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Mouse pointing devices have been the
stated reason for many computer-related hand and arm injuries. Use of a mouse typically
involves arms reaching to the side of the keyboard and deviated wrist postures. Add to
this repetitive wrist and arm motions, and several ergonomic risk factors appear.
Where a mouse is used with the computer, place it close to the
keyboard. The whole arm should be used to move it, instead of just the wrist.
Not all mice are created equal, they come in various shapes and sizes.
Usually the preferred mouse is of a relatively small size and is curved to fit the
operator's hand. Operators with larger hands, may prefer a larger mouse. Mice that require
awkward wrist and arm motions to operate should be avoided.
Several alternatives to using the mouse are available. Trackballs,
digitizer pens, touch screens, and voice recognition devices are some options being used
to eliminate or reduce mouse usage.
Wristrests and swivel wrist/arm supports have also been used to help
support the arm while using a mouse and they seem to reduce some of the stresses related
to mouse use.
 AnimaX International AS
P.O. Box 6211
Gladengveien 3B N-0603 OSLO, Norway
47 22660500, Fax: 47 22660501
http://www.animax.no
Anir Mouse (Basic 2 Button
& Pro Versions)
- PC and Mac Compatible
- Estimated price is $99
(PCZone has Basic for $49 and Pro for $69)
- AnimaX's list of Where to Order
The Anir mouse is different to other mice on the market, it looks like a joystick but
uses different movements to joysticks. Designed as a pilot stick, the mouse
encourages a natural vertical hand position with the thumb pointing upwards. Rest
the side of your hand on the base of the mouse and your thumb at the top of the stick for
easy right and left clicks of the mouse button.
Traditional mouse designs mean that you have to bend your hand slightly upwards with
the wrist extended and twist your forearm to put the palm of your hand in a horizontal
position over the mouse. This extension and the pronation of the forearm is not a relaxed
position and results in a heavy muscle load.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Research
As noted in their website
Comments
The NT 4.0 driver is now available from their website - so if somebody needs this
driver they can download it. Use password: anirms
Now also in a PRO version with scroll button and Quick access menu
Customer testimonials from their website
Miscellaneous
I received an early version of this and found it comfortable to use. It pretty much
forces the user to move the mouse with the whole arm, which is frequently recommended to
avoid over-using the finger and wrist muscles. This being the case, some of the fine
cursor movements I found to be more difficult to accomplish. It's a nice product for
navigation around programs, but I'd avoid any design or other detailed work with it.
-KSW-
(Information last checked: May'98)
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 Assmann Data Products
602/897-7001, 800/880-6601
Fax 602/897-7255
http://www.usa-assmann.com/
- PC Compatible
- Estimated price is $35
- Available through electronics distributors (Ergonomic
Sciences has them last I checked, I'm not sure about the other
resellers)
This two-button ADB mouse has finger and thumb grooves sculpted into its rounded
surface. One button lies underneath where your middle finger normally rests, and the other
is on the side, under your thumb. A switch on the bottom of the mouse determines which
button is active.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Comments
PCToday review: http://www.pctoday.com/editorial/hardware/960710.html
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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 Contour
Design, Inc.
254B North Broadway, Ste. 204
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-4556 Fax:(603) 893-4558
info@contourdes.com
http://www.contourdes.com/
- DOS & Win 3.1, 95, NT; Macintosh; Sun; and OS2 Compatible
- Estimated price is $79.95, $89.95, depending on model.
- Available through HERE,
or many retailers
Multiple Sizes - The Contour Mouse is available in both Left and Right handed versions.
For the right hand, there are 5 sizes, Extra-Small, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.
For the left hand there are 2 sizes (Medium and Large). The shape of the Contour Mouse is
designed to fit the hand so precisely that multiple sizes are necessary to maximize the
total impact of the ergonomic design.
Sculpted Elevated Buttons - This enables the hand to remain open with the fingers
extended in a ready position for quick button activation. Buttons are elevated and shaped
to reduce excessive load on fingertips.
Progammable Software - Using our exclusive software, you can customize the Contour
Mouse to accomplish tasks faster and easier. Set buttons individually and in chords for up
to seven different custom functions, including double click, auto space, zoom, paragraph
highlight, escape, and many others.
