Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I put off writing this review until I had adequate time to use this mouse in all different situations. I purchased this mouse in October 2009 (the large model, item model number: EM550GPL). I had developed a very painful Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)in my right hand and arm from heavy mouse use; in particular the constant use of the roller wheel and the click-click-clicking of the mouse buttons. I am a medical librarian and use my computer all day for long stretches of time. However, I don't play video games though that require much more clicking than office work.
I considered and tested quite a few "ergonomic" mice. Most of them merely changed the user's hand position, but still required clicking buttons with the index and middle fingers.
I am mostly pleased with the mouse, and I will address specific features, both good and bad, in hopes that this will help someone else with a similar condition.
Comfort - 5 stars - Compared to other ergonomic mice I have tried this one is very comfortable for extended use. Though it looks like a joystick, the handle doesn't move. When grasping the mouse handle the user's hand is at about a 45 degree angle. Left and right button clicking (for Windows users) is accomplished with the user's thumb on a rocker button at the top of the handle. The thumb is much stronger and has more leverage for short movements than the other fingers, and the movement of the thumb is very small. I have only encountered thumb pain after performing tasks that involved constant clicking for over an hour. If the user takes short breaks (which is recommended for ANY repetitive task) then I have had no problems.
Cursor movement is accomplished by moving the mouse with the entire hand and forearm instead of flexing the wrist back and forth. Since much larger muscles are used in this movement they tire less quickly and practically no stain is put on the more vulnerable parts of the fingers, hand and wrist. I was able to use this mouse virtually pain free from the beginning.
Ease of use -- 4 stars - By ease of use I mean how troublesome (or not) is this mouse to use compared with the standard mouse. I have to grade it down a bit here due to several of what I consider to be design flaws.
Most wireless mice that I have used include a small cradle or slot to store the antenna (the small part that plugs into a USB port on your computer) when not using the mouse. Typically this also turns the mouse off. This mouse does not have that feature which can mean (if you're like me) losing the antenna occasionally since there is no convenient place to store it. The USB plug of the antenna does not come with a cap. I finally glued a small piece of Velcro (the fuzzy part) on the top of the thumb side of the base, and two pieces of Velcro (the hooks part) to the underside of the antenna and the cap (which I had to provide). I attach the cap to the Velcro when I am using the mouse. This works fairly well, though it's not pretty.
The only way to turn the mouse off is by an on/off switch on the bottom. If you forget, which I often do, the mouse will stay on and constantly seek a surface which runs down the battery.
There is no roller wheel. Instead there is a large button on the front of the handle where the user's hand wraps around. The button is operated by gently squeezing the button usually with the third and fourth fingers. This activates (again in Windows) the page scroll feature which then allows the user to scroll the screen up and down by moving the mouse back and forth. This is a bit clumsy, but since using a roller wheel partially lead to my RSI, I don't miss it.
It took me a while to get used to this mouse and to develop the same precision I have with a regular mouse.
Battery life -- 5 stars - The unit takes two AAA batteries. So far, even when forgetting to turn it off, I have found the battery life to be as good as, or better than most wireless mice I have used.
Signal strength - 4 stars - I have not had the problem with signal strength that some of the other reviewers have. Normally the mouse and antenna are within 1-2 feet of each other and I have had no problems with an intermittent signal. On a few occasions I have had my laptop on the floor about 4 feet from me while sitting in a chair. I can usually still control the cursor, though clicking sometimes does not work as well. The only time I have had a real problem is when the batteries begin to lose power, and the signal strength lessens until it's obvious that new ones are needed.
Durability -- 5 stars - Again, I have not had the problems other reviewers have had. I have dropped this mouse several times (by accident, not design) from a height or about 3-4 feet on to an uncarpeted floor and have seen no cracks or problems afterward. I have not had the buttons break.
Conclusions - I would purchase this mouse again, but I might consider buying the "wired" version because of the antenna storage issues. I credit this mouse for playing a significant role in helping my RSI to heal. I can immediately tell the difference if I have to use a standard mouse for even a shirt time.
I am happy to answer any questions (leave a comment on this review) that anyone has.
Click Here to see more reviews about: 3M Wireless Ergonomic Mouse, Small, Proven to Alleviate Pain and Discomfort of Repetitive Stress Injuries (EM550GPS)
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