Description
This article is from the Lefthanders FAQ, by Barry D. Benowitz b.benowitz@telesciences.com with numerous contributions by others.
39. Where can I get a left-handed mouse?
Logitech used to supply left handed versions, but have
discontinued these. Symmetrical versions became rarer in the mid
1990s but saw a revival in 1999/2000 with more models released by
Logitech, Kensington and even Microsoft.
The mouse supplied with Wacom Intuos graphics tablets (140GBP for
A6, 289GBP for A4) can be tilted to the left or right, exposing a
thumb wheel on the right ot left side. This is otherwise a
symmetric mouse. Using the graphics tablet does not exclude the
use of the standard mouse. You can use the pen with the left hand,
standard mouse with the right and swap the pen for the Wacom
mouse. The buttons on the two devices are tied. So you can't have
one as a left-hander and the other as a right-hander.
The inexpensive Wacom Graphire (65GBP) is an A6 device (serial or
USB) supplied with a pen and symmetrical wheel
mouse. Unfortunately the A6 active area of the tablet is smaller
than a typical mouse mat and may not suit all users.
The correct use of the mouse or pointing device can reduce the
chance of repetitive strain injury. Using a handed mouse with the
wrong hand (e.g. the Intelligent Mouse from Microsoft or the top
model cordless mouse from either Microsoft or Logitech both of
which are right-handers) will result in cramp in the fingers and
ball of the hand. For light users of computers this may take some
years to develop. For heavy users of mouse movement this can be
observed with in a few months.
A mouse that is symmetrical in shape, but has an indent for the
index finger of the right hand will often be used left-handed and
the middle-finger used for clicking. If the twisted position is
adopted to use the index finger of the left hand to operate the
left button will cause unnecessary strain on the position of the
hand. Unfortunately learned habits are often difficult to unlearn,
even if comfort is at stake. I have successfully convinced several
users that a change in mouse and/or keyboard will reduce the
feeling of cramp and strain that they complain about.
The relative size of the mouse to the hand may also play a
significant factor. E.g. using the symmetrical mini-mouse on a
laptop feels less comfortable than the cordless pilot mouse that
has the roughly the same shape but means that the index finger is
more relaxed and better supported, but in the hands of my
four-year old daughter the smaller mouse 'fits' and for her is
easier control. A tracker ball may be better for smaller and
younger hand, but experimenting can be difficult and expensive (if
you have to buy the device to try).
Most users are not trained in the correct mouse/keyboard skills
and even if they are they may forget and revert to
'bad-habits'. Many organizations supply a standard desktop and
need to be persuaded to allow for an alternative mouse, keyboard
(e.g. the natural keyboards from Microsoft and Logitech or a
keyboard with the numeric keypad on the left) and drivers. With a
good mouse and keyboard costing less than 60USD/40GBP (25+25) it
is not unreasonable for the employer to supply these, otherwise
buy your own for work.
Not all left handers use the mouse left handed. Many like typing
or writing left handed using the right hand to always hold the
mouse.
Positioning of the mouse and keyboard and monitor are very
important. Users should be encouraged to experiment as desk
surface, lighting and handedness (mouse space on the left or
right) are vital to comfort and efficiency. If this means
re-wiring mains and network cables prove your case and make sure
it is done.
The keyboard should be place in the middle and sufficiently far
away from the edge of the desk so that the palms of the hands are
not rubbed against the edge of the desk. The monitor should be 30
cm (12 inches) away for small screens and over 50cm (20 inches)
away for larger screens. Monitors on extension arms increase the
choice of position both away from you and height above the desk.
Desks that allow for different height adjustments also help.
Unfortunately the extension arms for large monitors (20 inches and
above) normally use a support leg as well as being attached to the
desk. This precludes the active use of an adjustable desk and may
restrict the desk to a 'standard' height.
Feet should be capable of being position flat with the top of the
leg horizontal. Likewise arms should be positioned so that the
lower arm is horizontal and at the height of the desk.
Mouse mats with wrist support are worth considering as are mouse
rugs (www.mouserug.com, 25USD, 15GBP). Mouse rugs, besides being
miniature rugs and looking cool are anti-static, allow easy
movement and reduce, if not eliminate ball clogging. Many mouse
mats have a hard surface, which give positive ball contact but
have a sharp edge that rubs against the palm of the hand.
Look for mouse alternatives, such as the Glidepoint or tracker
balls. But where ever possible try before buying and make sure
that the drivers for the operating system(s) that you use are
available or the 'standard' MS software (Win3, Win95, NT, 2000)
etc will work. Finger pads may appear to be without bias but even
here the position of the cable or left of center give a bias to
right-handers. Finger pads are not to everyone's taste and some
users complain of numbed index fingers from 'clicking' the pad's
surface. Pens can sometimes be used with these devices,
particularly the larger ones. However 'natural' and unbiased a pen
is it has to be picked up and dropped for keyboard use. A mouse or
tracker ball is easier to grab and disgard than a pen.
Swap the buttons to use the left index finger with the right
button. This confuses the hell out of right handers so much that I
have seen fared tempers at not being able to use it even when
explaining to them that the reason that the mouse was on the left
was because you are left handed.
Using Windows 98 family login you can give separate perferences
for each member of the family, including desktop, backgrounds,
menus and mouse use. Passwords are not needed and when booted the
user is presented with a list of names to select from. Even a
three year old can recognise their own name when on screen and can
'log' themselves in.
Thanks: Gerald McMullon <gerald.mcmullon@ukonline.co.uk>
We have recently heard of the following source for a left-handed mouse:
The Contour Mouse for left-handed users can be ordered directly
from:
Contour Design
254B North Broadway, Suite 204
Salem, NH 03079 USA
phone 1-800-462-6678
phone: (603) 893-4556
fax: (603) 893-4558
email: info@contourdes.com
World Wide Web site (http://www.contourdes.com).
Listing here does not constitute a recommendation.
Continue to:
My Books
