OT (way) - looking for large computer mouse

[Igor]

I've not been here in a long time -- too many things to do at my 1-man job. And, this is way OT, but I figure if you're here then you probably have some familiarity with the (computer) mouse. And, since much of the talk here is about working with one's hands - preferably with tools that fit and feel right - I thought there might be some helpful opinions here.

While I know that there is a good deal of tech knowledge here, I am not looking for any special performance -- e.g., games. Mostly, just a good fit.

I have large hands -- not basketball-player large, but XL glove large. I'm looking for a large mouse (optical). I'd love one that is the size of the Logitech track ball -- but a mouse. I'd like at least 4 buttons; a scroll wheel would be nice, but not required.

A reluctant Plan B is to make a large platform for my hand, with cutouts for the mouse to slip into. The problem is not really repetitive stress, it's that my hand cramps up. (This is also why I don't like mini cell phones.)

Anyone know of a large mouse? A computer rat? TIA - Igor

[Dave Balderstone]

I use the Intellimouse Explorer (with my Mac, FWIW). It's large, 5 button plus scroll wheel.

Check it out.

[Lee Michaels]

You might take a look at some of the ergonomic and assistive technology stuff.

[remove]

I use the Fellowes Opti Gel 99932. It is about as large as I've seen in stores. It also has a "skirt" to rest your fingers on, a gel palm pad and boasts 5 programmable buttons / scroll wheel. You might also look into the Perfit x-large mouse, but it retails for around $100.

HTH Bill

[J. Clarke]

An outfit called "Countour Perfit" makes mice in several different sizes . Not cheap though. The Lenovo Scrollpoint Pro 31P8700

is a fairly hefty mouse but I don't recall how many buttons it has.

[Clifford Heath]

It's actually the same problem, except that you don't have RSI yet. The problem is mainly caused by holding static muscle tension, and you can still do that with all the ergonomic design in the world. A suitable-sized mouse will help, but don't forget that you need to train yourself to relax any muscle that isn't *moving*.

Our biological systems have not evolved to sustain static tension. Every muscle in the body must be either relaxed or moving, or you run into trouble. Motion means that the sponge-like muscle tissue gets its energy supply pumped through it, and relaxation means its energy needs are minimised and the sponge is loose enough to allow energy supply through diffusion. Static tension depletes the local energy supply until there isn't enough ATP to allow the muscle to release, and you have a locked muscle that needs stretching or massage to free it up. The problem applies also to tendons, etc, because they have such limited blood supply anyhow.

This is the basic physical principle behind almost all tension- related problems, and the behavioural remedies (Alexander technique, Tai Chi, etc). Learn it, apply it, and you'll have a much more comfortable life. Deep relaxation practice is a good start, as it helps you learn to recognise unnecessary tension.

Clifford Heath.

[Lee Gordon]

How about something like this?

think it may be intended for kids with small hands and yet-to-be-perfected motor skills, but it may be what you need.

Lee

[Igor]

mice that look about the right size lack the function buttons I'd like, I think I may still go with one of those but also add this gaming Belkin keypad on the left side of the keyboard and program its keys to do all sorts of stuff - especially to have a have 1-click way to open links in a new window.

Igor

[JeffB]

I have found that a small, custom shaped wooden block and some double stick tape (the spongy kind) are a big help in enlarging the effective size of a mouse, and makes it much more comfortable for me to hold. This keeps my thumb from having to squeeze in too tightly toward my palm. Modify any mouse you like the controls on. After all this is a woodworking forum...