Pointing devices

[gabemcmillan]

Hi guys, just wondering what everyone uses for input. As we all know everything is becoming more graphical based, thus more mouse usage to make things look pretty. I use the mouse about 10 hours a day, which essentially leads to one little muscle in my hand working all day.

Anyhow, I was thinking about investing in the SmartNav system, that you can control with a ring or wearing a hat. Problem is its $200, I am thinking it will be the best thing though, since it is really the only thing out that is "Hands Free".

Does anyone else have this hand pain problem and what have you done to prevent it?

[goldbug]

I can control my mouse pointer with my cell phone... but that's not really efficient... :)

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by gabemcmillan
Anyhow, I was thinking about investing in the SmartNav system, that you can control with a ring or wearing a hat. Wow, I checked that out - it's pretty cool. Looks like they have a 30 day free trial; might be worth it just to try it out! Now, if they could make the dot tap in to my brain waves to control the computer based on what I was thinking ... now that would be something.

[goldbug]

Originally posted by Elizabeth
Wow, I checked that out - it's pretty cool. Looks like they have a 30 day free trial; might be worth it just to try it out! Now, if they could make the dot tap in to my brain waves to control the computer based on what I was thinking ... now that would be something.

Frightening thing... the exact thing you mentioned was somewhat successfully performed by a monkey with brain implants a couple years ago. Seriously.

[thorpe]

Does anyone else have this hand pain problem and what have you done to prevent it?

just dont surf those kinds of sites. :-P

[bradgrafelman]

Originally posted by goldbug
Frightening thing... the exact thing you mentioned was somewhat successfully performed by a monkey with brain implants a couple years ago. Seriously.

And you think computers crash too often now ? :D

*laughs and then immediately runs away*

[gabemcmillan]

i think I am going to get one to try it out, I'll keep you guys posted on how well it works.

[fire_cracker]

Between using my mouse for 10-12 hours a day and making my own cigarettes (only 10 bucks a carton - very important when you smoke like me), I have uber carpel tunel.

I want a mouse that I can control with my eyes. Look at what I want to click on and then blink once for a single click, twice for a double click. Beyond that I need a One Handed Keyboard (http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/6c82/) so that I can give my right hand a break.

[davidjam]

I think the problem with standard mice (mouses?) is that they are based on relative positioning, therefore there is a lot of picking up the mouse and dragging picking up and dragging to constantly relocate the mouse which is always aligned wrongly (every time you do that there is tension between your thumb and one of your outermost fingers -- this DOES cause problems to some people). So I purchased a wacom tablet that has a mouse (in addition to a pen). The mouse is mapped to the screen in an absolute way, so there is never any picking up of the mouse. My hand (and shoulder) are a lot more relaxed when I use it. :)

[fire_cracker]

I've thought about purchasing one of the trackball mice for the same reason. A freind of mine that I stayed with for a while had one, and it puts your hand in a more normal possition, and you don't have to pick up anything ever.

[bradgrafelman]

The mouse is mapped to the screen in an absolute way,

What about people with multiple monitors?

[gabemcmillan]

I have done a lot of research today and it seems like the SmartNav system is not good if you are wanting to do Photoshop type pointing.

I decided to try out the Rollermouse Pro (http://www.contourdesign.com/rollermouse/) which just won a Best Product Award from PC World. It keeps your hands as close as posible to the keyboard, which they say moving from mouse to keyboard causes a lot of strain, and also clicking with one finger literally thousands of times a day causes pain. With the Rollermouse you eliminate the switching movement and also can use any number of finger combinations.

I will see how it goes, bottom line, I am a cellist and a programmer, so anything that will help me prevent an injury is my main concern.

[pohopo]

Does anyone else have this hand pain problem and what have you done to prevent it? This is a very common problem that can be quite painful. It is most likely an inflamation of the nerves through the carpel tunnel in your wrist. Some common solutions are a wrist brace, a wrist rest, or a track ball.

I had this problem myself and what I personally did was switch hands. At work I use the mouse with my right hand and at home I use my left hand. The pain is now completely gone.

[gabemcmillan]

You're exactly right, that is what I think is happening. I do the same thing currently using the right hand at work and left hand at home for mousing.

I use the mouse about 9 hours at work, so it outweighs use of my left hand, and I need to find a better solution for work. I really hope this RollerMouse will heal some of the pain.

