Options for input devices

[jonesy]

Hi all.
I am looking for various options for mouse/tablets/touchpads that are suitable for use with AutoCAD. I have just been diagnosed as having a form of RSI and have been told I need to find a suitable mouse etc or risk the pain and loss of use getting MUCH worse.

So does anyone have any experience and recommendations for anything to replace my basic microsoft 3 button mouse (and keyboard if necessary)...

Many thanks
Tracey

[ReMark]

I've always been partial to, and still use, a digitizing tablet along with my mouse. One advantage to the tablet is that with its sloped surface the user has a place to rest their wrist. This position lessens the chance of developing carpal-tunnel syndrome (a painful irritation of a nerve in the underside of the wrist).

You might also look into voice-activation. While it may not be suitable for all commands used in a normal day, eliminating the need to type or pick even 50% of these commands would be of benefit to you.

[jonesy]

Thanks ReMark
The doctor seemed to be stating a digitiser/pen combo would be the best for drawing work (I'm not certain he really understood CAD when he asked what I did.) but its been so long since I used a digitiser, and the puck was just like a mouse, so I cant see any difference - but then thats probably just me, and things have probably improved vastly in the 10+ years since I have used one. I'd never thought about the voice activation, I like that idea, but it would seem really strange talking to a computer, and probably annoy the pants off the others that sit around me:( (we are totally open plan, not even little cubicles to deaden any noise.)

I'm not going to rule anything out as I really love the job I do, so anything that will help me I will consider and if necessary try.

[ReMark]

CADalyst Magazine carried an article a few years back about a CAD operator for a utility company that was paralyzed in an accident. He wanted to return to work. He did so with the use of voice-activation. He got so good at it the company offered the option of voice-activation to their other CAD operators. Remember, you don't have to yell at the computer. You're speaking in normal tones into a microphone.

Re: digitizer. The mouse you refer to is actually called a "puck". Mine happens to have 16 buttons most of which can be programmed for various functions. I have never used a stylus (i.e. - pen) but that is another option.

[Geoffers]

Jonesy

been there; it was awful. ...bought a Wacom A5wide tablet and all is well. If you do a search you will find other threads and comments - and different solutions...

good luck...

Geoffers

[jonesy]

Thanks Geoffers, will look into that option too.
I suppose it will all depend on what work are willing to pay for in the end tho :(

[Geoffers]

Thanks Geoffers, will look into that option too.
I suppose it will all depend on what work are willing to pay for in the end tho :(

Yes; paying was a pain somewhere else - but not as much as the pain in thumb, elbow and shoulder...

[jonesy]

Just an update
Finally received my tablet... a Wacom Bamboo...
Does everything my old heavy mouse does (except the pain in the wrist :) ) I have to admit, its just so easy to use, hardly any hand/wrist movement. The pen is well balanced, and light. I'm impressed :D

[Geoffers]

Just an update
Finally received my tablet... a Wacom Bamboo...
Does everything my old heavy mouse does (except the pain in the wrist :) )
except - no scroll wheel? !

I do miss that with my Wacom tablet although now got used to zooming with the 'zoom strip' and 'escaping' with the adjacent customised button...

good to hear its ok for you.

Geoffers

[jonesy]

except - no scroll wheel? !

I do miss that with my Wacom tablet although now got used to zooming with the 'zoom strip' and 'escaping' with the adjacent customised button...

good to hear its ok for you.

Geoffers
No scroll wheel, but a zoom/scroll ring, so I can still zoom and pan in CAD :)

[Geoffers]

No scroll wheel, but a zoom/scroll ring, so I can still zoom and pan in CAD :)

ah, sounds better than mine:glare::glare::glare: