Computers

ErgoSlider Plus+ is a groovy mouse alternative

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The ErgoSlider Plus is an alternative to the traditional computer mouse
The ErgoSlider Plus is an alternative to the traditional computer mouse
The ErgoSlider Plus is an alternative to the traditional computer mouse

First achieving widespread use with the release of the Apple Macintosh in 1984, the humble computer mouse has reigned supreme as the digital pointing device of choice for more than 20 years. During this time it has seen off countless pretenders to the throne, as well as undergoing some useful (and otherwise) redesigns such as Apple's Magic Mouse, Microsoft's Arc, the 3D-Spheric-Mouse, the AirMouse and the Orbita. The latest product to take a shot at the title is the ErgoSlider Plus+, a device that looks like a padded wrist rest, but with a cylinder at the front that rolls and slides in a special groove to move the onscreen cursor.

EKtouch, the makers of the ErgoSlider Plus+, say the device is clinically proven to reduce muscle strain by letting users move the onscreen pointer without overusing their wrists. With your wrists resting on the visco-elastic padding at the bottom, rolling the cylinder up and down moves the pointer along the Y-axis, while sliding the cylinder left and right moves it along the X-axis. There are five buttons located centrally between the padding and the roller with the middle one acting as a scroll wheel. The groove the roller sits in looks like it would attract more than its fair share of dust – on my desk anyway – so thankfully the roller just lifts out to allow for cleaning.

The ErgoSlider Plus+ is currently only available in Europe, where it sells for SEK1,795 (approx. US$267). Taiwan-based EKtouch is currently looking for agents to bring the product to the U.S.

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7 comments
Bouwe Westerdijk
After looking at it, I think I prefer my Mousetrapper Advance :) See it here: http://www.mousetrapper.com
JøhP
This product has existed for years as the RollerMouse. http://ergo.contourdesign.com/products/rollermouse/default.aspx
Derek Bjornstad
If I change from my mouse, I want something that will be smaller and take up less space on my desk. Not something 3X the size...
LH
More photos here: http://www.kondator.net/
agulesin
Do you take the cylinder with you to stop people from playing with it? What about replacements for what appears to be an easy-to-lose item...
David Elins
Seems ro me that a good typist could use this and the keyboard at the same time, using fingers for keys and the heels of both hands to manipulate the device. No more moving hands from keyboard to mouse and back again.
Lori Appleman
JonP - This is not the same as the Contour Rollermouse. The bar works quite differently. It relieves the same problems as the Contour Rollermouse at a much lower price. Quality is equal. http://www.Ergoprise.com will have them in stock by mid-February and on site for ordering the first week of February.
Derek - This type of mouse is great for a lot of people because it sits in front of the keyboard, eliminating the reaching and movement a traditional mouse requires. For those of us who have shoulder and arm problems, it\'s a blessing. The other reason I use one is because I have arthritis in my hands and fingers and I can use either or both hands. I can do complex graphics with it.
David - you\'re spot on! Less reaching is much easier on the body and faster too.