Unicomp Enduro Pro -vs- On-the-Ball

[LordFu]

Hey all. I'm looking to order a BS keyboard for my desktop at home. I have a model M I use at work, and I love it.

Anyway, I'd like one with a built in pointing device, and after reading the old threads here, it seems like no one has anything nice to say about the Enduro Pro stick. I'm leaning towards getting the On-the-Ball, but I can't find any threads about anyone using one.

Any input would be appreciated. Is the Enduro Pro pointer really that bad? Does the On-the-Ball work well with modern screen resolutions? Anyone tried both?

Thanks.

[woody]

Not me, but I was considering buying a while ago. According to what I could gather from old posts on GH, the trackball (on-the-ball) is not something that'd keep you happy. Since I already got Kensington Slimblade, I was spoiled enough to avoid quirky pointing devices. So I just went with the Unicomp SpaceSaver.
Finding near perfect keyboard with integrated pointing device is kind of utopia. Good luck.

[LordFu]

The SpaceSaver seems nice, but I don't think I'd like the flatness. I always thought the curvature of the model M was one of the best parts of the design.

I'm still leaning towards an On-the-Ball, because the worst that would happen is I've got an awesome keyboard with a useless trackball and spent an extra $20. I'm more leery of the Enduro Pro, since the stick is in the middle of the home row and it appears to have more negative feedback.

[ch_123]

The Spacesaver/Endurapro is also curved. The case shape makes it less obvious.

AFAIK, the tracking on those trackball designs isn't great on a high res screen. Same with the pointing stick they used in the Endurapro though.

[LordFu]

Ah, you're right about the SpaceSaver. I'm not sure what I was thinking of.

[doebedoe]

Why not an M13?  A bunch of them just plowed through ebay at $50 a pop. A real trackpoint, and M-awesomeness.

[ch_123]

The M13 were one of those latter Model M designs that wasn't really up to scratch with the older ones, and the Trackpoint, while better than the Endurapro, still has terrible tracking on high res screens and requires you to turn up your mouse sensitivity full blast.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

The tracking on the On-The-Ball trackballs are not the best when using screen resolutions over 1280x1024.  Despite this fact I would still buy the On-The-Ball just because it has the traditional Model M design.

[doebedoe]

The M13 were one of those latter Model M designs that wasn't really up to scratch with the older ones, and the Trackpoint, while better than the Endurapro, still has terrible tracking on high res screens and requires you to turn up your mouse sensitivity full blast.

Hmp... I'm not sure why the M13 isn't up to scratch with the older ones. The one sitting here next to my Blue label and Grey/Silver label model M's has just as good of build quality and consistent key action. It does use 1 piece keycaps rather than the two piece, but they aren't particularly "better" or "worse" just a bit different. (Oh--and it doesn't have a detachable cable. Personally not sure it matters much in most current use scenarios.)

It's true that it tracks a bit slow for modern monitors. Personally I have no problem with cranking up the speed / sensitivity a bit to get to the desired level -- its not to difficult. (Albeit if you were using two different pointing devices it might be a pain.)

[LordFu]

Yeah, I don't mind turning up the sensitivity, and a detachable cable isn't an issue for me, either way. I would prefer two-piece keys, though. From everything I've read, it seems cleaning and repairing a keyboard with one-piece keys is much more difficult.

The main reason I'd rather not buy used is that I'd like to support Unicomp. They've been keeping BS keyboards alive, basically by themselves. That's commendable, IMO.

None of my monitors currently have a resolution over 1280x1024. Still leaning towards the trackball, I guess.

[ch_123]

Hmp... I'm not sure why the M13 isn't up to scratch with the older ones. The one sitting here next to my Blue label and Grey/Silver label model M's has just as good of build quality and consistent key action. It does use 1 piece keycaps rather than the two piece, but they aren't particularly "better" or "worse" just a bit different. (Oh--and it doesn't have a detachable cable. Personally not sure it matters much in most current use scenarios.)

I've noticed some flimsiness in the case compared with some of the older units I have tried. That said, while I acknowledge differences in quality between different vintages of Model M design, I still wouldn't discount Unicomp stuff. It works both ways really.

It's true that it tracks a bit slow for modern monitors. Personally I have no problem with cranking up the speed / sensitivity a bit to get to the desired level -- its not to difficult. (Albeit if you were using two different pointing devices it might be a pain.)

Or if you need to use a machine where you have no access to the mouse settings.

The tracking on the On-The-Ball trackballs are not the best when using screen resolutions over 1280x1024. Despite this fact I would still buy the On-The-Ball just because it has the traditional Model M design.

Endurapro/Spacesaver has the same guts inside, just a different casing. In terms of build quality or key feel, there is no difference between an Endurapro and a Customizer.

[doebedoe]

Definitely understand wanting to support Unicomp -- guys who work there are A++ in my limited dealings with them.

In case you haven't seen it a number of m13's are up on the bay at the reasonable BIN price of 50. In black (beware -- these keys wear faster) http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-IBM-Clicky-Keyboard-Trackpoint-II-13H6705-/110644217157?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item19c2e8c545#ht_820wt_1139 and in white (these have dye subliminated keys so they'll last): http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Model-M-M13-Keyboard-Trackpoint-82G3281-/270701111816?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3f070b2a08#ht_515wt_1141

[LordFu]

I pulled the trigger on the On-the-Ball. I'll post back with what I think of the trackball. Thanks for the input.