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CNET editors' rating:
2.5
stars
OK
Detailed editors' rating -
Average user rating:
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Product summary
The
good: Rare, left-hand-specific design that reduces forearm twisting; features five programmable buttons; useful software for break reminders; includes PS/2 adapter.
The
bad: Expensive; design causes hand to drag; height hinders movement to and from the keyboard; not wireless.
The
bottom
line: The Evoluent Left-Handed Vertical Mouse is worth a try for southpaws suffering from RSI-related pain. We just wish it were designed a little better.
Specifications: Form factor: External ; Compatibility: PC , Mac ; Interface required: USB , Mouse ; See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 06/13/2008
As left-handed mousers who spend a lot of time at the computer, we really wanted to love the Evoluent Left-Handed Vertical Mouse. And there's a lot we do like: the mouse's orientation does seem to hold our arm in a more neutral position; the mouse includes a PS/2 adapter so we didn't have to sacrifice a USB port to connect it to the computer; and we found the Evoluent Mouse Manager software extremely useful. However, the $75 Vertical Mouse also possesses some design flaws--namely, a lack of support for the mousing hand--that keep it from being the ultimate ergonomic mouse. (That honor would belong to the Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, but it doesn't come in a left-handed version.) Still, as one of the only left-hand-specific ergo mouse models available, the Evoluent Left-Handed Vertical Mouse is worth a try for lefties whose repetitive strain injury pain originates in the forearm.
The Evoluent Vertical Mouse looks like a traditional mouse turned on its side. The idea is that keeping your hand in a neutral upright position--much like a handshake--eliminates the forearm twisting that is blamed for some repetitive stress injuries. (Of course, if you are experiencing repetitive-stress-related discomfort because of using your computer, you should seek out the advice of a doctor in addition to making adjustments to your workstation.) The Vertical Mouse's rubberized black body is easy to grasp, and its sleek silver buttons have slight indentations to help hold your fingers in place. Unfortunately, this design does not quite add up to a comfortable mousing experience; the little finger has no designated space and no support, so it winds up dragging on the desk surface. Evoluent has addressed this issue on the right-handed version of the mouse by adding a small ledge at the bottom to support your hand, but the left-handed version still lacks this feature.
The vertical orientation presents an additional challenge: at 3 inches tall, the mouse presents a significant hurdle to clear when moving your hand back and forth to the keyboard. It takes a small adjustment in movement to avoid accidentally knocking the mouse, which we found annoying.
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