25.07.2021, 20:22   #1

Smartphotographer

That's all folks!

Mouse/Tablet/Trackball
One thing almost nobody talks about, especially for those who spend long hours at the computer, is the mouse. Well, I’ve tried just about everything myself — whether it’s the mouse, which, inexplicably, is still primarily used for input, the tablet, or the trackball.
The mouse is completely unsuitable for photo editing. You always need a fairly large surface to work on. Drawing, erasing, and so on quickly turn into a nightmare... honestly, I can’t say what’s good about a mouse at all. Even if it’s wireless, the posture it forces on your body is anything but comfortable.
The tablet is a game-changer for photo editing... as long as it’s big enough, it’s simply fantastic. And it doesn’t have to be a Wacom — an XL Huion works just as well and doesn’t cost a fortune... around 100 euros, if I remember correctly... HOWEVER, relaxed, long-term work with a tablet is NOT possible for me. I ended up with headaches, neck pain, and total tension... so it’s just sitting in a corner now. That said, if you don’t use it for more than two hours at a time, it’s highly recommended — just not for me.
The trackball... not all trackballs are created equal, and I’ve tried many of those too. After what feels like an endless adjustment period, precise work like erasing and painting is absolutely possible. Once you master the ball, you can navigate across three screens SUPER smoothly — RAPP ZAPP — when it comes to navigation, the trackball even beats the tablet... and definitely the mouse, which is now just gathering dust in the corner. Photo editing becomes fun again... this applies to all wireless Logitech trackballs. However, this one here is simply the ultimate: https://www.logitech.com/de-de/products/mice/mx-ergo-wireless-trackball-mouse.910-005179.html. You can lounge back however you want (I personally work in a Stressless chair), and you only need a small, stable surface about 17 cm by 11 cm — that’s it. Completely relaxed work... TOTALLY. The trackball fits so perfectly in your hand that it’s a joy to use. Fast, super-precise work for many hours is absolutely no problem; I’m sitting in a cozy TV chair... 🙂 ....
You navigate with your thumb... I don’t know if there’s a version for left-handers. If you don’t have a steady thumb or, for whatever reason, your fingers tremble, you should probably steer clear of this device... it just won’t work. The device can be customized, but I personally stick with the factory settings.
One more downside: the learning curve. For some, it can be quite challenging. Operating the device is theoretically simple, but switching from a mouse to a trackball can be nerve-wracking. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll NEVER want to go back to a mouse... EVER.

Cheers, Helmut
25.07.2021, 20:50   #2

Administrator

Thanks for your interesting post. I used to have a similar trackball, but I never really got past the adjustment period. I just couldn’t get used to it.
25.07.2021, 22:10   #3

Hobbyfotograf

Now I need to look up what a trackball is. I'm only familiar with a mouse and a tablet. I don't do much photo editing yet. I try to meet certain criteria already when taking the photos.
26.07.2021, 10:50   #4

Hobbyfotografin

@Helmut Wachtarczyk Thanks for the interesting post, Helmut. I’ll definitely look into it further.
26.07.2021, 10:51   #5

Smartphotographer

26.07.2021, 10:59   #6

Smartphotographer

@Janet Kölliker .....go ahead.......you can find the specified trackball from other sellers, like on eBay, for under 100 euros.....
 
26.07.2021, 13:09   #7

Hobbyfotografin

@Helmut Wachtarczyk Thank you very much... Sending my regards to you
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