A Mouse That Stands Up for Comfort

Photograph by: Marc Simon Evoluent's VerticalMouse offers a new and welcome twist on pointing devices. Unlike a conventional mouse, which you grip with your hand parallel to the desktop, the VerticalMouse lets you work in a relaxed handshake position that eliminates unnatural forearm twisting--a potential factor in carpal tunnel syndrome and other mouse-related injuries.

Shaped like a convex dome, with the main action buttons and a scroll wheel on the right side, the optical mouse has a total of five programmable buttons. Even if you don't install its software, the VerticalMouse will perform basic functions with the left and right buttons and the scroll wheel when you plug it into a PC's USB port.

I was a bit skeptical before I tested a preproduction unit, but within minutes the surprising comfort of working at an upright angle completely won me over. No longer was I twisting my forearm to accommodate the mouse--it accommodated me. Molded nicely to fit the hand, the mouse allowed my thumb to rest in a balanced position with access to a programmable thumb button. The mouse uses an optical sensor, which has no moving parts and is more accurate and reliable than the older, mechanical guide-ball system.

Even if you have no physical problem using a regular mouse, the VerticalMouse is an excellent $50 investment in preventive, pain-free mousing. And if your current mouse gives your forearm occasional cramps, the VerticalMouse could be a pointer in the right direction.