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Ergonomic Mice Reviewed
Gregg writes "Most of the time these mice are marketed towards people suffering from RSI, however anyone feeling discomfort using a regular mouse should be able to switch to any of these pointing devices that were created with ergonomics, and only ergonomics in mind. TechSpot's comparison includes three products: the Perific Wireless Dual Mouse, 3M Ergonomic 'Renaissance' Mouse, and Evoluent's VerticalMouse 2." From the article: "People are sometimes under the impression that only those who work at a computer all day are at risk of repetitive stress injuries (RSI). Unfortunately that is not true and even people spending an hour or two per day using a computer are now suffering from RSI. Even if you aren't going to purchase ergonomic products for your everyday use, there are still some very helpful tips on how to lower the risk of someday suffering from RSI. Many specialists recommend taking short breaks after long periods of computer use to reduce risk. It is also a good idea to do a few quick and simple hand/wrist stretches that will help make sure you are doing your best to try and stay healthy."
Not that there is a need for ergonomic mice, but that people can get hurt by mice and keyboards.
To me, it looks like an attitude problem. I've been working with computers for the last 25 years, where I've been at the keyboard/CRT/mice for hours at stretch (it's even worse since the Internet came about).
Yet, I never had the slightest problem. Perhaps it is because I never always do the same thing, but vary what I do, that is, get a book, get a printout from the printer (which is purposefully set beyond arm reach), fiddle with the radio/mp3 player, and many little things that distract from my keyboard pounding/mouse fondling.
Focusing may be good, but like anything else, too much of it is bound to be bad; I've worked with plenty of people so much focused on their stuff that they'd jump that high (no, higher than that) whenever they had the slightest interruption. And, guess what? They're the ones who get hurt with their keyboards...
I mean, it's not hard to introduce some variation in one's daily routine. For supposedly creative people, it should not make them lose too much neurons on it, no?