If the desktop requires a precision device to use, something's gone horribly wrong with UI design.
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The mouse is barbaric old tech. Ditch it now and join the modern world.
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If the desktop requires a precision device to use, something's gone horribly wrong with UI design.
Scroll through a long document to find a paragraph and move it to another part of the document. You can do all of that easily with just a mouse or multitouch trackpad, but can you do it easier with a pen/tablet combo?
Using 3 screens would make the tablet target areas pretty small for each screen
Is double clicking really easier with a pen?
I don't see how typing using all fingers would be possible while holding a pen which means laying it down and then having to find it / pick it up and oriantate it
I find holding a pen for any length of time to be incredibly uncomfortable and have no such issues with a mouse or trackpad
I've tried touchscreen, styli, touchpads, and the trusty old IBM thinkpad button, and I still prefer a mouse, in particular the Magic Mouse. The machine I'm typing on only has a touchpad, an MBA, but only because my magic mouse is in my office, paired with my Lenovo. And if anybody is asking, it does work, just not as well as on a Mac using remote desktop onto that same Lenovo. I bring my MBA to work just so I can use the mouse in its full capacity. My job just requires a Windows PC.
- I use laptops a lot, and love MBP trackpads with a dozen of useful gestures in different applications.
- Intuos Pro touch part sucks in comparison, the stylus is awesome for graphics work.
- I tried to use it sometimes for basic navigation tools, but it just can't replace my mouse with a nice big mouse pad.
- Hovering on intuos Pro is nice and precise, but it is slower to move cursors against mouse with high sensitivity.
- Intuos pro used as a daily nav input device makes me more tiring from wrist movements.
- I am thinking of my G502 and MX Master (mouse), apple magic trackpad (trackpad), and intuos pro medium for this evaluation.
- The conclusion is different on touchscreen tablet like IPP with Pencil.
maybe he tried to touch type whilst still holding the stylus, the stylus got caught up in his fingers and pinged across the room and fell behind a cupboard, where he can't find it and now, not having a mouse or a trackpad, he can't use his computer to do anything.
you know, after reading this topic I decided to un-dust my small wacom and give it a spin and the mouse a vacation.
after lots of tweaking I'm getting along with it pretty well. had to configure it to only use the left portion for 2 screens up-down, so it's basically 1/4 of the tablet per screen. no need to move the hand much, which is nice... on the down side clicking is not as easy on the pen, and no scrolling so need to use the left hand on the trackpad for that.
but it's fun to build some new muscle memory
after lots of tweaking I'm getting along with it pretty well. had to configure it to only use the left portion for 2 screens up-down, so it's basically 1/4 of the tablet per screen. no need to move the hand much, which is nice... on the down side clicking is not as easy on the pen, and no scrolling so need to use the left hand on the trackpad for that.
but it's fun to build some new muscle memory
Just give it a try yourself with an ordinary pencil if you don't have a tablet. Your hand will naturally move the pen to a position where you can type. Just don't over think it. With me, the pencil sort of tucks under the middle finger and rests on on the ring finger, ( i tend to type with my index fingers only. )
But, if you want to type using all 8 main fingers, the pen rests under the thumb and across the palm below the fingers.
It one of those things which just happens. It will seem weird at first but thats part of the acclimatising process. But once you get used to it, its automatic. You never have the put the pen down to do anything.
you know, after reading this topic I decided to un-dust my small wacom and give it a spin and the mouse a vacation.
after lots of tweaking I'm getting along with it pretty well. had to configure it to only use the left portion for 2 screens up-down, so it's basically 1/4 of the tablet per screen. no need to move the hand much, which is nice... on the down side clicking is not as easy on the pen, and no scrolling so need to use the left hand on the trackpad for that.
but it's fun to build some new muscle memory
Remember that you can use a double tap in place of the clicker. Thats the best way to open folders etc. I don't think i've ever actually used the clicker on my pen. Hopefully they get rid of them because they aren't necessary and just make the pen thicker than it needs to be.
