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BAD-ASS trackball...
brandon:
--- Quote from: RandyT on January 25, 2005, 05:40:39 pm ---
Heh,
--- End quote ---
NoOne=NBA=:
I tried it, and ended up just using my mouse/keyboard on the "desktop" CP I had built.
It was a 16x24 table that fit into my cabinet in place of the controllers, so that I could use the computer for work.
Two things to consider are that you won't have your mouse buttons/scroll wheel available, and that you are going to have to pack alot more buttons under your other hand, including fire buttons, etc...
If you're going to use the trackball left handed, I'd recommend using the 10-key area for your movement keys.
That's what I've done for years now, and it works great.
The keys are all in nice straight rows and columns there.
RandyT:
--- Quote from: brandon on January 26, 2005, 01:28:41 am ---not to get too off topic...
but Im seriously thinking about doing that very thing as well so I have play FPS and arcade games with the same trackball.. Im left handed and this would probably work out best for me anyways.. Randy, what kind of trackball are you using 2 1/4", 3" is it like the Golden Tee ones? my only concern is that with the weight of the ball you couldnt have fine control like a smaller PC trackball.. just wondered what your experience was...
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Sorry, I don't mean to take over the thread, but I couldn't watch the PXL get maligned like that :D
I use the 3" one. It's definitely a little different, but the larger size coupled with a high-res encoder and most importantly a circuit that can handle the speed of the transitions (and the Betson can) makes for a setup that can deliver some really fine control.
The mouse sensitivity settings are important too. My method of setup is to place a finger on one edge of the TB and roll it, without lifting my finger, until it hits the other side. It should be adjusted so that this range of motion causes the player to do 1 full 360 degree rotation. After that, it just takes some minor getting used to.
I have tried the whole mouse and KB thing and it's just not the same. Somehow, using a trackball to be able to look around freely in a virtual environment just seems more "natural" to me. To each their own I guess.
RandyT
NoOne=NBA=:
My issue wasn't with the looking around aspects, but rather with the "where'd my FIVE buttons and two scroll directions go?" problem.
I've got a 14X18 mousepad, so looking around hasn't ever really been an issue for me, but having to move SEVEN functions from my left hand, to my right, was VERY disorienting, to say the least.
I know several people using various forms of trackballs effectively in FPS games.
I just happen to be one of those who found it less than perfect for MY playing style.
I agree with Randy that it's "not the same" as a dedicated CP, and have started the design phase on several game-specific CP's (the most recent being a CarBall CP for Unreal Tournament 2k4).
The problem I have ALWAYS run into, and the one that kept me from proceeding to the production phase, is that FPS games just require too many buttons to be hit simultaneously, or in quick order, to make a dedicated CP functional for me.
I just don't have THAT much dexterity in one hand.
Using the mouse, I can bind keys directly to it, so that I can "key-chord".
For those unfamiliar with the term, it is using both hands simultaneously to press keys, much like playing a chord on a piano.
brandon:
this one might work pretty well. I thought about getting it since its "lefty friendly" for us weirdos
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