SL Combat folks... What game pad????

HI All, posted this in the MAC forum but Im running Windows on my MACbook pro so perhaps its more of a general question...

When using a weapon such as a bow or sword, I use my mouse to aim and fire- with my right hand. I have to use the AWSD keys on my laptop to move around which is very awkward. Was told I should get a game pad for my laptop. Anyone use these? Any recommendations on whats best for SL play? Does it really help? I really struggle when needing to move fast AND use the weapon using the keyboard on the laptop AND the mouse.

Appreciate any recommendations!

Thanks!

As far as I can tell SL doesn't support any other input devices other than Keyboard and Mouse, Gamepads only work half-the-time really. Go ahead and plug one in and see what I mean.

DAMN! Is that true? Anyone else? Someone told me the other night he used one and it worked great but I cant remember who he was.

If thats true, are there any other tips for getting around? Im fine at shooting and hitting with the mouse if Im not MOVING... LOL.. if I have to be running and shooting.. the keys on the keyboard get a bit awkward.

The only prepheral I can recommend for that is a Belkin Nostromo n52. It's setup like a keyboard\gamepad and does work with SL if you take the time to set it up.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=157024

BB Code is off so you'll have to copy\paste that URL.

I thought you could get gamepads that map mouse/keyboard operations to various buttons and sticks?

Thanks! Ill order one. Have you used it? Does it make combat any easier? Works ok for a laptop?

I use a Logitech Dual action Gamepad in place of a joystick for 'Joystick Flycam', although thats for moving my camera during movie making, you can, using the Game Profile, remap keyboard fucntions to the gamepad. I have not tried this myself as I have no need, but might be worth a look at, it uses a USB connector.