RollerMouse Aims to Replace the Traditional Mouse

ThinSkin writes "Over at ExtremeTech, we have reviewed the RollerMousePRO, an ergonomic input device that claims to reduce pain and discomfort associated with repetitive mouse use while also increasing productivity. The idea behind the product is to have a fully functional docking station for your keyboard that allows you to navigate a cursor without much hand movement. There is an interesting Flash demo that illustrates how this works." Using a roller-bar beneath the keyboard may remind some people of the Outbound Macintosh-based laptop.

Comments

Looks useless.

[GeorgeMcBay]

Looks like yet another high priced gadget to replace something that doesn't need replacing. Given people's various abilities (RSI, paralysis, whatever) I suppose there is a chance there is some population of users who might do better with this than a mouse, but just by looking at the thing and reading the review, I'll be damned if I see the usefulness to the vast majority of users. Especially given that it costs about 3 times as much as a really good mouse and 20 times more than the el cheapo ones.

Re:What pain and discomfort?

[the Dragonweaver]

I used to have a lot of wrist and shoulder strain from using a mouse. That strain was completely eliminated by doing two things:

1. Replacing the flat, single-level table with a computer desk, and
2. Buying a good chair with back support that actually cost more than the desk.

Seriously, folks, if you are hurting, figure out what you need to do to fix the problem. This product might well help you, but please look into getting better furniture. Sure, good furniture is expensive-- but it's almost certainly cheaper than your health.

And if you are having the problem at your company, and they refuse to improve the ergonomics, look into such simple things as support cushions.