Computer Support Blog

It is very hard to make a basic computer peripheral like a computer mouse seem cool.  Outside radical reinventions like the Genius Ring Presenter, the computer mouse has been refined more than redefined over the past two decades.  Even so, some of the new, advanced computer mice are extraordinary and well worth buying.  At the top of the list is the Air Mouse from Gyration. Read more »

Sometimes, it takes time for people to realize just how cool an idea or device actually is.  When Dr. Michael Schuette developed the Neural Impulse Actuator for OCZ Technologies, he thought he was taking the first step toward thought-activated and thought-controlled computers.  Schuette was introducing consumers to the first logical step toward a new way of controlling computers, but the commercial release of the OCZ NIA focused on gaming.  Unfortunately for Schuette, OCZ and those who wanted to see radical technological improvement, OCZ Technologies released the NIA right when the video game market took an especially drastic hit due to the worldwide economic downturn.  Recently, though, consumers are discovering and rediscovering the incredibly cool OCZ NIA. Read more »

Most computer peripherals have remained largely unchanged over the last ten years.  Ergonomic keyboards, for example, remain the most significant change in keyboards that has even partially stuck with consumers.  The computer mouse, since the optical mouse became the standard for the device, has not made any significant changes that consumers have adopted . . . until now.  With the millionth 3-D mouse shipped from 3Dconnexion, the 3-D mouse appears to be a radical redesign that consumers are actually interested in.  The latest model is the SpaceMouse Pro. Read more »

There have been some truly intriguing combinations of computer devices.  The Sony VAIO Mouse Talk, for example, very cleverly combined a computer mouse with a cell phone.  It takes a lot of imagination to combine a standard computer peripheral with something else to make a new device that is more useful than it is clever.  Inventors risk making something that is more of a gimmick than a worthwhile gadget.  Genius, a Taiwan-based company specializing in devices for the information technology field, managed to create an unlikely combination device that is surprisingly practical with its Ring Presenter.

The Ring Presenter combines a computer mouse with a laser pointer.  This unlikely combination proves to be remarkably useful due to the way that it was designed by Genius.  With a clever ring design, Genius gives you hands-free control of your presentations.  Equally important, the Ring Presenter allows you to control your presentations without having to be at your computer.

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Most people do not even realize that using a computer mouse too often or for too long can cause injuries to the wrist or hand. These types of injuries are called Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) and can be very painful. The wrong position of the hand when using a computer mouse can cause an RSI, and the injured person might not be able to use his or her hand for quite some time.

There are many different types of mice to help prevent these injuries. They range from those that look like a normal mouse turned on its side to those that resemble joysticks. Each one has an ergonomic design to support your hand and wrist in a manner that will help prevent RSIs.

Many of these oddly shaped ergonomic mice are for use with either the right or the left hand exclusively and are not interchangeable. Before purchasing an ergonomic mouse, it is important to realize that only some of these mice can switch back and forth between right-handed and left-handed and to purchase accordingly.

One new design that attempts to save your wrist from an RSI, and to be easy to use, is the AirMouse. AirMouse is wireless, is worn on the hand, and it only has to be recharged about once a week.

AirMouse is an optical mouse but mostly uses its position relative to the ligaments in your hand to move. This mouse can work more precisely, faster, and with less effort than other mice because you wear it as if it is a glove. It should save your hand and wrist from the damaging effects of an RSI because you can hold it in a comfortable, healthy position as well as change positions frequently.

For anyone who works on a computer all day long, these ergonomically designed mice would be a great investment in order to save you from injuries down the road. But if you cannot afford an expensive new mouse, then here are a few tips from SeatingErgonomics that you can use to help keep your wrist healthier:

• Make sure your hand and wrist are straight when using your mouse. Do not hold the mouse at an angle in any direction.
• Keep the mouse close to your keyboard and to your body so that you are not reaching for it.
• Hold the mouse loosely and comfortably.
• Move the mouse with your entire arm, not just your wrist.
• Do not hold your index finger up when not clicking.

If you have any doubts about what kind of mouse would work best for you, it is always a great idea to get help. The computer experts at RESCUECOM would be glad to help you with any computer upgrade or computer repair questions you have.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com