FCP & the mouse and/or trackpad or... ?

O

OldCorpse

Rockin the Boat
Question: what do you use while editing in FCP? I found that I prefer the Mighty Mouse to the Magic Mouse, but careful as I am, the scrolling ball in the Mighty dies (and yes, I know all about reviving it with alcohol, paper etc. - only works for awhile before dying completely). I am sick and tired of going through multiple Mighties. Now, in ordinary computer use, I use and love the Magic Mouse, but somehow it didn't seem to me to have enough precision for FCP... but maybe I'm doing it wrong? If you tell me that the Magic M is completely fine, then I'm willing to sink more hours into developing a technique that works for FCP. Related: what about the apple trackpad? It seems to me even less precise - but I could be wrong. Or perhaps you prefer some PC mouse or other controller I'm not even thinking about. Sorry for the newb question, but the Mighty worked for me, so I didn't explore it further, until I got completely sick of the scroll dying. What do you use?
 
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I 2nd what milsack and Noel said. Wacom is the way to go, even if you just use the mouse.

I've seen a lot of people use the trackball that Zak posted, but I just couldn't get comfortable with it. The agency I'm with now had them on their systems, but I brought in my tablet after a couple of days. To each his own though.
 
Wacom is great for any prolonged session, and once you get used to it the accuracy of using the pen is fantastic.
 
I have a logitech MX1000 at home that I absolutely love to edit with. It definitely destroys the Magic Mouse I have to use at work to edit with. I can't wait for 2011 to roll around and I can get the equipment I want without spending a dime. The cool thing about the Logitech is that the buttons are customizable using the Logitech control panel so I can change the buttons to do whatever I want.

I also used to use the Logic Keyboard Shuttle Pro 2 at my old job for editing. That thing rocked and I kinda miss it but I have been surviving without it.
 
Really glad I saw this thread. Had used a tablet years ago but it got outdated and fell by the wayside. In the interim started using a Shuttle Pro and a Kensington Turbo Pro trackball combo. Then recently picked up the Apple Magic Trackpad.

After seeing it mentioned here, decided to check out the Intuos 4. Man how things have changed. After reading reviews and watching the videos on the Wacom site I ordered a wireless one and it will be here tomorrow. Thanks!

I'm thinking the Magic Trackpad will make a pretty slick combo with the Intuos (if the 2 bluetooths don't interfere with each other).
 
8string said:
Shuttlepro v2 Way better than trackpad.
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I'm sure, but I don't have a Shuttlepro v2 and do have the trackpad. Had been considering a Shuttlepro v2, but I think the Intuos 4 will be a better investment; especially considering I also do work in Aperture, Photoshop and AE.
 
tflak said:
I'm sure, but I don't have a Shuttlepro v2 and do have the trackpad. Had been considering a Shuttlepro v2, but I think the Intuos 4 will be a better investment; especially considering I also do work in Aperture, Photoshop and AE.
Click to expand...

Given the software you're working with, I think the Wacom will be a great fit for you.
 
Which Wacoms do you recommend? There are many different models, ranging from $69 to $399.

I use the Shuttlepro v2, the Apple trackpad and the Magic mouse.
 
I got the Intuos 4 wireless the other day. All I can say is I feel like I've just moved out of the stone age for input devices. My Shuttlepro (v1), Kensington Turbo Mouse (trackball) and Apple Magic Trackpad are in a drawer. It's that awesome. I used to love all those devices for their flexibility, loads of buttons for macros, etc. But the Intuos does it all in one unified and slick interface. I can only imagine it getting better as I really learn how to use it and it becomes second nature. And I've only used it with FCP so far. I'm sure it will blow my mind with Aperture, Photoshop and AE.

That was a great recommendation. Thanks guys.

EDIT: I've since actually ended up adding the Shuttlepro, Kensington Turbo Mouse (trackball) and Apple Magic Trackpad back into the mix. Now use them all along with the Intuos. Also grew another arm.
 
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I never could get the hang of the Wacom, but did love my Magic Mouse. Now I'm using the Magic Trackpad along with a Euphonix MC Transport. Basically, it's my keyboard and the Transport, I rarely touch a mouse when editing.
 
Trackball is the fastest and best for your wrist and hand.

Shuttle pro ...... is great if you want to keep taking your hands off the keyboard or mouse and loose time dancing with your hands.

Pen / Tablet ...... is great if you like being slow and having a hard time double right clicking on something.
 
I've always be looking for the best mouse for FCP and editing in general - and I think maybe I found it -- although it's a bit crazy looking as it's targeted for gamers, the thumb scroller on it is really great for scrubbing and scrolling left and right on the timeline. Although I did love the Apple Mighty Mouse's mini scroll ball, it always seemed to get clogged and stop working in one direction or another. So far this Cyborg Rat5 is pretty awesome. It's ultra smooth to use in general...

Check it out here: http://cyborggaming.com/prod/rat5.htm
 
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