PDA

View Full Version : Trackball mice



MadmanRB
August 24th, 2012, 03:41 PM
Despite some recent financial woes I had to re enter the mouse market this last week due to the pain caused by my old computer mouse.
I had a Logitech Wireless Mouse M310 and its small size was really hard on my hands causing severe cramping in my fingers and wrist.
(it came with the keyboard, a Logitech MK520 mouse/keyboard combo set)
I heard Trackball mice were better for you if you experience pains in the fingers or wrists when using a mouse so I now own one.
I have to say it works pretty well for my issue, my wrist and fingers on my right side are now feeling better after my hands leave contact with the mouse.
Its a Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 and while it will take time getting used to and the ball to get broken in I say its a very good mouse all things considered.
I will say it is very weird to work with at first but after some time it does get better after playing around with it.
I am sure there are some trackball users that might give me feedback here :D

effenberg0x0
August 24th, 2012, 04:06 PM
Despite some recent financial woes I had to re enter the mouse market this last week due to the pain caused by my old computer mouse.
I had a Logitech Wireless Mouse M310 and its small size was really hard on my hands causing severe cramping in my fingers and wrist.
(it came with the keyboard, a Logitech MK520 mouse/keyboard combo set)
I heard Trackball mice were better for you if you experience pains in the fingers or wrists when using a mouse so I now own one.
I have to say it works pretty well for my issue, my wrist and fingers on my right side are now feeling better after my hands leave contact with the mouse.
Its a Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 and while it will take time getting used to and the ball to get broken in I say its a very good mouse all things considered.
I will say it is very weird to work with at first but after some time it does get better after playing around with it.
I am sure there are some trackball users that might give me feedback here :D

Hi MadmanRB,

I started having strong CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) symptoms some years ago because of excessive use of computers. As I never cared about ergonomics and knew nothing about it, I had to research all options in the market to find out which products were recommended by physicians, etc.

I own 2 M570 for about 2 years and before that I used Logitech Trackman Wheel. Both models are considered by specialists to greatly help reduce the symptoms of CTS and other related problems.

At first it was impossible for me to work with it. I frequently found myself trying to move the trackball in the table. Switching quickly between windows, navigating the web, creating PowerPoint presentations seemed impossible. After a few weeks, it becomes natural and very comfortable.

I do not feel pain and numbness in the wrists and fingers and managed to avoid surgery by using these products, so I highly recommend them. I have tried smaller trackball mouses from other manufacturers and they're not as comfortable IMO.

A tip: Take some time to research. Google and read papers about work-related, cumulative trauma, ergonomics and talk to doctors about it. While the mouse is really important, so is the keyboard, the chair and its adjustments, the monitor, the way you position yourself when using the PC, the distances, heights, you set it all, etc. With small changes to your desk and gear (like adjusting your chair arm rests to appropriate heights or elevating the keyboard with a book), you can greatly reduce the stress on your wrists and also your back, legs, eyes, etc.

Regards,
Effenberg

EDIT: I forgot to mention one thing. Logitech M570 mice are surviving my heavy usage much more than traditional mice. At an average of 16 hours/day, 6 days a week, they still work like new. If you carefully remove the trackball and clean it once a week or so, I believe you'll have this mouse for at least 3 years. You can also buy a replacement trackball if needed (if you live in US/Canada).