Which hand do you use for trackball/spinner (assuming you're right handed)?

[Bursk]

I'm right handed and am currently thinking about how I'd like my CP to be laid out.  I want to have a trackball and a spinner, plus 3 joysticks.

I have a pretty good idea how I'm going to lay everything out, but I'm not sure whether I'd feel more comfortable using my left or right hand to use the spinner and trackball.  I was planning on adding some additional buttons to one side of the trackball and spinner (e.g. if I use my left hand for the trackball, the extra buttons would be to the right so I can then use my other hand for those).

So, what do most people here do?  I must admit, that although I'm right handed, I pictured myself using my left hand for the trackball.  Until I actually try it though, I won't know how it feels.  I'm still interested to see what others do though.

Thanks a lot.

[ErikRuud]

My Spinner, Trackball, and Joysticks are all set up to be used with the right hand. For Tron and Discs of Tron I use the Player two joystick with my right hand and the spinner with my left.

[Brax]

Which hand do you use for trackball/spinner (assuming you're right handed)?

Trackball/spinner? Sounds like a euphamism!

Umm... I use my right hand when I play with my spinner! .....Even though mom said I'd go blind.

[DeathMonk]

Which hand do you use for trackball/spinner (assuming you're right handed)?

Trackball/spinner? Sounds like a euphamism!

Umm... I use my right hand when I play with my spinner! .....Even though mom said I'd go blind.

=D

[Bursk]

But if you're using your right hand for the trackball/spinner, you then have to use your left hand for the buttons (obviously).  However, don't you usually use your right hand for the buttons?  I mean, left hand for the joystick, right hand for the buttons.  So, why not left hand for the trackball/spinner, right hand for the buttons?  Am I making any sense?  

[Zinfari]

I think the best answer for a trackball is which hand do you use for a mouse.  If you are right handed then you use the right hand to control the mouse.

I think it's also whatever task is the most complex right handed people want to do with their right hand.   The buttons (IMHO) are more complex and require more timing than using a joystick so buttons on the right... joystick on the left.

The trackball (again IMHO) is more complicated (or requires more percission) so most right handed people are more comfortable using the trackball with their right hand.

-Zinfari

[OSCAR]

I always use my right hand with the trackball.  Nearly all the control panels I've seen have the trackball right in the center of the panel (because that is about the only place it will fit!), so you could use either P1 or P2 buttons if you wanted to go that way, whatever is more comfortable for you.


Spinners are all over the place on the old machines....

Tempest - spinner on the right, buttons on the left
Tron - spinner on the left, joystick on the right
Arkanoid - spinner right in the center, buttons on either side of it (for either-handedness)

The only time I don't use a spinner right handed is when it isn't possible to do so, such as with Tron.

[Bursk]

Ok thanks for the replies everyone.  I guess I'll plan my CP with the trackball and spinner for right handed use.  I will, of course, try both hands to see which I prefer, but will plan the CP with right hand use in mind.

I have another trackball-related question, but will start a new thread for that.

Thanks again.

[u_rebelscum]

Late in the game, as usual.

Spinner: right hand, unless right hand is using a joystick (dotron, forgotten worlds).

Trackball:  Well, depends on the game.  Usually the right hand, except some games without buttons (marble madness) or times in games that the buttons aren't used, and the trackball needs to move I use both (you know, quickly alternating hands).  Also, I find if I need to move right or right down quickly, I switch to my left hand a lot of the time, and don't bother to switch back to my right hand if there are buttons on both sides.  I switch back if I need to move left or left down quickly, or maybe at a break.