I like my (corded) Logitech Mx518 - with uberOptions. Multiple buttons are an absolute must. The main thing I like about the Mx518 is that it has a small button right up above the scroll wheel that is very easy to press. I have this button mapped to be the Middle Button or Mouse Button 3. On most mice the scroll wheel middle button takes the most force to press, but it's one of the most used buttons for SolidWorks for panning and rotating the model.
Logitech MX Revolution has rechargable batteries. No cord, no batteries to replace, you just have to remember to stick it in the stand every once in a while. Ergonimics are not too bad either. I had a MS Natural wireless and really liked the feel but it got flakey and I didn't want to deal with it.
The MS Intellamouse software (I can't recall exactly what it was called at the moment) has created compatability problems with SW in the past. Something to keep in mind when installing your new mouse.
Harold
SW2009 SP2.0 OPW2009 SP0 Win XP Pro 2002 SP3
Dell 690, Xeon 5160 @3.00GHz, 3.25GB RAM
nVidia Quadro FX4600
I use an MX Revolution. Works great! Favorite mouse ever, fits my hand well, recharges quickly, charge lasts a long time (multiple days, depending on usage). uGlay, what's wrong with your experience with this mouse?
Here's an alternative. I use a Logitech TrackMan Wheel mouse. Yeah, I know they're not very popular but about 5 years ago I started experiencing numbness and a bit of pain in my mousing wrist and made the switch. The symptoms were eliminated and the TrackMan doesn't cost much. The 3D Connexion units look pretty cool though.
I use the kensington Expert Mouse. If you like track balls this is one that I personally use and recomend. What I like about it is the fine resolution, the ability to scroll from one end of the screen to other without lifting the mouse and minimal wrist motion, scroll wheel for zooming and 4 buttons. I like the fact that it is stationary and although it is bigger than the mouse it uses up less space due the space needed to operate a mouse. This same feature also elimates some of the strain caused by the forces created by the mouse cord. What I don't like about it is the software which is not the best but with a little trial and error you should get it working right. i had difficulties because I use it on a laptop and have multiple imput devices that I use. The other issue that i have with it is that I wish the ball was sitting a little lower with respect to table. I rest my elbow on the table and prop it up about 3/8" with pad and this gives me the best position to use this mouse with minimal strain. I just looked at their website and came up with a low profile version of this trackball I might have to give that one a try.
Given all of the above I would not trade my trackball for any traditional mouse corded or cordless exept for maybe a SpacePilot.
Alot has to do with personal preference some people hate trackballs so I recommend you try them out and pick one that works for you.
Along time ago I use to use a puck on digitizer pad. Anyone out there still using a puck?
theophilus: it would always jump on screen to another place, laggy and at one point it failed and simply stopped working. my fancy mouse was replaced by a dell oem mouse.
now im using G5 gaming mouse with speed adjustability buttons on the top, 1200dpi resolution laser, corded for precision and a removable cartridge with adjustable weights to get that perfect 'swoop' everytime. also has some buttons that are programmable but i linked them all to DELETE button so in any program i can delete stuff super fast.
SW2008 Office Pro SP4.0
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700
SpacePilot
I use a Logitech MX1000. It uses rechargeable LION batteries and lasts about 3-4 days under 8-10hr/day usage. It's rather heavy but once you get used to it, it's great.
I have used a Wacom tablet in the past. Those have a bit of a learning curve but can be quite quick once you get the hang of it. It was a mid-range tablet that I was using, I think it ran ~$200.
