nazzacodes

I build keyboards/mice for a living and also think a trackball with tap to click would be great. Intuitively I see why this would be complex to build. I would say the major paths are a physical switch or touch sensor. I see the physical switch as similar to a mouse wheel which lets you middle click it;- disassemble a mouse and see it's really quite complex to have this whole electronic component move up and down hitting lever. Now imagine trying to mount a similar system below a trackball with 3 far apart touch points and continuous movement of the ball rather than the discrete movement of the mouse wheel which can absorb some rotation (as you mention). I think a touch sensor would be a really interesting way to go, you could probably pass conduction through the right ball and sensor touching the ball, A force feedback vibration motor might also be possible.

Is it just me that's a bit disappointed with the rate of change of desktop linux? Particularly the UI side of things? I feel like desktop linux is way behind Mac and even Windows in so many ways. Would love to see modern stripped back kde/gnome alternative: less kitchen sink applications, minimalist power user friendly design sense, 1st class tiling window management, keyboard friendly workflow etc.

yeah I think pdf should be the priority given the audience.

It has been asked a couple times in the comments with no response so far. Would anyone have any idea on how this could be made into a desktop/phone wallpaper or screensaver?

That would be such an awesome application. :O

*more functional

I am beginning to work on a handheld input device to solve these problems. Email me if interested. [email protected]