Seeking external trackball recommendations

[yukit]

I am considering getting a trackball due to a limited desktop space when I use my Thinkpad with an external keyboard.

I see there are basically 3 types of trackballs:
1. thumb
2. fingertip
3. palm (basically a big ball in the middle)

I am opting for the thumb type since the clicking & wheel actions stay the same as a regular mouse.

Any tips, especially the models I should consider would be appreciated.

yuki

[Blake]

go to your local compusa or bestbuy and check them out, i would pick the thumb version, but a mouse anyday of the week

[mattfromomaha]

? Or replace your external keyboard with this:

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... &storeId=1

[benplaut]

there are thumb models at wal*mart for about $20... they look OK (logitech? maybe?)

[yukit]

I was hoping for some insights from people who have been using a trackball everyday.

I did pickup a thumb model to try. Here is my observations so far:
1. My thumb must be too dry, I have to moisten my thumb to provide traction to move the ball.
2. It is not as comfortable as I thought for a fine control (I guess I can play with the settings to fine tune)
3. I still have a tendency to move the entire base as if it was a mouse. I guess it takes a while to get used to.

yuki