Mouse for a cramped space

Hi, I'm starting to get a bit frustrated with using the touchpad on my laptop (Samsung Q45) on a cramped train.

I need precise control, mainly for music software, and there quite often isn't enough arm room to use the pad comfortably, or without digging my elbow in the person next to me. Drag and drop is also a pain.

I've found this "finger mouse" ( http://www.keytools-ergonomics.co.uk/mice/micro_track.asp) which looks as though it might do the trick.

Anyone used one, or can suggest alternatives?

Cheers

 

For your purposes that looks awesome. I think it should be fine with the trackball.

 

I agree. Look for a Logitech trackball. They can be used with only motion in the finger, and are generally very accurate once you get used to them, which doesn't take long.

 

I don't think a normal trackball will work - I don't have anywhere to put one on the train. That's why I was interested in this "mid air" trackball, which I can move around as needed. As far as I can see, there's nothing similar. I think I'll give it a go. Will report back...

Cheers

 

What about a gyroscopic mouse?

 

Maybe, though they look a bit more bulky, and expensive, which puts me off. Be great to try these things, but finding a real shop with them will be difficult, I suspect...

 

Well, I feel a bit foolish now. I've just discovered, after observing my wife doing it, that click and move with a touchpad is vastly easier if you click with your left hand and move with your right. Previously I'd been clicking with right thumb and moving with right finger, which is very prone to error.

So, I'll be holding off on buying an alternative for now.

Am I a bit slow in discovering this? I shall be observing other laptop users for a while...

 

the touchpad is an aqcuired taste, but I really like it in cramped spaces. You will get used to it and it will become second nature...at first it was awkward..but so is a trackball.

The trackball is the best thought for editing music..I love mine and use it on a desktop. I bought a VXnano mouse for the lappy, and if it gets too cramped, i just use the touchscreen.

 

If I've got room, then a graphics tablet is my tool of choice (wacom bamboo). The vx nano looks like a nice mouse, especially the mini usb thing.
Cheers

 

WARNING: DO NOT GET THAT TRACKBALL!!!

I made that mistake. You cannot use the right click without bumping the trackball with your thumb. The "trigger" which serves as the primary left click
cannot be used if you have thick fingers like I do. And you get absolutly NO percise tracking. I mean it an accomplishment to selcet the right i tunes song

 

OK, well that's a definite no - thanks for the info!

 

I love the VX nano..just bought one and it is the best mouse I have ever owned. I use trackballs in the studio at all times, but for laptops, the Nano is a can't miss.

 

You may want to try the Mogo mouse. I have the Xpress Card version and usually end up using it on the palm rest of my laptop. It is especially great when flying (considering how small those tray tables are). Moreover, it just plugs into your express card slot, where it recharges.