Trackball recommendations?

Way back in the dawn of personal computers, I used a trackball. When I switched to laptops, I tried to use the touch pad. I hated it then and I hate it now.

Back in the day, the trackballs looks like this, with the ball in the middle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01936N73I/

I see that there are now a lot more styles, like this. I assume with these the ball is moved by the thumb.

https://www.amazon.com//dp/B007S6HQ6K/

These new styles are more highly rated on Amazon, although those ratings are not always that reliable.

How does the ball on the side compare with the one in the middle?

I'd appreciate any comments, opinions, or suggestions about any kind of touch pad alternatives.

Thanks

How does the ball on the side compare with the one in the middle?

What you see in the middle is a scroll knob. It's just for up & down, e.g. text page scrolling. The ball on the left is the actual XY mouse/cursor.

Edited by Dominique1, 10 February 2024 - 02:57 PM.

 

How does the ball on the side compare with the one in the middle?

What you see in the middle is a scroll knob. It's just for up & down, e.g. text page scrolling. The ball on the left is the actual XY mouse/cursor.

 

Sorry, I wasn't clear.
 
I meant to ask how the trackballs with the roller ball on the side, like the Logitech, compare with those that have the roller ball in the middle, like the Kensington? I assume that the roller balls on the side are worked with the thumb, whereas the ones in the middle are operated by the fingers. I have a lot of experience with trackballs like the Kensington. I worry that my thumb would not be as versatile or coordinated as my fingers.

I tried the logitech ball, the one with the ball in the side.  Once I got comfortable, it was quite fast and responsive.  Other users had trouble but it just has a learning curve.  I use the old fashioned, wired to the PS2 port, two button, center wheel and infrared sensor.  less than ten dollars anywhere.  

I tried the logitech ball, the one with the ball in the side.  Once I got comfortable, it was quite fast and responsive.  Other users had trouble but it just has a learning curve.  I use the old fashioned, wired to the PS2 port, two button, center wheel and infrared sensor.  less than ten dollars anywhere.  

Now you like the ball on the side better?

What is the "infrared sensor"?

The ball on the side lets the thumb move the pointer,  X and Y, no motion of the hand needed.  Regular mouse uses a rolling ball across a smooth surface, the infrared sensor allows for any surface to sense motion for  X and  Y.

The ball on the side lets the thumb move the pointer,  X and Y, no motion of the hand needed.  Regular mouse uses a rolling ball across a smooth surface, the infrared sensor allows for any surface to sense motion for  X and  Y.

I understand the difference between a trackball and a mouse. What I am trying to understand is the difference between a trackball with the ball on top that is moved by the fingers, which I have used, and one with the ball on the side that is moved by the thumb. My thumb is not as agile as my fingers

There is no difference between a top-centre and a left (or right) trackball mouse, other than which digit you use to move the ball.

Everyone will have their own personal preference, and, as with keyboards, it is usually best to "try before you buy".

I have a Logitech "Thumb" trackball, which I sometimes use - the advantage I have found with this is I can let my thumb drop off the ball, and the cursor will stay where it is while I click the buttons - that may not be so easy with a "Top" ball, or traditional mouse, which inevitably jiggles about whilst clicking.

Depends on whether or not you prefer to move the cursor with your thumb or forefinger. I've always used Logitech's Trackman Marble (forefinger), now hard to find, and getting expensive. Fastest and easiest for me.