John, we may be talking two different things. The touch pad on the lap top which I find to small and confining or the Magic Track pad that apple makes. Either way I prefer the mouse, maybe it is just all the years of using a mouse and I am too stubborn to change. Right now I am typing on my Dell laptop at work and using a mouse, external monitor and external keyboard. My way of thinking is, go with what feels good for you.

My real point with the mouse comment was more toward the Apple mouse not mouse vs. trackpad, IMO the Apple Mouse is junk. If the OP wants a mouse he might consider buying an aftermarket. (or not, I am sure some people love the Apple mouse)