Thumb Support - Allow the mouse to be moved with reduced pinch force, a force known to
increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrom.
Tilted Palm Support - Balances the hand in neutral, tilted posture. Prevents static
grip by allowing the hand to rock freely.
Elevated Wrist Support - Reduces pressure on the wrist by keeping it off the desk top.
Maintains a straighter wrist alignment and minimizes lateral deviation.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Research
Ergonomic testing from their website
Comments
Customer comments from their website
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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 Goldtouch Technologies
17300 Red Hill Avenue Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92614
(949)798-0300, Fax: (949)798-0305
Queries to faq@goldtouch.com
http://www.goldtouch.com
- PC Compatible
- Estimated price: $59.95
- Availability: Online Order
Form
(under construction)
The Goldtouch Mouse is designed to support the hand in a relaxed, neutral posture. It
also has scrolling/panning capabilities to enhance the ergonomics of the hardware/software
interface under Windows 95 applications. The implementation of its unique Scroll Control
Button allows the reduction of unnecessary repetitive movements of the fingers and hand.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Research
Applied Ergonomic Science -
The scientific background to the Goldtouch Mouse. Comparisons with other mice.
Miscellaneous
Article: Mark
Goldstein Q&A Interview
10 October 1997 Media Release
Product Reviews
Ergonomic Sciences Corp's Review of the Goldtouch Mouse
http://www.ergosci.com/goldmrv.html
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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 Kensington Microware Limited
2855 Campus Drive
San Mateo, CA 94403
(800) 535-4242, Fax: (415) 572-9675
info@kensington.com
http://www.kensington.com/products/
This mouse got in shape--so you can avoid a workout. It's narrower in the front, wider
in the back and curved around the sides and edges allowing for more comfortable use. Its
sides are made of Kensington's rubberized EasyGrip material that delivers a more secure
feel. And the four easy-to-click buttons are placed to meet your fingertips without
uncomfortable bending or stretching-- whether your hand is large or small.
Computing just got easier with the award-winning MouseWorks software.
It's easy single-click solution to all your repetitive tasks. Clicking less means you work
faster and save time.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Research
Pekelney, R., & Chu, R. (1995). Design criteria of an ergonomic mouse
computer input device. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 39th
Annual Meeting Vol 1 (pp369-373). Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Comments
I've had the opportunity to use the Thinking Mouse for a protracted period of time and
really enjoyed it - right up to the time I started using their trackball <grin>.
I was favorably impressed with Pekelney & Chu's (1995) paper on the research
and design decisions that went into this mouse, and personally found it very comfortable
to use. If you are looking for a single mouse that can be used by both hands, and
adapt well for different hand sizes, give this one a trial run and see if it works for
you. -KSW-
Miscellaneous
The Kensington Internet
Mouse (a Thinking Mouse variation) is currently available only through PCConnection.
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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 Logitech
6505 Kaiser Dr.
Fremont, CA 94555
(800) 231-7717 or (510) 795-8100
http://www.logitech.com/
MouseMan +
- Compatibility: Windows
- Estimated price is $59.95 ($49.95 w/o wheel)
- Availability: Retail
Logitech MouseMan + mouse provides a comfortable, innovative design, a convenient thumb
button and a unique wheel button that gives you the most flexibility for working in
Windows 95. Logitech gives you all the benefits of a wheel: scroll in all Windows 95
applications and on the Internet, as well as zoom in Microsoft Office 97. The wheel is
also a fourth mouse button that you can easily customize with one-click commands, such as
double-click. Use the convenient thumb button for one-handed zooming, without having to
touch your keyboard. MouseMan + is built with the quality of Logitech, the world's largest
mouse manufacturer and includes a 3-year warranty.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Comments
Logitech is a leader in providing alternative pointing device
solutions. They were the first to provide slanted mice to reduce the flat,
hands-down posture (forearm pronation) typical with mouse use. I have not yet had a
chance to try their latest offering here, but they are obviously not afraid to make major
design changes to their products to keep up with software and technology.
