I just think they’re neat. I hate traditional mice and trackpads. The trackpoint nipple thingy they have got on thinkpads is my favorite pointing device but that is not available on most keyboards, but it should be. Trackballs are my second favorite

  • Awoo [she/her]@hexbear.net
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    1 month ago

    The trackpoint nipple thingy they have got on thinkpads is my favorite pointing device

    stalin-gun-1data-laughing whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

  • MeowZedong
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    1 month ago

    Been using them for more than 20 years. Wireless trackball is incredible for working in a range of environments and particularly where you don’t have the typical space for a mouse because you can put the mouse anywhere to use. There’s also the option to just place it on your chest, a thin armrest, or just hold it upside down and continue with ease.

    It also helps keep people from fucking around on your computer because it’s so alien to them, then again, if you walk away from the mouse itself, chances are they will play with it just out of curiosity.

    I have the mouse nipple as well, but prefer a trackball over that any day.

  • LanyrdSkynrd [comrade/them, any]@hexbear.net
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    1 month ago

    Back when I used computers for work I exclusively used trackballs because they’re better for my carpal tunnel. I switched back to mice because they’re better for games and I rarely use the computer for hours at a time anymore.

    I’ve been wanting a manufacturer to make a good combo trackball/mouse for ages. I think it could be an amazing input device if you could use the mouse part for big movements and the trackball for fine control.

    I found one on AliExpress, but it had poor quality sensors, a tiny ball, and no ability to adjust dpi independently.

  • atomkarinca
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    1 month ago

    i have a logitech mx ergo and i love it. i had doubts about getting used to it, because most of my work consists of cad and 3d files, but it took like a day to get used to it. now i’m more comfortable using that than any other mice. i have a thinkpad at home and i love the trackpoint, too. maybe that’s the gateway pointing device :)

  • Beej Jorgensen@lemmy.sdf.org
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    1 month ago

    Used to have one in the 90s. It was a Kensington and the ball was the same size as a pool ball. I had a 2 ball in there for a while. But at some point I ditched it. You’re making me wonder if I should try one again.

  • Omniforous@mander.xyz
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    1 month ago

    I’ve heard good things about the trackballs from Ploopy. I’m interested in getting one but can’t really justify the cost at the moment

  • machinya [it/its, fae/faer]@hexbear.net
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    1 month ago

    been using a kensington one for a couple of years and I don’t think i will be able to use a mouse ever again. While this model is not great and it could use some improvements. The whole idea of a trackball is really comfortable

    that said, I lost the original ball and it has been incredibly hard to find a proper replacement. we have tried many different ones and they all have downsides that make the experience not great but still better than a mouse