3M Ergonomic EM500GPS Mouse (EM500GPS-AM)
- Input Interface Type: Mouse
- Motion Device Type: Optical
- Connectivity: Cable
- Platform: PC
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The only no-pressure mouse
Pros
Superb design to reduce stress on wrist
Cons
No left handed version
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
I strongly recommend this product for anyone who is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or other hand/wrist problems.
I have moderate to mild carpal tunnel syndrome (RSI) in both wrists. One problem with all mice and trackballs on the market is that none support the wrist in an orthopedically neutral position, that is, they all require you to "turn" the wrist downward to some degree, what is known as pronation. Many people also experience the other two problems that lead to RSI -- deviation and extension -- when using mice or trackballs.
After doing considerable research, I decided to try the Renaissance Mouse. I am lefthanded, but since my left hand is in much worse shape, I don't mind mousing right-handed. The RM is designed like a joystick. You rest your hand on the base, pinky side down, and curl your hand around the stick. Your thumb rests on a rocker switch on the top, which requires only a gentle nudge for either a left or right click. The motion of the rollerball in the base of the mouse is very smooth, as it is enhanced by silicone feet on the bottom of the base.
I like the fact that the mouse not only keeps the hand and wrist in a neutral position, but that the design makes the position so natural that you don't have to think about it or remind yourself not to bend your wrist the wrong way. It is very comfortable to use, and the thumb rocker switch means that there is no demand made on the fingers to constantly be pressing buttons (there is a third button built into the joystick handle that can be programmed). It took no time at all to get used to it -- and it comes with software to customize responsiveness, including "mouse brakes" that can be used when you want to do very fine movements.
It is important that you look at the manual and check the illustrations of correct versus incorrect positioning, otherwise you can end up with arm or shoulder strain (what a tradeoff!). But if you have hand/wrist problems, or want to avoid them, I strongly recommend trying this unique mouse. I use it in conjunction with an ergonomic keyboard, a program that enforces breaks, and voice recognition software (for large chunks of writing).
The major con is that there is no left-handed version, and it is impossible to use it with the left hand. It is made by 3M, perhaps if they get enough business (or emails) they will make one. Also, you need to make sure you measure your hand correctly, there is both a large and small version, to ensure your thumb rests properly on the rocker switch.
After doing considerable research, I decided to try the Renaissance Mouse. I am lefthanded, but since my left hand is in much worse shape, I don't mind mousing right-handed. The RM is designed like a joystick. You rest your hand on the base, pinky side down, and curl your hand around the stick. Your thumb rests on a rocker switch on the top, which requires only a gentle nudge for either a left or right click. The motion of the rollerball in the base of the mouse is very smooth, as it is enhanced by silicone feet on the bottom of the base.
I like the fact that the mouse not only keeps the hand and wrist in a neutral position, but that the design makes the position so natural that you don't have to think about it or remind yourself not to bend your wrist the wrong way. It is very comfortable to use, and the thumb rocker switch means that there is no demand made on the fingers to constantly be pressing buttons (there is a third button built into the joystick handle that can be programmed). It took no time at all to get used to it -- and it comes with software to customize responsiveness, including "mouse brakes" that can be used when you want to do very fine movements.
It is important that you look at the manual and check the illustrations of correct versus incorrect positioning, otherwise you can end up with arm or shoulder strain (what a tradeoff!). But if you have hand/wrist problems, or want to avoid them, I strongly recommend trying this unique mouse. I use it in conjunction with an ergonomic keyboard, a program that enforces breaks, and voice recognition software (for large chunks of writing).
The major con is that there is no left-handed version, and it is impossible to use it with the left hand. It is made by 3M, perhaps if they get enough business (or emails) they will make one. Also, you need to make sure you measure your hand correctly, there is both a large and small version, to ensure your thumb rests properly on the rocker switch.
