MicrostockGroup

Hey fellow microstockers.

I believe I'm starting to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, due to my 12-14 hours a day on a computer.

I decided to buy a new, ergonomic mouse since I have a normal wireless one. I went online and started searching and found 2 mice that might be interesting and I also remembered the Wacom touch tablet.

Here are the links (on eBay):

Wacon Touch Tablet - http://goo.gl/GHgm
Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3 Wireless - http://goo.gl/uFJj
Zero Tension Mouse - http://goo.gl/oaXL

I like all of them but the problem with the last one (Zero Tension Mouse) is that it's corded and I couldn't find it anywhere that ships to Brazil.


Does anyone use any of them? Any suggestions?

I'd like to know if the tablet has good precision since I'd also use it for illustrations and photo retouching.


Thanks in advance!
Dan

I've been using a Logitech Trackman Wheel for over a decade (wired). I have them on all my PC's. Your hand is resting on the desk and you mainly move your thumb and fingers so no issues with RSI, etc. They take a tiny bit of getting used to but I wouldn't use anything else.

Read the reviews;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-910-000809-Trackman-Wheel/dp/B001ASC9BY/ref=sr_1_19?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285874476&sr=8-19

Get a Wacom tablet.  You won't go back once you do.  I can't stand editing photos without one now.  I use a regular mouse for surfing and general computer use but the Wacom for editing.  if a mouse was hard on your hands, surfing with a pen on a Wacom should be a nice change.

I actually think the desk set up makes a big difference too. I like to have an L shape, so I can rest my arm on the desk and my wrist is straight.

Good mouse pad with wrist pillow is really good for long hours with computer.
I have this:
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:cs:official&client=firefox-a&q=razer+eXactMat&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1997094743653280647&ei=hPCkTNqHEIXEswbpgp2tCA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB8Q8wIwAA#

Thanks for the replies so far!

A few questions:

ichiro17, I had a look at that tablet but is it only usable with a pen or by touch too?

Leaf, I have a tablet, but just works with pen. I need something I can use to do anything, surf the net, etc... I had a look at the touch tablets and they seem quite nifty. I'm just wondering if it's precise enough and practical to use.

PixelAway, I quite liked that SpaceNavigator. I would buy one but it's a bit pricy for me at the moment. I mean, I don't do THAT much editing to need one. I need a more "day-to-day" device.

Thanks again,
Dan

Ah, ok.  I haven't tried the touch tablets either.  I didn't actually know they made them.  I am using an intuous 3 tablet so that is all I really know.

Just to let everyone know, I just purchased on eBay the Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3 Wireless - http://goo.gl/uFJj

I'll give it a try and if it doesn't help, I'll try another one! But until it arrives (4-6 weeks) I'll have to use my left hand.

Thanks again for all your help.

Yes an L-shaped desk does sound like a good idea.

Dan - I'd be really interested to know how you get on with that vertical mouse. 

Actually I think you hit on something. I've been a computer addict for decades and don't have wrist problems. (yet?) I have a big desk, with lots of room to rest my arm on the desk when I'm working the mouse. The old desk had a pull out with a towel to raise the level, and I rested my arm on that. Backup system is on that one now. None are "computer" desks, they have typewriter holders, are high, big and solid.

Your point might be an interesting one, that having the big desk or one that you can rest your arm on, instead of some of the tiny pull outs that hold a keyboard, or small limited space situations, could cause painful positions and angles. How big is big? 54" wide and 32" deep. This is no skimpy little desktop top. Two towers, monitor, a small horizontal workstation, flatbed scanner, photo scanner and printer, (stacked) router, VOIP gizmo, (on top of one of the full size towers) with room left over for the mouse pad, speakers, pen cup, KVM, three external drives and small phone.

It does remind me that my Brother has a tablet that he tried, didn't like and it's lost somewhere in his computer junk. I'll have to try to borrow it from him again. It seems that a high percentage of people who do editing, find it better and easier after awhile. I'm happy with the mouse, but wonder if a tablet would be better for fine outlines?

Anyway, room to rest ones arm may be more important than some ergonomic voodoo mouse. I mean, how ergonomic can a mouse be? It has buttons and wheels? What's to form fit so your hand isn't stressed or your writs isn't bent funny? The position, angle and height of the whole arm seems to be more important.

I asked someone else, since I don't have a problem. I figured people who have found the need would have some advise.

Have you tried a wrist pad to elevate your arm, so your hand is in a more natural position? That was the most common solution to tired and aching wrists from using a mouse.

Good Luck, don't forget to report back.

I'm at least twice as fast with a 6 button mouse as with any kind of trackpad. Especially when it comes to any kind of detail work or a lot of mouse movement.

My co-worker stopped using a mouse once he got a macbook pro. He was impressed with the fancy moves and gestures of his trackpad. Then I showed him my mouse and how I program it for different programs. He ordered it the next day.

For editing wacom is great though. It's very hard (or rather time consuming) to get very detailed masks with a mouse. If you don't need those then I think a mouse should be ok.

Delighted to help __ it's much cheaper than one of those fancy tablets too.