Wireless Presenter Mouse - scrap the Touchscreen

**DaveB** · 06-21-2006, 10:03 PM

Hi Guys,

My 8" Lilli is recessed into my dash and angled towards the driver. I've been working on trying to get it more readable in the daytime. I have determined that its light coming in from the front window and shining down over the top of the LCD that creates the problems. A problem easily solved with a hood. That takes care of the reflection problems.

However, the screen isn't nearly bright enough. One solution would be to remove the touchscreen altogether. That leaves the challenge of how to have a slick way of moving the on-screen cursor and selection options.

I found this very slick wireless trackball mouse and I think it might be a very good solution.

What do you guys think?

**Cheekz185** · 06-21-2006, 10:30 PM

I think it would be tough to use that cuz you cant be looking at where there mouse pointer is going while driving, it is better to just touch

**GizmoQ** · 06-22-2006, 03:19 AM

Why not add aftermarket steering wheel controls?

**PatO** · 06-23-2006, 11:14 PM

Keep in mind that touchscreens don't work well while driving, let alone following a mouse pointer. While parked, a TS is a nice gimmick (chicks dig it), but a quality trackball can be just as good, or better.

The Gyration mouse has similar oogle factor as a touchscreen...

My main method of input while driving is an RF remote. If I didn't have that, there would be a nice 17-key keypad sitting in my beer (er, pop) holder.

**JagPuter** · 06-23-2006, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by PatO

Keep in mind that touchscreens don't work well while driving, let alone following a mouse pointer. While parked, a TS is a nice gimmick (chicks dig it), but a quality trackball can be just as good, or better.

The Gyration mouse has similar oogle factor as a touchscreen...

My main method of input while driving is an RF remote. If I didn't have that, there would be a nice 17-key keypad sitting in my beer (er, pop) holder.

Never had a problem with my Touch screen. I do like having a mouse handy though if navigating the internet or windows explorer.

**turbocad6** · 06-23-2006, 11:53 PM

if you have the room I like a roller ball type in the center console where my hand rests... either that or a touchpad where your hand would naturally rest.... anything else is a pain to use... can't wait for that mind control chip that's being developed to become available though

the touchscreen is not really necissary, but it kinda sucks when everyone goes & presses on your screen & all you see is the pixels distort... then get the "oh, it's not touchscreen?"

it's necissary only because if it's not there then it's missing

**turbocad6** · 06-23-2006, 11:55 PM

not having it is a trade-off, may be worth it for visability though

**2k1Toaster** · 06-24-2006, 12:09 AM

I have the gyration mouse and mini keyboard combo. They sold them on woot for like $20 a couple months ago. I have the usb receiver plugged into the car, and the keyboard on the backseat as a backup, but I would never even think twice about using that mouse to control the screen.

If you can't see the buttons while you drive, how are you going to see the cursor? You won't have a clue where you are moving around, and what button is going to be pressed. My touchscreen is surpirsingly easy to read in direct sunlight, but when I can't see, I know where to touch. Also you can see where the most fingerprints are (on mine volume control up/down), and use that to help you figure out where the buttons are.

I know it is hard for me to find my mouse cursor on my laptop and desktop, without using the ctrl thing to ping the mouse, and on a 7" unreadable screen, I would forget it.

My $.02CND.

**turbocad6** · 06-24-2006, 12:15 AM

tochscreen & mouse are both not so hot when driving... I use a shuttle for no look kinda control, which is definatly the ultimate... if you can do basic control without looking at all your golden... steering wheel conrtols or tactical buttons in some shape or form are the only good way to control while driving...

**Legarcondemerde** · 06-24-2006, 10:38 AM

I use an infrared remote and Girder...I mapped the buttons from a Kenwood car deck remote to do just about everything I need from Roadrunner. I know where the buttons are, so I don't need to look at the screen most of the time.