trackball replacement

[missioncontrol]

I found this on the internet and thinking of bidding on one on e-bay...I was thinking of using it on a cocktail cabinet that is only going to have joystick, 3 button or less games on it, since I really won't have room for a trackball. I thought this would be a good alternative for selecting the games to play and windows navigation... has anyone used one of these? Or does anyone have an oppinion on this idea? Thanks for any input.

http://www.extremecomputing.com/touchpad.html

[Lilwolf]

I dont like using my wifes notebook for mouse games...

but I haven't tried it recently... I thought it was closer to an analog joystick then a mouse.

[DaveMMR]

My opinion on touch pads is that their quite uncomfortable to use for extended periods.  You're better off getting a small trackball instead.

[missioncontrol]

It won't be used for gaming, just navigation in windows and mame to get to the games.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I really don't like those either.

If you're not going to be using the cabinet for anything except games, you'd probably be better off to just use a front end that supports joystick navigation.
If you set the computer to autoload the front end for you at startup, you'd be set.

An alternate option, and the one I chose for my cab, is to hide a wireless mouse receiver inside.

[DaveMMR]

It won't be used for gaming, just navigation in windows and mame to get to the games.

I don't even use it for that.  I just slap an external mouse into the laptop.  Reminds me of those Genesis Control Pads that was motion detection (supposed to lead to higher scores).  I got them for free somehow and I used them once and never again, my finger was sore as hell from all the friction.

I agree with NoOne, use a front-end that allows joystick navigation or hook up a wireless.

[NoOne=NBA=]

You might even consider getting a wireless keyboard/mouse combo.
That would let you do config stuff without having to open the cabinet to connect a keyboard, as well.

[missioncontrol]

guess i'll go wireless then thanks for the input....