• Track ball mouse. Anyone using one.

    From Alan K.@alan@invalid.com to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Wed Jun 10 14:22:57 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    I'm currently using a standard mouse. And I'm interested in some first hand feedback on
    standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse. Especially one that looks like the mouse has
    been tipped over on it's side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help? Do you find it as good as some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.
    Thanks
    --
    Mint 22.3, Thunderbird 140.11.1esr, Firefox 151.0.4
    Alan K.

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  • From croy@croy@spam.invalid.net to alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Wed Jun 10 12:29:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:22:57 -0400, "Alan K." <alan@invalid.com> wrote:

    I'm currently using a standard mouse. And I'm interested in some first hand feedback on
    standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse. Especially one that looks like the mouse has
    been tipped over on it's side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help? Do you find it as good as some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.
    Thanks

    I used a Trackman Marble (corded, "thumb ball") for years, until one of the microswitches crapped out. It took some getting used to, but after I did,
    I couldn't imagine using anything else. When it died, I switched to a Kensington Orbit with Scroll Ring, because Logitech didn't offer the corded version of the Marble, and I didn't trust bluetooth at the time. I'm on my second Orbit. The scroll wheel is very usefull, but can be infuriating
    when touched accidentally (beam me anywhere, Scotty).

    If other folks use your computer, they will hate any trackball you put on
    it, but you can have both a mouse and a trackball connected at the same
    time.

    Whatever you try, give yourself time to get used to it.
    --
    croy
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  • From Chris@ithinkiam@gmail.com to alt.comp.os.windows-11,alt.os.linux.mint on Wed Jun 10 19:34:15 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    Alan K. <alan@invalid.com> wrote:
    I'm currently using a standard mouse. And I'm interested in some first hand feedback on
    standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse. Especially one that looks like the mouse has
    been tipped over on it's side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help? Do you find it as good as some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.

    I've been using the logitech trackball mouse for probably 25 years at home
    and at work. Currently the M570. I used to get shoulder pain from using a traditional mouse.

    It's very, very comfortable and I strongly recommend it.


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  • From Carlos E.R.@robin_listas@es.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Wed Jun 10 23:26:18 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 2026-06-10 20:22, Alan K. wrote:
    I'm currently using a standard mouse.-a And I'm interested in some first hand feedback on standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse.
    Especially one that looks like the mouse has been tipped over on it's
    side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help?-a Do you find it as good as
    some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.
    Thanks

    I use a Logitech Marble Plus (I think) since the mid nineties. I am on
    the second one, corded, usb. The first one was ps2. Very durable. Very confortable.

    It gets time getting used to it, but when you do, you love it. Visitors
    will not :-D

    It helps when space is cramped in the table, or you have arm or shoulder
    ache. It is possible, though, that you get thumb ache instead, after
    many years. You might switch then to a normal mouse for a while.

    On laptops, I use the included touchpad. Some people find that
    uncomfortable and plug a normal mouse.
    --
    Cheers, Carlos.
    ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
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  • From rbowman@bowman@montana.com to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Thu Jun 11 03:08:17 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:26:18 +0200, Carlos E.R. wrote:

    On laptops, I use the included touchpad. Some people find that
    uncomfortable and plug a normal mouse.

    https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/06/logitechs-mobi-fold-folds-for- travel-but-i-prefer-a-different-portable-mouse/

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mark Lloyd@not.email@all.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Thu Jun 11 14:58:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:21:50 +0100, Graham J wrote:

    Carlos E.R. wrote:
    [snip]

    On laptops, I use the included touchpad. Some people find that
    uncomfortable and plug a normal mouse.

    On such an included touchpad I always disable tapping. If I don't the trackpad thinks that my ordinary finger movements are taps, with
    annoying and unexpected results!

    The self-clicking touchpad. This often happens with laptops, which is why
    I normally disable it and use an external mouse.
    --
    Mark Lloyd
    http://notstupid.us/
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Fri Jun 19 13:46:29 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    ['Late' response due to extended absence.]

    Alan K. <alan@invalid.com> wrote:
    I'm currently using a standard mouse. And I'm interested in some
    first hand feedback on standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse. Especially one that looks like the mouse has been tipped over on it's
    side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help? Do you find it as good as
    some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.
    Thanks

    In my work in remote techical support (of *real* computers :-)), I
    developed a nasty [1] RSI (in my upper arm and shoulder) in the late 90s
    and what helped me - and still does - is frequent *switching* between *different* types of 'mice'.

    I switched between trackball (a ergonomically bad one at the time
    (there were no good ones yet)), touchpad and mouse. So no hours on end
    on one type, but switching as frequently as needed. That made my RSI
    manageable and quite bearable. (Later, I also had a good trackball
    (Logitech Marble something).)

    Since 2003, I've been mainly using laptops with their touchpads, but
    lately my RSI is playing up again (too much computer 'work' in a row),
    so I bought a (wireless) mouse and am now switching between touchpad and
    mouse and these are getting better/good.

