Unlike a conventional mouse, which you grip with your hand parallel to the desktop, the optical VerticalMouse lets you work in a relaxed handshake position that eliminates unnatural forearm twisting — a potential factor in carpal tunnel syndrome and other mouse-related injuries.

Shaped like a convex dome, with the main action buttons and a scroll wheel on the right side, the optical mouse has a total of five programmable buttons. Even if you don’t install its software, the VerticalMouse will perform basic functions with the left and right buttons and the scroll wheel when you plug it into a PC’s USB port.

I was a bit sceptical before I tested a preproduction unit, but within minutes the surprising comfort of working at an upright angle completely won me over. No longer was I twisting my forearm to accommodate the mouse — it accommodated me. Moulded nicely to fit the hand, the mouse allowed my thumb to rest in a balanced position with access to a programmable thumb button.

If your current mouse gives your forearm occasional cramps, the VerticalMouse could be a pointer in the right direction.

Evoluent VerticalMouse Price: $119.95
URL: http://www.evoluent.biz
URL: www.f1computing.com/prod04.htm