Having resolved my issue with the tip of the Select Tool, I thought I’d add my own thoughts about the input device (mouse) to use for Sketchup or any CAD type software. Early in the computer game years, I became fascinated with the control and speed that a trackball allows for managing a cursor. About 5 years ago, I bought my first Mouse Ball (this one from Logitech) specifically for use with CAD. When I started using Sketchup, the Mouse Ball was a natural. With the ball, two buttons and some keyboard, I can manage all the capabilities of Sketchup quickly and intuitively. The precision over a mouse is really great.
And the reason for starting it at all was to relieve the carpal tunnel stress. I’ve been doing heavy hours (8-10 a day) or design in Sketchup for the past several days. At the end I could feel a little wrist stress, but it stopped when I stopped and it didn’t linger. Today my wrist is as comfortable as when I started earlier in the week.
Anyway, just wanted to toss this out in case anyone else would like to try a trackball. I have both the corded Marble Mouse and the “Cordless” Marble Mouse, but I use the corded Marble because both require a cord running to a USB port. (The “cordless” has a corded receiver — fine for a desktop computer, but I use a laptop exclusively and would prefer no cord at all — a cordless trackball which has only a small USB dongle or maybe uses bluetooth.) I also prefer the corded configuration because it’s smaller (less height). The “cordless” has a wheel if that’s something you really want. I never felt the need for the wheel because I can accomplish all scrolling, panning and orbiting easily with just the trackball and a button.
The Marble Mouse is basically reversible left/right (software switchable). The cordless is a little more right side oriented, but can still be used by a lefty. There are also thumb controlled (rather than finger controlled) trackballs, but I find them cumbersome and lacking the precision I want.
I’d be interested in knowing what others use for Sketchup input control besides the recommended wheel mouse. Or if you are familiar with trackball use as well as a wheel mouse and prefer the mouse, why? (As I sit here in my Lazyboy with computer in my lap and trackball on the chair arm, it’s hard to imagine how there could be a better environment to design in. Turn on the HDTV and surround sound and I can have total distraction and minimal design :<).
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I've used a trackball in the past. It was a Kensington and was USB connected to my desktop Mac. I much preferred it to the Mac one-button mouse. Now I'm using laptops exclusively and the trackball went by the wayside. I got a cordless Kensington two-button, wheeled mouse when I started to get into Sketchup. I use the mouse on the corner of my laptop and it cost about $20 on Amazon. So to answer your question about why someone with trackball experience would use a mouse? My answer would be $$$.
I certainly understand the $$$ part! Amazon also has the Logitech Optical Marble Mouse (the one I actually use and posted about) for $21.98. Add $3 in tools or supplies and you can get free shipping. I think it's really worthwhile for someone looking for a mouse alternative for Sketchup or just needs to replace a mouse. The trackball is my all purpose input device (with the keyboard) for all uses and I really couldn't give it up at this point.
I looked at Amazon for your reference to the "marble mouse" AFTER I made my post and saw the reasonable price. If I didn't already have a new wireless mouse. I believe I'd definitely give that trackball a try.
Good stuff to chew on. I haven't tried a trackball/mouseball for SketchUp but I might give it a try. I have been using a mouse and really haven't had any trouble. On the PC at home I also have a Space Navigator which is very handy. I probably don't use it as much as I could but I use quite a few keyboard shortcuts so my left hand is always back and forth between keyboard and Navigator. I'd like to get one of those keyboard things designed as a shortcut keyboard. It would be really nice if I could find one with room for the Space Navigator on it.
Like you, I started getting pains with a long session of SU using a right-handed mouse. I switched it to my left hand, which fixed the pains. However, my left hand is not very accurate. I switched to a Logitech Marble trackball in my left hand, and that's what I use now.
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