Has anybody had any experience with designing with a gaming mouse?

I just bought an optical 2400 DPS Anitech, feels kind of weird but maybe I'll get used to it?

I don't do much creative work with Inkscape, mostly technical stuff. I use an older version of the Logitech Trackman™. It good enough and reasonable for gaming too.

Oh, awesome trackball mouse, shawnhcorey! I saw one on a newsclip the other day, but I didn't realize it was for gaming. Hhmmm.....maybe that's how people get such high scores in some games....although I'm not sure I see what gives it an advantage??

But, if a gaming mouse gives you better control, then I would think better control would also be good for graphics. I use a touchpad mouse, although not the one that's built into my laptop. It's far too slow. Mine has better acceleration, plus extra programmable buttons. I wouldn't mind trying a trackball sometime, but not sure I want to buy one, just to try.

I think they use joysticks to get the highest scores in games. Not the cheesy ones you find on game controllers but real ones you grip with your hand and have all sorts of buttons at your thumb and finger tips.

As for finger-controller trackballs: DO NOT TRY THEM! If you do, you never be happy until you own one! You have been warned!

Do you mean like the hughe logitechs with the red ball on top?

They look like 1 foot long!

Do you need the move the whole mouse or just the ball?

Yup.

About 6 inches.

Just the ball.

I'v now switched from a Microsoft mouse that is the most comfortable but with 1000 DPI to a gaming mouse that is 2400 dpi.

The gaming mouse works faster but annoying to hold...

Would the track ball be a compromise?

Or a "normal" design mouse with high DPi?

I don't understand DPI for a mouse?

DPI for mice is the maximum resolution. For a 400 DPI mouse, a movement of one four hundredth of an inch in either vertical or horizontal would register as a single unit movement in that direction.
Most mice that have a higher than 600 or 800 DPI spec on brochure don't actually have such high physical resolution...smoke and mirrors (and a bit of software interpolation). In reality you don't get 2400 units of movement in a single inch if you're trying to do precision work.
For simple artwork or artwork with repeating (regular) designs or technical drawings, a mouse and keyboard are fine. For more freeflowing/artistic work you can't beat a tablet imho.
if you have a nice gaming mouse...you should also own a nice gaming keyboard like a Cooler Master Quick Fire. I bought one with cherry red switches...not that I game anymore..but it's still really nice to type on whenever I'm actually using the PC. The model I bought doesn't have a numpad, so the mouse is much more comfortably positioned and accessible next to keyboard.

1. Gaming mouse gives you the peace of mind - you can be certain that it's precise.
2. Reading about common misconceptions about DPI is a must!. 'Just Higher DPI guarantee more precission' is as false as 'Just more megapixels in a digital camera guarantees better picture quality'.
3. Pay attention to shaped mouses. Some gaming mouses are tailored for one specific hand position. You won't be able to hold them differently without feeling discomfort. A good example is my Razer Abyssus

4. It seems that laser sensor mouses are still less prone to dust and surface conditions.