Getting real work done with the trackpad

[phaedarus]

Since acquiring my MBP, I have been using the trackpad in an effort to see how much work I can actually get done in Photoshop/Maya without the aid of a mouse.

So far the going has been rough. Although standard activities like word processing and surfing the web is fairly swift, it takes about 3 times as long to model anything complex in Maya and painting is a wash in Photoshop.

I'll likely be getting either a small mouse or a wacom tablet to improve my productivity as it seems the trackpad and I can't seem to jive that well.

In the meantime, I'm curious, is anyone able to get serious graphic design work done with just the trackpad alone?

 

[jekyoo]

For anything graphics related, I always use a mouse. Trackpad is not designed for that type of usage. Like you said, it's great for normal consumer use though.

 

[jgz]

no, I have to use a mouse for my work, which most of the times is CAD stuff. Once on a bus trip I used the trackpad for some Indesign work. It worked, but it didnt feel very comfortable....

Probably if you get used to, it will work sometime, but I don't have enough time for such things^^

 

[Macman45]

I tried your approach with my MBP 17"...I caved and purchased a MM....You just can't use precision software with the pad. I spent more time screwing things up than actually getting things done, and even when I DID manage to get it right, it took 3 times as long.

My MBA however, remains mouse less, and for some reason I find the trackpad easier to use....I think it's the smaller real-estate on the Air that makes it easier to use.

 

[MOKHAN]

I find using the trackpad easier in all tasks, even Photoshop. Not sure why.

 

[thundersteele]

I don't like using my mouse anymore to interact with the mac. I do the following:

Trackpad: everyday work
Logitech mouse: gaming
Wacom tablet: handwritten notes, drawing

I am fully using the available gestures, so when for some reason I have the mouse in my hand, I start wondering how access Launchpad or Mission control. Also the touchpad is closer to the keyboard, so it's faster to work with keyboard + touchpad.

Drawing I think depends a lot on experience and talent... but I think a wacom tablet offers more than what you could get from using a mouse... e.g. pressure sensitivity!