    I can highly recommend this switching method (and of course frequent
    breaks, other activities, etc.).

    I hope this helps.

    [1] I was forced to work shorter periods at a time. A colleague of mine
    was out of action for a year. This isn't stuff to take lightly!
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  • From Alan K.@alan@invalid.com to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Fri Jun 19 10:41:35 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 6/19/26 9:46 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    ['Late' response due to extended absence.]

    Alan K. <alan@invalid.com> wrote:
    I'm currently using a standard mouse. And I'm interested in some
    first hand feedback on standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse.
    Especially one that looks like the mouse has been tipped over on it's
    side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help? Do you find it as good as
    some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.
    Thanks

    In my work in remote techical support (of *real* computers :-)), I developed a nasty [1] RSI (in my upper arm and shoulder) in the late 90s
    and what helped me - and still does - is frequent *switching* between *different* types of 'mice'.

    I switched between trackball (a ergonomically bad one at the time
    (there were no good ones yet)), touchpad and mouse. So no hours on end
    on one type, but switching as frequently as needed. That made my RSI manageable and quite bearable. (Later, I also had a good trackball
    (Logitech Marble something).)

    Since 2003, I've been mainly using laptops with their touchpads, but lately my RSI is playing up again (too much computer 'work' in a row),
    so I bought a (wireless) mouse and am now switching between touchpad and mouse and these are getting better/good.

    I can highly recommend this switching method (and of course frequent breaks, other activities, etc.).

    I hope this helps.

    [1] I was forced to work shorter periods at a time. A colleague of mine
    was out of action for a year. This isn't stuff to take lightly!

    My wife has sicked me onto reading on my Kindle. It is a distraction. I'll probably buy
    a track ball type mouse. Seen a few good ones, just have to decide now.

    Until we get good verbal commands / AI input, I'll have to use a mouse!
    --
    Mint 22.3, Thunderbird 140.11.1esr, Firefox 151.0.4
    Alan K.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Java Jive@java@evij.com.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Fri Jun 19 16:38:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 2026-06-19 14:46, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    ['Late' response due to extended absence.]

    Alan K. <alan@invalid.com> wrote:
    I'm currently using a standard mouse. And I'm interested in some
    first hand feedback on standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse.
    Especially one that looks like the mouse has been tipped over on it's
    side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help? Do you find it as good as
    some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.
    Thanks

    In my work in remote techical support (of *real* computers :-)), I developed a nasty [1] RSI (in my upper arm and shoulder) in the late 90s
    and what helped me - and still does - is frequent *switching* between *different* types of 'mice'.

    I switched between trackball (a ergonomically bad one at the time
    (there were no good ones yet)), touchpad and mouse. So no hours on end
    on one type, but switching as frequently as needed. That made my RSI manageable and quite bearable. (Later, I also had a good trackball
    (Logitech Marble something).)

    Since 2003, I've been mainly using laptops with their touchpads, but lately my RSI is playing up again (too much computer 'work' in a row),
    so I bought a (wireless) mouse and am now switching between touchpad and mouse and these are getting better/good.

    I can highly recommend this switching method (and of course frequent breaks, other activities, etc.).

    I hope this helps.

    [1] I was forced to work shorter periods at a time. A colleague of mine
    was out of action for a year. This isn't stuff to take lightly!

    I can relate to much of the above ...

    I first noticed RSI, as we'd now call it but then I'd never heard of the
    term, when learning guitar in my late teens early 20s - if I sat in
    the 'classical' position with some sort of footstool, I'd get discomfort/aching at the bottom of my right shoulder blade from my right
    arm being raised over the top of the belly of the guitar. Later when I started to use computers with mice, this same discomfort/ache
    re-appeared exactly as before. My solution was to learn to use a
    right-handed setup mouse left-handed, because my left shoulder has never
    given me any problems. As I also use still my right-hand for short
    periods, I don't want to swap the buttons over permanently, still less
    be constantly having to change them every time I change hands.

    There is something of a further problem though, in that I am very tall
    and have large hands proportionately, and I find most mice awkwardly
    small, particularly when used left-handed with a right-handed setup.
    However, but I can usually get around that by holding it differently.
    --

    Fake news kills!

    I may be contacted via the contact address given on my website: www.macfh.co.uk

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Frank Slootweg@this@ddress.is.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Sat Jun 20 10:10:26 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
    [...]

    There is something of a further problem though, in that I am very tall
    and have large hands proportionately, and I find most mice awkwardly
    small, particularly when used left-handed with a right-handed setup. However, but I can usually get around that by holding it differently.

    My preferred (Dutch) webshop has categorized their mice in three
    different size categories: Small <11cm and <6.5cm, Medium 11-12.5cm
    and 6.5-7cm and Large >12.5cm and >7cm.

    I bought a Medium size one.

    For Large they say:

    "Large mice
    Choose a large mouse if you're hand is between 85 - 100mm wide and about
    198 - 220mm long. These mouses are the largest in the assortment."