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I've used Wacom tablets extensively, and I still prefer the mouse. :/
Wacom are hugely useful tools for graphic professionals, and it's been my experience that people who use them for work are more likely to use them as mouse replacements - plus people use what they're familiar with anyway, obviously.
What prevents me from using a tablet - at least a Wacom - from my Primary Pointer Digital Interaction Pointer/Selection Device is that it begins tracking the cursor when you're a .25" above the surface. That's really irritating. Plus, moving my hand palm-down from the keyboard to lam-down over the mouse just 6" away is easier than typing, picking up the stylus, orienting the cursor, and then doing what needs to be done with the pointer.
They're cool - but they'll never replace the Mouse. Additionally, as a programmer I have a multi-function mouse with every button programmed for something unique to my environment - that can't be replaced by the stylus.
What I'd LOVE to try is one of those AutoCAD 3D-tilter-knobs (like these)... it's hugely impossible as a generic mouse, but I love the look and feel of them. If it were possible to use one of those as a mouse replacement I'd be all over that like I am the day's first cup of coffee.
Wacom are hugely useful tools for graphic professionals, and it's been my experience that people who use them for work are more likely to use them as mouse replacements - plus people use what they're familiar with anyway, obviously.
What prevents me from using a tablet - at least a Wacom - from my Primary Pointer Digital Interaction Pointer/Selection Device is that it begins tracking the cursor when you're a .25" above the surface. That's really irritating. Plus, moving my hand palm-down from the keyboard to lam-down over the mouse just 6" away is easier than typing, picking up the stylus, orienting the cursor, and then doing what needs to be done with the pointer.
They're cool - but they'll never replace the Mouse. Additionally, as a programmer I have a multi-function mouse with every button programmed for something unique to my environment - that can't be replaced by the stylus.
What I'd LOVE to try is one of those AutoCAD 3D-tilter-knobs (like these)... it's hugely impossible as a generic mouse, but I love the look and feel of them. If it were possible to use one of those as a mouse replacement I'd be all over that like I am the day's first cup of coffee.
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The "works best for me means that it works best for everyone" mindset is a barbaric old mindset. Certainly use what works best for you. Just don't assume that it's best for everyone -- and I say that as someone that does not prefer a mouse. This applies to any topic. Not just pointing devices, computers or tech.
I disagree. It's not old or barbaric, it's elevating your own ignorance or intolerance to the global norm. It has nothing to do with age or sophistication, and everything with trying to force your own habits or beliefs onto others.
It's a good thing Macmamamac isn't in any position of power or influence, because if he was I would be planning a bloody revolt ending with his head on a spike in front of my tent. And yes, this is quite barbaric.
But you fail to realize he is a "Graphics Professional" and therefore wiser than us peasants.
Actually I'm the one that used to have classes called 'movable type', 'hot metal typesetting' and 'darkroom practicum'. The final year, after that it was banned because of the lead dust and dangerous chemicals we used to work with.
What if you want to type with 8 fingers and 2 thumbs? I touch type and use all 10 digits
I'm pretty sure it's bad for your fingers and hands to type more than occasionally with a fairly chunky digitiser pen between your fingers. Applying force on a pen and moving your fingers at the same time is a good way to sideways load the interphalangeal joints while flexing them, and they are most certainly not evolved for that kind of motion.
Something similar many of us know from experience: typing while resting your wrists on the desk also forces you to bend and sideways flex your fingers at the same time. Many people feel the bad effects of that habit in their wrists, but others get sore fingers as well. The tingling finger sensation is most likely pinched nerves in your wrist, but the glowing or burning sensations in your fingers are joints and tendon sheaths that get irritated or inflamed.
What is the difference between tapping on a tablet or tapping on a mouse or dragging on a tablet or dragging on a mouse, lol. I have been using a mouse since I was a kid and am now 42 and use a mouse everyday for work. I have never had a problem using a mouse and find it works quite fine. I also use a tablet everyday as well. For something like graphics work a tablet/stylus is better. But for general daily desktop computer use I prefer to use a mouse over a tablet/stylus. Just because that's your opinion doesn't make it a fact.
