Spinner or Track ball

[RandomCitizenX]

I am still in the early stages of fixing up and maming a Dynamo cab, and I am pretty sure I want to keep the usual metal control panel. The space constraints most likely face me with the choice of either a track ball or a spinner instead of both. Since I can only think of a few games for each and have no preference, I thought I would turn to the board to gather some opinions.

[Nephasth]

If you prefer to play trackball games, have a trackball. If you prefer to play spinner games, have a spinner. But with a 2 player 6/7 button layout, your CP will probably be pretty crowded with a trackball...

[EVEGames]

Assuming you have the room, a trackball has practical purposes beyond gaming, whereas a spinner really does not (outside of doubling as a volume knob or the like).  A trackball can function as a mouse within your front-end and within Windows, a very convenient thing, instead of bringing out the mouse every time you need to make a small tweak.  A trackball can also function as a spinner/steering wheel (albeit poorly).  Given the choice between the two, for me, it's trackball all the way.  Also keep in mind, there are different sizes of trackballs, for space considerations.

[Encryptor]

I believe Dynamo cabs are fairly plentiful. Maybe see if you can buy a couple of spare control panels so you have swap them. One with a spinner and one with a trackball and one as a 2 player.

Encryptor

[RandyT]

Since my invention of the button-hole installable spinner, there's really no space-related reason anymore for the two controls to be mutually exclusive on even smaller panels.

A spinner can be added anywhere there is space for a button, or in lieu of a current one.  While a trackball can have more functionality, such as a mouse substitute when required, it falls short on games where a dial, or spinner are intended for control.  If you enjoy these types of games, there really is no substitute for an actual spinner control.

RandyT