good input device?

[phasmid]

Anyone recommend a good input device for skinning and good smooth head movement in IL2? Was thinking of an Orbit trackball for good left hand use. I have a logitech optical mouse which is not great.

[adlabs6]

I've got a few pointing devices on my desk.

Primary right now is an optical Microsoft Trackball Explorer, though this is out of production as far as I know and when I have found one for sale they're frequently over $100. I use this for my daily activity, and during FS2004 and GTR2 for clicking gauges and menus.

Secondary is an old Logitech optical mouse, white on top with a clear/red bottom. This is used for some shooter games, since I'm left handed it works well being an ambidextrous design.

Third for painting I've got a WACOM Graphire 2. I rarely use the mouse that it came with, mainly the stylus.

Back when I flew IL2 alot, I used the Logitech mouse with my left hand. My Microsoft trackball is a right handed design, and just wasn't comfortable with left hand panning.

Another important consideration is the mousing surface. My desktop wood grain confuses my Logitech mouse badly. To get past this I print out a full page of small, random black dots and tape it to my desk for shooter games. I don't play these often these days, but with the printed pattern I have zero tracking issues.

[Serval]

I use the Logitech G5 gaming mouse. You can select it's precision in three steps with a button on it. If you are only looking for a mouse, I think this is a good choice.

Before I had this mouse I also prefered a trackball for it's precision. But many people do not like the way you have to handle it and stop using it within a week. But you need a couple of days to get used to it.

But: For skinning I prefer a Tablet, I have the Wacom Graphire 3 http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/spsw...raphics_tablet
I do not use the mouse that comes with it, since it only works on the tablet.

For simulating headmovement I prefer the TrackIR with the Track clip Pro
TrackIR : head tracking view control immersion for flight racing and action simulator
It simply feels more like the real thing and you can look around without steps like in joystick view or without letting go of the joystick or throttle as with looking with the mouse.

[e-b-o-]

For texturing I'm using a Wacom Intuos3 Once you're used to a tablet you'll never ever touch a texture with a mouse again

[phasmid]

The G5 mouse is a good start. Im a righty and my left hand is not having any trouble adjusting to it. The right is on the AV8R stick. Dotted paper for a pad and lowering the sensitivity smooths out panning. Sensitivity adjustment on fly is a great idea.
Whens Xmas? Gotta have the tablet! I was wondering how you could add such detail to individual panels without going mad. Detail good, tablet me want.
I could see winning many more dogfights with that head tracker.
Great advice as usual. Thanks. My credit card company thanks you.