Evoluent Vertical Mouse

An ergonomic mouse is a great idea as long as it works for everyone. Will this mouse fit the 'one size fits all' criteria?

Price: £69.95

Manufacturer: Evoluent

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Verdict

Pros:

Ergonomic; optical technology.

Cons:
One size doesn't fit all; expensive; buttons feel flimsy.

Verdict:
A novel idea, but you should try it out if possible before buying.

Kelvyn Taylor, PC Magazine 11 Dec 2003

Over the years, there have been untold numbers of attempts at ergonomic mouse design, most of which were almost instantly condemned to failure by users. Evoluent's Vertical Mouse is one of the small number of new designs that might actually be useful, although there's still some work to do.

The idea of a vertical mouse is to reduce the strain on your wrist by removing the twisting motion involved when using an ordinary mouse. It sounds and looks odd, but in practice it's actually very comfortable. The problem is that the Evoluent model's patented shape either suits you or it doesn't - I personally found it a bit too long for comfort and the thumbrest a bit awkward, yet other users were perfectly happy with the fit.

After getting used to it, all agreed that a vertical wrist placement is a good idea.The mouse has four configurable buttons (a software utility and drivers are supplied) and a scroll wheel. It has a USB interface, but a PS/2 adapter is also supplied. It uses optical technology, so movement is quite precise, but the feel of the buttons isn't particularly solid. As mice are such subjective devices, if you're fed up with uncomfortable ones, we'd certainly recommend you try the VerticalMouse out.

Contact: Evoluent
www.evoluent.biz

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