it was okay, I suppose I can deal with a trackpad because myself, I'm strictly either a laptop, or desktop user.. what's the point of having 50,000 devices attached (wire OR wirelessly) when you have a PORTABLE?

[wdlove]

When I'm using my iBook, just use the track pad.

[roberto blanco]

works for me.

i just don't feel like i have a lot of control using the trackpad (especially for drawing curves in illustrator or photoshop).

[d4nth3m4n]

now that i have sidetrack, i use my mouse much less.

[paully dub]

when at the desk:

as it looks spiiffy next to my bluetoothless tibook.

Otherwise sidetrack all the way

[olePigeon]

I used to have a MacAlly BlueTooth mouse. It had 3 buttons + scroll. Super handy cuz it didn't have wires and it was a bit smaller than a normal mouse.

The only draw back is that there wasn't an off button, so I had to constantly take the batteries out when I wasn't using it.

[itai195]

When I'm at a desk I'll use my Kensington bluetooth mouse. Otherwise I use the trackpad.

[Mafia]

i use the wired one that came with my powermac.

[Kenneth]

^^
Same thing.

[cpt kangarooski]

I don't use it regularly, but I do have an Atek Super Mini optical mouse that I carry around with me.

[effgee]

[willed]

I get by with trackpad + arrow keys + space bar

[The Godfather]

I only connect a mouse or a tablet when I have to do some CAD in my iBook. For regular use, tracking pad only.

[11011001]

Originally posted by effgee:

Me too, have all the expose functions mapped to the various buttons. It's kinda laggy for games, but otherwise quite good. Wish it had an off switch for being in my bag (all the movement activates the sensor a lot, wasting the batter), but I make do by popping out the batteries.

[TailsToo]

I have an Micro$oft Wireless IntelliMouse 2.0 on my desk, and the rest of the time, it's all trackpad baby!