Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

*How* do you use the track/touch pad?

P

PkennethV

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 16, 2006
853
9
Toronto
I've always been using only one hand with the track pad. Thumb on the button and index finger on the tracking surface. Until recently I've always thought that using it any other way was strange and not as effective (like one index finger on the pad and the other index finger to click).

Then a couple of days ago I had a friend that I have known for a while bring over his laptop for the first time and he did something I've never seen before. Used one THUMB to move over the pad and the index finger on his other hand to click the mouse. That seemed really awkward to me, but then I saw that he could be moving the mouse with his thumb and his other four fingers could still be on the keyboard (so he could start tying right away without having to move his hand).

So are there any other ways you use it? Just wondering, I'm probably not going to be changing anytime soon.
 
Wow that is kinda weird, I tried that just now and I cant effectively move the courser around with my thumb. The way I personally use the track pad is thumb on the clicker and middle finger moves the courser around.

EDIT: I use my middle+ring fingers with two finger scrolling
 
I find that I am far too clumsy with the thumb on the trackpad. If I am going for pure speed I tend to just use keyboard shortcuts rather than try and save a moment or two on the trackpad.

I usually use my index and middle on my right hand for trackpad. I'm big with the two finger actions including clicking and dragging. I usually use the right hand thumb for clicking when I am using the trackpad for more fluid operations.
 
i use my middle finger to move the mouse pointer around, and then my index and middle finger for right clicking and scrolling, i use the thumb on my left hand for clicking, in fact im more proficient on the trackpad than with a mouse...
 
I keep my left thumb on the button, use my left index finger on the trackpad, and keep my left middle finger resting on the top border of the trackpad, ready to pop down if I need to scroll or right-click. Using both hands to control the trackpad seems like a lot of unnecessary effort.
 
I use a mouse. But when I do use the trackpad, thumb on button, index & middle on pad. But I am known to always change for whatever seems most comfortable and most efficient at the time.
 
I'm always two-finger scrolling...so thumb doesn't really cut it for the majority of mousing, though I do actually use it for small movements (ie, to click "Submit Reply" on this post. I find that I tend to use both hands, and my index and middle fingers interchangeably. :p
 
Well, you can also not use the button whatsoever. I just use my right index and middle finger on the trackpad for both scrolling and right clicking. All you have to do is quickly tap one then the other finger and a right click will take place granted you have allowed this in trackpad preferences. I never use the button. Usually I have my left hand on the keys ready to type and my right hand on the trackpad. However, this is only when I'm out and about. Normally I use a mighty mouse.
 
I've always used my thumb on trackpads. I set the pad up so I can single, double, and click/lock/drag (over whatever that is call). I dislike any pointing device that requires my hands to leave the keyboard.

Now if only Apple would offer a trackpoint!! (which is, IMHO, THE perfect pointing device)
 
OutThere said:
I'm always two-finger scrolling...so thumb doesn't really cut it for the majority of mousing
Click to expand...

Good point. He was on Windows (forgot to mention that). So I guess no Mac users would be using their thumb.

Edit: saw the post above
 
jtrwallace said:
Well, you can also not use the button whatsoever. I just use my right index and middle finger on the trackpad for both scrolling and right clicking. All you have to do is quickly tap one then the other finger and a right click will take place granted you have allowed this in trackpad preferences. I never use the button. Usually I have my left hand on the keys ready to type and my right hand on the trackpad. However, this is only when I'm out and about. Normally I use a mighty mouse.
Click to expand...

I find the tapping to mess up somethings. At times, I will be typing, and my palm/wrist will set off the trackpad tapping, and all of my already-written text will become highlighted, and another moment later, all of my work is gone! I learned this on an old Dell, which made we weary of ever having it on on any other notebook. Hence the reason why I always have it off on my mbp.
 
CalBoy said:
I find the tapping to mess up somethings. At times, I will be typing, and my palm/wrist will set off the trackpad tapping, and all of my already-written text will become highlighted, and another moment later, all of my work is gone! I learned this on an old Dell, which made we weary of ever having it on on any other notebook. Hence the reason why I always have it off on my mbp.
Click to expand...

Yeah I've had enough problems with tapping, commonly when writing, to have done away with it entirely.
 
Pointer figher for single. Pointer and middle for double. Thumb on button, thumb pushes button. With my right hand.
 
Interesting thread. I never really thought about it, but I use my pointer finger or middle finger for the mouse pointer, and typically my pointer and middle fingers for scrolling. Thumb for the button. When I need to command click (to open a link in a new tab) I use my ring finger to reach the command button on the right side of the spacebar and then click.
 
Interestingly enough, I have never had the problem with tapping the trackpad while I type, I just checked and was surprised that it was on! And wouldn't you know, I just accidentally tapped it and made some of my post bold and had to erase it. What have you guys done to me?!?! :rolleyes:

:D
 
I keep my left hand on the keyboard, to press the cmd key

My right hand has its index finger and the middle finger to move and scroll with the mouse, and the base of my thumb and the thumb its self presses the button (something i cant do on windows laptops, i notice windows laptop users need 2 hands to control their laptops :p )
 
PkennethV said:
Then a couple of days ago I had a friend that I have known for a while bring over his laptop for the first time and he did something I've never seen before. Used one THUMB to move over the pad and the index finger on his other hand to click the mouse.
Click to expand...

Your friend is very odd :p
 
right index finger for moving around and left button tap, index and middle for scroll and right button tap.

question is, has anyone figured out a way to get some third button action happening? i use firefox, and to open a link in a new tab i use the middle mouse button. this is fine when i have my MM plugged in, but at times like now sitting on my bed, i have to right click all my links, and then choose to open in an another tab.

:)
 
i simply use one finger on the trackpad...i use it to move the cursor,click,right click,drag and drop..everything..i NEVER used the button..
 
I'm kind of surprised about the amount of people using the button.
I was under the impression most just tap the pad for clicking. :)

Anyway i use index and middle finger and no thumb on the button, i'm not really aware of it's position when "tracking" :)
The "double-finger-tap" -and scrolling are awesome. After getting used to them i had no problem trading in my mouse.
 
trackpad.jpg


I use my middle finger to move the cursor around etc and then my index and middle finger for scrolling.

My hand is in it's natural relaxed position there too..
 
My thumb rests on the button to open the MBP...

Index finger is the clicker.

Middle finger moves the mouse.

Ring finger used for two finger scrolling/right clicking.
 
Tom McMahon said:
Scrolling with the pad is a PITA.
Click to expand...

Took me a while to get used to scrolling with my MBP's trackpad but now I love it - it is perfect. I love the sensitivity feature; faster you move your fingers the bigger the scrolling coverage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back