Of Mice and Men

Hi, I am studying Sketchup. I am severely hampered by an old single button Apple mouse. I am about to buy something Sketchup friendly and would appreciate input. In particular I would love to hear from people who do a lot of Sketchupping. I don't like the feel of the Mighty Mouse. Anyone using, say Kensington Trackballs or such? I found this one which boasts 3D features. http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php Has anyone of you tried it?

Maybe my question is a bit convoluted. I am in a little City so I can't try out a variety of Mice, TrackBalls and other input devices. I would love to hear from some Power-Users of Sketchup regarding what you are using and are happy with. Best Regards, DD

Aloha, While not an expert with Sketchup, I've had no problems with the standard mouse on PC. No word yet on how it'll do on the new Mac, but we'll soon find out. :wink: I had a Logitech trackball sometime ago, but couldn't say if it was better or worse than a mouse for this application. Perhaps John or Glenn may have more insight for you. Aloha 8)

Maybe try the question on the Sketchup forums? Personally, I see it as a personal choice, like guitar strings or drum sticks. Before purchasing the mouse that you linked, you should check it's system requirements. Seeing as you are a one button legacy clicker, I would assume that your computer is of the same era. Let us know how you make out. @Kendale, there is plenty of "word" on how well all sorts of mice work with Apple computers.

Aloha vonrok, Thank you for pointing out that there is plenty of "word" on how well all sorts of mice work with Apple computers. Perhaps what I should have said was "I've had no problems with the standard mouse on PC, but since I have very recently switched over a new MacPro platform, I have no report...as of yet." Hopefully that will clarify my post intent, and I am looking forward to researching and reporting any findings that might be helpful. DanDan, best of success to you. Please be sure to post your findings as well. Aloha 8)

Thanks for the kind and helpful comments guys. I am working through a 'Dummies' book which makes the point very strongly that orbiting and zooming are absolutely a big deal. Thus a two button and wheel mouse is the minimum. I will probably buy a standard PC one, although I will check out compatibility. I reckon it is up to the applications to make use of the extra button and wheel assuming that the OS allows this. My OS is very recent despite the iMac's vintage. (I have the old Lampshade one) I am curious as to whether a Trackball has a scroll function built in and how. I am very curious about that device I linked to earlier. It claims to have great Sketchup and other 3D facilities. I will be sure to report back whatever road I take. Best Regards, Dan FitzGerald www.soundsound.ie

What are finding so restrictive with the mac mouse? Andre

Hi Andre, I am using the old but very good single button optical mouse. Orbit and Zoom are a bit tedious to execute on this. The book I mentioned reckons a two button plus scroll wheel is absolutely essential for Sketchup, and my (little enough) experience to date agrees with that. I don't like the feel of the little ball scroller on the Mighty Mouse. Friends and others on the web have complaints about it's behaviour, with reports of clogging with dirt and so on. So, since I am buying, I am doing a little checking around to find something great hopefully. What are you using? Best Regards, DD

I use a MacBook Pro, with it's track pad. I have not found any difficulty with panning and zooming with it. From what you have written, I gather the problem is more that the current mouse is old and on it's last squeaks. Not any inherent weaknesses in it's obsolete design. Are you using keystrokes to select the tools? Andre

Not sure with a MAC but for PC the scroll button is vital in working sketchup as it controls zoom in/out and pan. Also a good video card helps.

DanDan, The controller that you linked to requires a duo core processor. That's why I suggested that you check out it's system requirements. I also dislike and love the mighty mouse. I love the scroll ball. Sure it clogs about once a week, but I'm not exactly very nice to it. Some vigorous rubbing with a clean, slightly damp cloth cleans it out rather well. What I dislike about the mouse, is the the right click. As you may know, it doesn't actually have real buttons. For me, about one in one hundred right clicks are perceived as a left click. This kills work flow. Many people have this issue. Many people don't. I've experienced it with both my wired and wireless mighty mouse. I'm also the type of person that can't wear a watch. They just stop working. For that reason, I don't wear a watch, and keep a $10 microsoft corded USB mouse on hand. I'm also a new Sketchup user. At first I found getting around a little frustrating, but the more I use it, the easier it gets, and the more I realize why it works the way it works. Keep working at it, and eventually I will be able to use you as my 'go to guy' for Sketchup help. Aloha Kendale, yes I misunderstood your meaning. I just needed to clarify that so that information is correct. You obviously know how us Mac Zealots work!

Good comments thanks, nice vibe in this forum. Andre- My mice are ROARING not on their last squeaks. That design was one of Apple's fine moments IMHO I didn't know about the keystrokes until I got the book so that changes everything. I find Trackpads difficult myself but I am sure I would adapt if I had a nice new Pro! All good sources, including John thanks, are strong on a scroll wheel so I will buy something. That 3D controller should work on a 1G G4 also, I didn't notice that info until I looked again. My iMac is 700Mhz with Sketchup quite sluggish, but I am slow to change. I like this old Lampshade! Glad to hear confirmation on the mighty mouse problems. It doesn't look good to me. I am narrowing down to that 3D monster or a Kensington TrackBall Expert, which has a large rotary scroller and 4 buttons. I will be the Bruce Lee of Sketchup..... Phwoah! DD

The research you are going through is great. Please let us know of which you purchase and how it works! Andre

..ya gotta have a 3 button mouse. Can't even begin to use its capabilities without. We are pretty deep into SU, use on PC and Mac. As with most 3D and graphic programs, more computer power better---processor, memory, graphics card--all matters, ESPECIALLY if you are going to do more demanding renders or walk throughs. I use an older Logitec MX-310, not available anymore but great ergonomics. The 3D connexion crazy mice are cool but unless you're an intense user, a bit overkill.

I will certainly report back. It will be a while though. Best Regards, DD

After using Sketch up on the PC at work, I can't go back to the MAC. Mainly the mouse issues and the MAC version I have only showns one dimension when drawing a square! Very annoying. A simple 3 button mouse is the way to go.

Well I did say it would be a while. I bought the best mouse I could find, according to reviews. It was a Logitech Laser. I found the shape impossible to handle. It was giving me cramps when Orbiting. I returned it. I borrowed and tried an Apple wired mouse with the scroll ball. This worked perfectly. In conjunction with the keyboard shortcuts, there is no need for anything more exotic. A bit disappointing but there you go. Best Regards, DD