A good mouse or alternative for post processing

[Freedbaby]

I am finding that after tedious work of making different layers with the polygon lasso, I can only edit a couple pictures before my hand starts to cramp and fatigue. I use a laptop at the kitchen table with an external corded mouse.

What are you guys using? Certainly something that has to be more efficient/comfortable. Maybe a track ball or something? I don't have the luxury of having an office in the house......so I am limited.

Freedbaby

[Shelby Lane]

You might try a Wacom tablet. You use a pen instead of a mouse, so your hand is in a different position.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by Shelby Lane

You might try a Wacom tablet. You use a pen instead of a mouse, so your hand is in a different position.

+1; Definitely try a wacom tablet.

[Freedbaby]

so which one are you guys using?....looks like there are a lot

[KdLaneJr]

Wacom Intuous 3, 6x8 inch tablet. Whether you go with the Intuous 3 or the graphire, I wouldn't go larger than 6x8 as that is the size of the portion of the tablet you use the pen/mouse on. The actually tablet size is 10 1/4" x 13 5/8", so if room is a premium on your kitchen table you might consider the next smaller size.

I don't use the Wacom mouse with my tablet, just the pen, but it makes a big difference in the speed of my post processing and the accuracy of my selections.

If you utilize all the keyboard shortcuts you can and make your own actions for repetitive processes, you will be able to speed up your processing even more.

[barP]

i just did a bunch of research on wacom tablets because i wanted one as well. the 6x8 is clearly the most popular, and the consensus is that bigger isn't necessarily better - even the wacom rep told me that! the 4x6 is also popular, but i chose the 6x11. i'm not totally clear why, since i'm told you can map any shape monitor to any shape tablet, but most people seem to say that the 6x11 is better for widescreen monitors.

[Shelby Lane]

I have the smaller Graphire and have never felt like I needed a larger size for what I do.

[RKDauph]

What's the difference/advantage of a Wacom over the cheaper (may be I just answered my own question) Bamboo tablet?

[picman]

I've got a track ball right next the the Wacom - the way I work, it lets me switch hands to give the other a break. However, there is no comparison with the control the tablet has.

After you get a tablet, lock the mouse up in a drawer for a week to give yourself time to get used to it. I guarantee that you won't work without a tablet again.

BTW if you get something other than a Wacom, make sure that the pen does not need batteries. I don't know way they still make them that way.

Brian

[rockin-photos]

I use a trackball on my laptop so I can sit in the recliner and at least be in the same room with my wife, even if I'm in another world. But the TB is no match for a tablet.

[darktiger]

I use a Wacom Intuos3 and a Logitech G7 with a Func mousepad (best mousepad ever).

[bullsparade]

Wacom and trackball is the only way to go. For detailed editing you will not match the accuracy of a tablet, no matter how good you are with a mouse.

Picman is correct...do not use your mouse or trackball for the first few days. Force yourself to use the pen and tablet. It is a training exercise to get your hand and brain working together but once it "clicks" it becomes second nature.

I live by trackball and tablet because I cant stand my hand sliding all over with a mouse. I haved a nice large trackball that the tips of my fingers glides through screen tasks, then I just drop my hand off onto the tablet sitting next to it and do detail work with images.

As far as brand...I have not heard any complaints from Wacom users. Honestly I forget there are other brands. I dont think the Wacom is overpriced.

[rockin-photos]

I have an old serial port Wacom. Is there a way to connect it to my usb or fierwire port on my laptop?

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Wacom... wacom... wacom! You'll never retouch with that old bar of soap again!

- Wil

[d2creative]

Wacom Tablet.

Would you want your surgeon to use a big old rusty machete or a surgical scalpel?