I agree with the thought that a common mouse (no matter how tweaked it might be) is antique in many respects. In 96 I bought my first Kensington Trackball & it was an eye opener. Never found anything as good. Through 4-5 models, it is the finest pointing device I've used.
Many people don't like and can't adjust to the "Eightball Sized" feel, so I understand why it's not
liked, but my hand and fingers are in a single static position and I can adjust speed and feel well
beyond any mouse. Most important, I don't use my arm. Only fingers.
A pen still requires more movement. Just An Opinion
Many people don't like and can't adjust to the "Eightball Sized" feel, so I understand why it's not
liked, but my hand and fingers are in a single static position and I can adjust speed and feel well
beyond any mouse. Most important, I don't use my arm. Only fingers.
A pen still requires more movement. Just An Opinion
I've used a trackball since they've existed pretty much and 99% of time I prefer it to anything else but I cannot use it in Ps at all. My work MP has a mouse, trackball, and Wacom everything else is trackballI agree with the thought that a common mouse (no matter how tweaked it might be) is antique in many respects. In 96 I bought my first Kensington Trackball & it was an eye opener. Never found anything as good. Through 4-5 models, it is the finest pointing device I've used.
Many people don't like and can't adjust to the "Eightball Sized" feel, so I understand why it's not
liked, but my hand and fingers are in a single static position and I can adjust speed and feel well
beyond any mouse. Most important, I don't use my arm. Only fingers.
A pen still requires more movement. Just An Opinion
Lots of difference. When i say tap, i literally mean an extremely light touch. the nib just has to make contact with the surface area. There is no need to apply any pressure at all, which is different from the mouse which needs pressure.
Not sure tablet you are using but if the taps feel the same as the mouse then either your tablet needs upgrading or you need to adjust the pressure if you already have a decent tablet.
For a time I had to use only the trackpad on a MBP, so learned to really use it.
I'll plug in the Trackball when I want to fly.
Ya I guess there is a difference or feel. I have used a mouse since the old Macintosh days and find the mouse works pretty good. But I use both everyday so I guess I am so used to both. I really don't find one better than the other but for everyday use I prefer the mouse. I am using the original Air. I might upgrade to the new Air 3 when it comes out or the Surface Pro or Android tablet, depending what the new Air 3 is like.
I have a Wacom too and it is only good if you are using the tablet exclusively with graphics and you are not multitasking, typing, etc at that time.
I work with graphics, text (code and writing), and 3D CAD.
When I use my Wacom, I find it difficult to scroll down webpages as intuitively as I do on my Macbook Pro's trackpad or my Magic Mouse.
If I have to use my keyboard to type something, I have to awkwardly place the pen between my fingers making it difficult to type more than a few words. If I do place the pen down, after typing I have to locate and pick up the pen, and orient it properly while a mouse/trackpad is just… there.
3D CAD-ing with a tablet is really cumbersome, and a good ol' wired mouse with a middle button/clickwheel works best.
There are so many other issues that make a tablet unsuitable for being a primary input device, like:
Use the right tool for the right job.
I work with graphics, text (code and writing), and 3D CAD.
When I use my Wacom, I find it difficult to scroll down webpages as intuitively as I do on my Macbook Pro's trackpad or my Magic Mouse.
If I have to use my keyboard to type something, I have to awkwardly place the pen between my fingers making it difficult to type more than a few words. If I do place the pen down, after typing I have to locate and pick up the pen, and orient it properly while a mouse/trackpad is just… there.
3D CAD-ing with a tablet is really cumbersome, and a good ol' wired mouse with a middle button/clickwheel works best.
There are so many other issues that make a tablet unsuitable for being a primary input device, like:
- Lack of portability. Not convenient as a daily tool to bring around and set-up.
- Not one-size-fits-all. A lot of care has to be taken into choosing the correct tablet. A large tablet is too slow to navigate for a small laptop; a small tablet is not precious enough for a large high-res desktop screen.
Use the right tool for the right job.