[leatherback]

I use a PC about 12 hours a day (At work, and in the evening programminf PhP).

My solution:

* Scrolling mouse

* squash 3 times a week
* Large vegetable patch

=> physical labour

J.

[gabemcmillan]

You're exactly right, that is one of my big problems, right now I am not getting any exercise. I am getting ready to move into an apartment that has a 24hr fitness center. I plan to go use it every morning so I can get back in the groove of exercising like I did in college. I agree, that lots of physical exercise helps your entire body very much.

Squash sounds like fun, I have never played, do you play it in a racketball court?

[BuzzLY]

This is what you need:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/6a4b/

[leatherback]

Not sure what a raquetball court would be. I play in a squash court!?

[gabemcmillan]

That thing is pretty neat! I think I am going to buy one for my brother's birthday, who is a high school physics teacher.

Have you tried it yourself?

[gabemcmillan]

Oh, a squash court, I guess we don't have those in the midwest ! :-)

[BuzzLY]

I have tried one in the past -- I don't have that particular one. I am thinking of buying it. We should all get one, and see who can record the highest RPM.

[gabemcmillan]

I'll definately have to get one..

[BuzzLY]

I just ordered it myself, along with the red Swingline stapler. woot!

[Elizabeth]

I got the Robosapien (on sale now) for my bro and some t-shirts with my geek points last week. Love the think geek, but have you guys ever seen the pics the girls have sent in for the female t-shirts... whatEVER.

Are they TRYING to look sexy?

[leatherback]

:(

Costs for shipping are too high for my liking. 25 $$ for getting it here :-(

J.

[BuzzLY]

I'll have to study them for a while, and give you my assessment, Betsy. I'll be very thorough and scientific :D

[edit]ok, I'm looking through those pics... I'm not seeing the problem. They look fine to me. Great, even. Excuse me, I need to study a little more.

[BuzzLY]

I just got my red Swingline stapler. Everyone just keep your grubby mitts off of it...

I also got the Dyna-Flex Powerball. I could only get up to 7919 RPM so far, but it'll take practice. I don't have the forearm strength yet...:evilgrin:

[edit] Ok... 8800 RPM... but now my forearm is sore.

[gabemcmillan]

i'm gonna have to get one!

[Sxooter]

Originally posted by fire_cracker
I've thought about purchasing one of the trackball mice for the same reason. A freind of mine that I stayed with for a while had one, and it puts your hand in a more normal possition, and you don't have to pick up anything ever.

I've used various track balls, and the stress they relieve for me is mostly shoulder and forearm stress.

I use that and a high quality ergo keyboard, and being 41, I'm managed to miss out on any kinds of carpel tunnel. Of course, I take frequent breaks, and stretch my hands and wrists plenty.

I think part of the solution is paying attention to the signals your body is sending you about comfort. If you're body is telling you something hurts, then listen to it.

[Sxooter]

Originally posted by BuzzLY


[edit] Ok... 8800 RPM... but now my forearm is sore.

Am I the only one that read that completely in the wrong way the first time?

Yes, come and lay your head down next to mine, in the gutter.

[gabemcmillan]

That is a very good point about streching Sxooter. How much mouse work do you do on an average day? Thanks!~

[Sxooter]

I'd bet I spend >4 hours a day with a trackball in my hands. About 2 hours typing.

I have a combo graphics tablet / mouse at home. For any kind of fine artwork, a graphics tablet is a must, even a cheap one is head and shoulders above a mouse or trackball.

[goldbug]

Originally posted by Sxooter
I've used various track balls, and the stress they relieve for me is mostly shoulder and forearm stress.
...
I think part of the solution is paying attention to the signals your body is sending you about comfort. If you're body is telling you something hurts, then listen to it.

And Body said, "Hey, Sxooter! Adjust your armrest height, your shoulders are on fire!" :D

[Weedpacket]

Originally posted by gabemcmillan
That is a very good point about streching Sxooter. My turn to imply something gutterworthy! Either that or make a comment about commas...

[BuzzLY]

We're waiting... with bated breath!

[Sxooter]

Actually, this line: "I spend >4 hours a day with a trackball in my hands." from my post seems even dirtier now that I read it again.

[gabemcmillan]

I am now using my new rollermouse pro!!! One thing that I immediately like about it is it has a third button that servers as a double click. I am going to try it out and will report back.