Trackpoint rsi injury, what peripheral should i use to relax my index finger?

Does anyone have Repetitive strain injury with their index finger because i use i use the trackpoint too exclusively, and ruining my index finger in the process. what would be a good mouse for a home desktop setup i can use.

im looking at at the logitech trackman marble because its cheap and widely accessible, does anyone have experience with trackballs?

 

If you can pick up one somewhere it's easy to return, like Wal-Mark. That way you can test it out to see if you like it.

 

I have the same problem with my right index finger, i use my left hand index finger to use the track pointer. I feel that the greatest advantage of the track pointer is the ability to use any finger with the same sensitivity. (Even used my toes )


I dont use the trackpad or a mouse, i use a wacom tablet for extended work.

 

Now that's an interesting idea... Perhaps both of you should try the X200 tablet instead?

And btw.. I love my Logitech VX Revolution. I'd highly recommend it. The VX Nano is also pretty popular but it's REALLY small and therefore it might not be ergonomical enough for your needs. But I can guarantee that the VX Revolution is just as comfortable (or more!) as a desktop mouse.

 

I have the same problem. My index finger gets tired after awhile. For serious work I use a mouse but sometimes in vertical environments or in a location where using a mouse is not convenient I will use the Trackpoint. In this case, I just switch fingers/hands. When I'm reading something on the page I try to relax the finger controlling the nipple. Sometimes I forget though and keep it tense.

 

Hmm, index finger? I always use my middle finger and after so many years of trackpoint-only use - I feel weird when I have to use desktop PC w/mouse. I even have my touchpad disabled, only trackpoint. "Flip a birdie" to your trackpoint - middle finger gives you more balance and control Give it a try!

 

I alternate fingers. I use the index and middle fingers on both my right and left hand. Cycling between these four tends to minimize fatigue.

You can also try a different cap. I find the soft rim (concave) is the easiest on the finger for long term use.

 

How about cranking the sensitivity up so you don't have to apply a lot of pressure? That's what I do and it seems to work wonders.

 

^ Yes, do you guys have the trackpoint set to the highest sensitivity? That's what I've done from the beginning and I haven't had any problems, even after using the trackpoint for long periods of time.

Another thing you could do is manipulate the trackpoint using the first joint in your index finger instead of the tip. This should alleviate some stress.

 

I have the Trackpoint set to maximum sensitivity. The present generation of Trackpoint is pretty lousy. Sometimes, It gets struck with the pointer moving in some particular direction.

How do u manipulate the trackpoint using the first joint in your index finger instead of the tip? Doesn't it cause unwanted keyboard strokes?

 

I also want to note that I cranked up the pointer speed as well. This may seem a bit obvious but at first to me it wasn't. I was wrapped up in the UltraNav settings and totally ignored the native Windows mouse configurations.

 

Thanks for the tip, it is much easier now than before.

What is the "Press to select" ?

 

I believe that means to press down on the TrackPoint itself to select text. I think. I have that feature disabled.

 

Did it ever work for you or anyone?

 

Yes. It works for me. You can also adjust the pressure sensitivity.

I also use it to click boxes.