Some of the older 3-button styles, as well as cordless models,
are still available. Check out the Logitech website, or the on-line sales links at
the bottom of this page, if you are really interested. Logitech does not appear to
be making it easy to find their Mac offerings on their website, but they have the cordless
3-button MouseMan for the Mac in distribution last I checked. -KSW-
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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 Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399
800-426-9400 (Microsoft Customer Service)
http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/inputdev.htm
The IntelliMouse wheel sets you free to scroll, zoom, and navigate—all without
taking your hand off the mouse! IntelliMouse puts the power to zoom and scroll at your
fingertips with its innovative wheel, so you get more done with less effort. And
IntelliMouse provides all the comfort and precision of the popular Microsoft Mouse. IntelliPoint
Software Features
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Miscellaneous
MouseTrapper
http://www.cet.com/~backman/MouseTrapper.html
Designed to be used with the Microsoft Mouse and the new Microsoft IntelliMouse. The
ergonomic mouse controller is designed to keep your fingers within reach of the mouse at
all times without taking your hands off the keyboard. With the MouseTrapper, your thumbs
have complete control over mouse movement, while reducing stress and pain in the wrists,
arms and shoulders.
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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MicroSpeed
2495 Industrial Pkwy West
Hayward, CA 94545-5007
(510) 259-1270, Fax: (510) 259-1291
http://www.microspeed.com/
http://www.microspeed.com/newsite/index.html
MicroSpeed is proud to now offer Precision Performance in a highly
styled mouse for IBM PC/AT, PS/2, and compatibles. The mouse value package is 'user
complete', including a high quality mouse pad, complete DOS mouse device drivers and
MicroSpeed's popular Cursor Deluxe cursor enhancement software for Windows.
The Mouse Deluxe comes with a copy of MicroSpeed's popular Cursor
Deluxe cursor enhancement utility. Cursor deluxe lets you replace the standard Windows
cursors with bigger, easier to see cursors - great for use with large screen monitors,
high resolution displays and notebook computers.
The Mouse Deluxe for the Macintosh provides three button input and
500 dpi tracking for Macintosh ADB computers. System 7 compatible. Includes Control Panel
software that allows command key assignments and button swapping. The mouse has a six foot
cable.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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Mouse Systems Corporation
47505 Seabridge Drive
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 656-1117
info@mousesystems.com
http://www.mousesystems.com
Surfing the Net has never been easier--with ProAgio($49.99), the incredible five-button
PC mouse. ProAgio is the latest wave in Web technology, with a scrolling roller that lets
you zoom through Web pages without ever touching the scrollbar. So, why crawl when you can
cruise the Web with ProAgio's unparalleled speed, performance, and flexibility?
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Make your mouse your own with Point Pro from Mouse Systems. This 420-dpi, programmable,
plug and play ready, three-button beauty can be customized to fit your workstyle -- and is
perfect for Windows 95. This uniquely shaped serial and PS/2 comfortably cradles your
hand, with grooved buttons offering positive finger registration for maximum pointing
control.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
A well-designed mouse is more than just a tool for your work. Mouse Systems' MacPoint
Pro makes your Macintosh a more useful computer:
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Mouse Systems Optical Mouse is the high performance mouse for your Sun Microsystems and
Silicon Graphics workstations. Our mice are 100% compatible with Sun Microsystems and
Silicon Graphics mice. Optical mouse features our patented "light beam"
technology that lets you zoom at the speed of light with unparalleled accuracy. There are
no mechanical parts to break down, collect dirt or cause the skips, stalls and stutters
you experience with ordinary mice. And optical mouse never needs cleaning.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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 Paktec Inc.
7025 Bret Harte Drive
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 538-2500, Fax: (408) 538-2599
http://www.paktec.com/pc_mouse.html
3-Button Programmable Mouse
- PC Compatible
- Available through PC Zone & Mac Zone
Our ergonomically designed 400 DPI, 3-button mouse comes with a Windows programmable
software driver making your mouse an extension of the keyboard. 52 common commands and all
function keys can be programmed to respond to the touch of a mouse button. Includes device
driver software on 3.5" diskette and a 9-pin serial port connector attached to a
6-foot cable.
(see website for more manufacturer product
information)
Comments
This is a very basic mouse and the company appears to be heavily involved with other
projects and don't have much on their website for this product. -KSW-
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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