The computer mouse has revolutionized the way we use our computers. In the early days of the personal computer, most people used the keyboard to navigate the software and interact with the computer. But thanks to mice and the graphical user interface, it is now easier to manipulate data. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to imagine how you can use the computer, type a document, go online and edit photographs and videos without the use of a computer mouse.
Choosing a mouse was relatively easy in the past, as only a few reputable companies like Genius and Logitech made mice. Portable computers also have also included built-in pointing devices like touchpads, pointing sticks and even trackballs. But today, you have hundreds of choices. Here are some kinds and types of computer mice that you might want to look into.
Ergonomic mice. If you’re suffering from serious hand injuries due to carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to consider getting an ergonomic mouse. Carpal tunnel syndrome is brought about by the tightening of the passageways of nerves in the wrist due to repetitive stress and movements, like typing on a poorly designed keyboard, as well as clicking on a poorly crafted computer mouse. Many companies have spent good money to come up with the mouse that best fits the hand of the user. Ergonomic mice are usually bigger than the usual mouse and have a lot of curved surfaces that are supposed to cradle the contour of the hand. There are also some mouse pads that have a specialized foam cushion that would be great for resting the wrist on while working with the mouse.
Optical mice. Most modern mice sold today are optical, meaning they don’t have a trackball. These use light, and measure how much the light moves across the surface to detect movement. These type of mice are a lot lighter than those that use trackballs, and most people generally see this type of mouse as something more chic and advanced. It also looks a lot better since it emits a very nice glow–usually in red or blue. Optical mice are also easier to clean, because these don’t have the moving trackball and axles that are prone to collecting dust and gunk from the desk or mouse pad.
Wireless mice. There also high end models of mouse that don’t have wires. These use either Bluetooth or some other radio technology to transmit signals to the computer. These models are great when the user doesn’t want to deal with wires and other nuisances. This is excellent for presentations, or when you want to keep your desk looking neat.
Multiple buttons and scroll wheels. While most traditional computer mice have only two buttons, modern mice today come with middle buttons. Some even come with scroll wheels that you can use to scroll up and down a document. The wheel often also acts as the middle click button. This reduces movement, and will therefore help reduce repetitive stress injuries. Some modern mice even have scrolls for sideways movements.
With the vast number of choices of mice and pointers in the market right now, it may be quite a challenge to find the right computer mouse. Choose one that you’re comfortable with, and that’s priced within reach.
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