[dale.tech]

After using multiple Blackberry devices (8700, Curve, Flip, Pearl, 8800, 7130) I have come to the conclusion that the Track Wheel, while not as cutting edge, is vastly superior to the trackball. Why? Here is why, see if you agree.

Although I am right handed, I can easily use the Track Wheel, while holding my Blackberry in my left palm, and using one of Three fingers (index, middle, and ring) on my Left hand to manipulate the track wheel and back button. This leaves my thumbs to be used mostly for typing on the keypad, I can also use the Blackberry right handed in its conventional one handed style, with my right thumb when I am unable to use both hands, which is seldom. This virtually eliminates the chance of Repetitive Strain Injury, otherwise known a Blackberry thumb, by spreading the load, so to speak among more than just the thumbs.

The Track Ball, can be only accurately used with either one of the thumbs, using any other fingers usually results in the curser being lost on the screen, unlike the Track Wheel that uses orderly top to bottom movement of the curser and positive clicks.

So, what this means to me is, to stock up on Track Wheel Blackberry’s for the near future. What this means to others, well, maybe nothing, until that stabbing pain starts showing up in their thumbs.

So what do you think?

[JSanders]

Think? Opinions are like you know what... everyone has one.

[takeshi]

I don't really miss the wheel except for playing Ka Glom!.

In any case, people are going to be on both sides of the fence. I personally don't see the wheel as worth losing the features included in my 8310.

[curriertech]

The wheel was the only thing I didn't like about earlier devices, I'm happy with the ball.

[zerog46]

I don't miss the track wheel at all.

[lraed74]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Think? Opinions are like you know what... everyone has one.

A sphincter?

[vballcoach]

well since I am a fairly new BB convert, I prefer the ball.
I converted from the MotoQ which is track wheel oriented...

[kjjb0204]

ball is much better in my opinion.

[mriff]

Ball > Wheel

[jeremyckitching]

Even though I am currently using the 8700g I prefer the track ball to the scroll wheel.

[piester]

Wirelessly posted

The ball in my opinion is better in terms of using it as a mouse pointer. But the trackwheel didn't get clogged with dust and pocket lint as easy.

[jsntrenkler]

I liked the ball much better than the wheel.

[hd_rider]

I think the phone should have come with a "mouse stick", similar to what you see on laptops, instead of the track ball. Less moving parts while still giving you the capabilities of a mouse. Though I suppose with a stick, they'd also have to come up with an "Enter" button of some kind.

[nchavez]

I see where the OP was going with this. I am on the fence about the trackball as opposed to the trackwheel. I miss the 8700 trackwheel and it took me a whole 5 seconds to get used to the trackball on the Curve. I felt like the trackwheel was an original feature for Blackberry and now it's gone. I do like the trackball for internet puposes, but I still liked the trackwheel in it's glory days.

[Technologic80]

Ive had a few BB's (7290 with a wheel) and I much prefer the trackball. ESPECIALLY when browsing web pages, and you can use the cursor.

I bought 5 trackball/ring kits off ebay and keep them as spares. I work on cars alot, eat at my desk at my other job, and the trackballs dont agree with that very much....

[Shishkabob87]

Ball>Wheel for sure

[G M Fude]

Went from a couple of years with a trackwheel BB, for a month have had a trackball BB. Much prefer the trackball in almost every way, so far.

[akosnitzky]

It is a matter of taste. At this point, I am used to trackball and so is the consumer

[roofus]

thinking is stressful . . to be avoided at all costs

[rambo47]

I'm still a wheel man at heart. Although I do prefer the old thumb wheel, I do all right on the trackball. Given a choice, however, I'd go back and retrofit my Bold with the thumb wheel.

Thumb Wheel > Trackball.