| Author | Message | ||
     Davegess |
I have been having a lot of trouble with my right wrist lately and am looking at different computer mice to help with what could be early carpel tunnel. Anyone have recommendations? | ||
| Mikej |
The Trackballs are okay, but tend to be very side-specific (don't use a right-handed trackball with the left hand unless you like handcramps). Best bet would be to go down to CompUSA and BestBuys and fondle the floorstock for awhile to see what feels best. Sorry for the graphic image that must portray, but it really is the best way since mouse feel is such a personal thing.  | ||
| Ara |
I started having similar problems, and found that one of those gel mouse pads works wonders. It's not the gel so much (though that's comfortable), it's that the pad elevates the wrist and keeps the hand/forearm combination straighter and this keeps you from binding the nerve in the tunnel. If nothing else it would be a cheap experiment. Russ | ||
| Blastin |
Just be carefull when taking out the mouse balls.  You don't want to drop them and get 'em all dusty and crimy and stuff | ||
| X1glider |
The problem is, as Ara says, the upward bending of the wrist. To keep it straighter, you might want to look into an outboard touch pad (like on laptops). They're pretty thin, about 5" x 4" x 1/4" and you can use any finger you want to do the touching. (sheesh, sounds like I'm worse than mike) Don't know how many buttons they have though. Pointing accuracy isn't that good, if the laptop touchpads are any indication. For what I do, I use a mouse/spaceball combo for absolute control. | ||
| Sarodude |
Trackballs: There is only ONE brand to consider: Kensington. Get an ExpertMouse (name is misleading) trackball. I'm a code jockey and have been using a Kensington trackball since the mid 90's. No carpal tunnel. They tend not to be side specific so they can be lefty friendly... These things unfortunately list for $100 - but I've STILL using one that's around 7 or 8 years old... I prefer the FUNCTION of the newer ones but the FEEL of the older ones. (try not to dredge too deep in the gutter) The older balls have more weight to them and feel smoother and work well with my style of flick and stop. Enjoy... -Saro | ||
| Pammy |
Dave, I think the chair has as much to do with eliminated the problem as does the mouse. A chair with adjustable,padded, arms is a must. Being able to rest your arm above the mouse/keyboard keeps your wrist at a more natural, unstrained position. I use a touchpad at work and a trackball at home. They both work great. The chair is the difference. | ||
| Leeaw |
I agree with Ara. The gel pad reduced much of my wrist pain. Still get some at times, but just have to pay attention to keeping my wrist straight. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I like the trackpoints on the IBM thinkpads as well. They take a little time to get used to, but grow on you. I have a Thinkpad 570 sitting right beside a traditional desktop and mouse, and over the last year have spent more and more time on the thinkpad (even though it is the slowest PC in the house). It reads force without movement, and you don't have to move your hands far from the home row to use it The laptop body does a good job as a wrist wrest, and the keyboard is the best I have ever used. You can score used Thinkpad 570's on ebay for around $400 right now... a FANTASTIC bang for the buck. Other people hate them though, YMMV |