    If you want, you can have a look which kind of mice fall in the Large category:

    <https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/choosing-the-right-mouse.html>

    That's the English version of the Dutch webshop, so not for buying,
    but for getting information.

    HTH.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Java Jive@java@evij.com.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Sat Jun 20 21:02:49 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 2026-06-20 11:10, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
    [...]

    There is something of a further problem though, in that I am very tall
    and have large hands proportionately, and I find most mice awkwardly
    small, particularly when used left-handed with a right-handed setup.
    However, but I can usually get around that by holding it differently.

    My preferred (Dutch) webshop has categorized their mice in three
    different size categories: Small <11cm and <6.5cm, Medium 11-12.5cm
    and 6.5-7cm and Large >12.5cm and >7cm.

    I bought a Medium size one.

    For Large they say:

    "Large mice
    Choose a large mouse if you're hand is between 85 - 100mm wide and about
    198 - 220mm long. These mouses are the largest in the assortment."

    If you want, you can have a look which kind of mice fall in the Large category:

    <https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/choosing-the-right-mouse.html>

    That's the English version of the Dutch webshop, so not for buying,
    but for getting information.

    HTH.

    Tx for the potentially useful info.
    --

    Fake news kills!

    I may be contacted via the contact address given on my website: www.macfh.co.uk

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From red floyd@no.spam.here@its.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Sat Jun 20 14:56:13 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 6/20/2026 3:10 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
    Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
    [...]

    There is something of a further problem though, in that I am very tall
    and have large hands proportionately, and I find most mice awkwardly
    small, particularly when used left-handed with a right-handed setup.
    However, but I can usually get around that by holding it differently.

    My preferred (Dutch) webshop has categorized their mice in three
    different size categories: Small <11cm and <6.5cm, Medium 11-12.5cm
    and 6.5-7cm and Large >12.5cm and >7cm.

    I bought a Medium size one.

    For Large they say:

    "Large mice
    Choose a large mouse if you're hand is between 85 - 100mm wide and about
    198 - 220mm long. These mouses are the largest in the assortment."

    If you want, you can have a look which kind of mice fall in the Large category:

    <https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/choosing-the-right-mouse.html>

    That's the English version of the Dutch webshop, so not for buying,
    but for getting information.

    HTH.

    I love my Razer Deathaddr Essential (wired).

    I may attach a wireless to my desktop as well to try the swapping trick
    with a second mouse configured for lefty. I may even go as far as
    buying a left handed mouse for that.

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Daniel70@daniel47@nomail.afraid.org to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Sun Jun 21 21:15:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 21/06/2026 7:56 am, red floyd wrote:
    On 6/20/2026 3:10 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

    <Snip>

    -a-a If you want, you can have a look which kind of mice fall in the Large >> category:

    <https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/choosing-the-right-mouse.html>

    -a-a That's the English version of the Dutch webshop, so not for buying,
    but for getting information.

    -a-a HTH.

    I love my Razer Deathaddr Essential (wired).

    I may attach a wireless to my desktop as well to try the swapping trick
    with a second mouse configured for lefty.-a-a I may even go as far as
    buying a left handed mouse for that.

    'buy'?? Can't you get into your mouse's system setting and re-configure
    things there, i.e. swap Left Button and Right Button actions??
    --
    Daniel70
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Maurice Helwig@mbhelwig@aussiebroadband.com.au to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Tue Jun 23 06:51:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 11/06/2026 4:22 am, Alan K. wrote:
    I'm currently using a standard mouse.-a And I'm interested in some first hand feedback on standard mice vs. a trackball type of mouse.
    Especially one that looks like the mouse has been tipped over on it's
    side and a big ball put under the thumb.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8B6YF48

    Did you have wrist pain? and did it help?-a Do you find it as good as
    some critics say?
    That kind of stuff.
    Thanks

    I have a Logitech TrackMan Wheel here -- still in its original box --
    tried it and did not like it.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From red floyd@no.spam.here@its.invalid to alt.os.linux.mint,alt.comp.os.windows-11 on Mon Jun 22 20:41:03 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.comp.os.windows-11

    On 6/21/2026 4:15 AM, Daniel70 wrote:
    On 21/06/2026 7:56 am, red floyd wrote:
    On 6/20/2026 3:10 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

    <Snip>

    -a-a If you want, you can have a look which kind of mice fall in the Large >>> category:

    <https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/choosing-the-right-mouse.html>

    -a-a That's the English version of the Dutch webshop, so not for buying, >>> but for getting information.

    -a-a HTH.

    I love my Razer Deathaddr Essential (wired).

    I may attach a wireless to my desktop as well to try the swapping trick
    with a second mouse configured for lefty.-a-a I may even go as far as
    buying a left handed mouse for that.

    'buy'?? Can't you get into your mouse's system setting and re-configure things there, i.e. swap Left Button and Right Button actions??

    I prefer the ones that are shaped to fit the appropriate hand. Take a
    look at my preferred right handed mouse to see what I'm talking about.

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2