[nilkn]

> No touchpad compares to a real mouse

Depending on your work, I think this is an outdated viewpoint.

Apple sells large, detached trackpads, and they're quite popular amongst people I know (all hardcore programmers):

https://www.apple.com/magic-accessories/

I personally still prefer a mouse when at a desktop, but it can't be denied that Apple's trackpads and their gesture support are incredibly good.