A whale of a mouse - What's New? - new computer mouse from Humanscale Corp - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Jan, 2003

* The computer has brought many benefits into our lives, but carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive-motion conditions definitely are not included. Accordingly, where mankind once sought to build a better mousetrap, now the aim is to build a better mouse--one that will help to avoid such painful ailments. Humanscale Corporation, New York, looks like it's on the right track with the Whale, an ergonomically designed mouse intended to elevate the wrist to the proper stress-free angle.

Despite its name, the device is shaped more like the Enterprise from "Star Trek" than the behemoth of the oceans. There are indentations on either side to accommodate the thumb and pinky, while the contoured palm rest is adjustable, expanding from 6" to 7.5" to fit various-sized hands, and contoured to maintain neutral wrist, finger, and hand positions. The Whale's design is symmetrical, so as to fit either hand equally well, and the overall shape ensures that the stronger arm muscles come into greater use, allowing more-delicate muscles in the wrist and hand to relax and be spared the strain normal mousing causes. A 78" cable provides plenty of maneuverability, and the mouse has all the top-of-the-tine electronic features more-conventionally shaped components have.

The Whale retails for a suggested $59. Go online to info@humanscale.com for the nearest dealer.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers.