Choosing the Pointing Device that Fits Your Best

Choosing the Pointing Device that Fits Your Best One of the devices that often gets overlooked as a culprit for developing work related maladies in the computer pointer or mouse. If the size and shape of the pointers that you choose are unsuitable, it may force you to sit in awkward postures, thereby increasing stress and hence overexertion. Generally, pointing devices that are too big or too small make the fingers to apply more force and bend the wrist to awkward positions. Also, if you operate a device designed for the right hand with your left hand, it leads to posture disorders that can create contact stress to the soft tissue areas in the palm of the hand. Contact stress leads to irritation and inflammation. Some possible solutions to averting pointer related problems are listed below. ** The pointing device has to be selected to the fit the hand of the user who will be using it mostly. Pointing devices to fit right and left hands as well as small and large hands are available in the market. It is ideal to select a pointing device that is designed for either hand because you can switch from one hand to the other while operating the device hence giving rest to one hand at a time. Before selection of the device, it is better to test it and ensure proper fit and feel. ** The size of the device matters and hence, while selecting you need to ensure that you have to apply only a minimum force to generate movement. Normally puck devices should be small in size for using with single hand with a width of 1.5 to 2.5 inches, length of 2.5 to 4.5 inches, and a height of 1 to 1.5 inches. ** It is better to reduce your dependence on the pointing device by using short cut keys and other options available on the keyboard like page down thereby reducing the strain on hands. ** Try out other pointing devices like joystick, touch pad, or trackball that fits your hand better and doesn't require bending the wrists when you grip the device. Remember to try out new products prior to selection and long-term use.