HandshoeMouse (or Handshoe Mouse)

It is a well known fact that neck, shoulder, arm and hand complaints (NSAH) frequently occur in the workplace. Using a conventional computer mouse may result in complaints like tingling, pain and/or swelling of the arms and hands. In some cases, the result can even be restricted rotation of the head. The HandshoeMouse from Hippus NV prevents and/or reduces these common complaints to a minimum. After extensive research and years of designing, the manufacturers of the HandshoeMouse implemented three core ideas into the design of the HandshoeMouse: 1) by slanting the angle of the mouse downward from the thumb to reduce wrist pronation; 2) by elongating the incline of the mouse slightly from the wrist upward to reduce wrist extension; 3) and by allowing the hand to rest on the mouse in a neutral position to reduce gripping and pinch force, most injuries associated with mousing can be reduced or largely eliminated. By radically redesigning the shape of the standard mouse, the hand no longer has to fit the mouse by constantly gripping it, but the mouse itself can fit the shape of a naturally relaxed hand through contouring. The unique shape of the HandshoeMouse is not just aesthetically pleasing but has this very important function - to help reduce RSI injuries by keeping the hand and arms as relaxed as possible. Extensive research has shown that the shape and slanted angle of a mousing device provide users more neutral hand positions, so forearm and shoulder muscle activity and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders will be reduced. This reduction in injuries should even increase worker productivity and comfort. Noteworthy features of the HandshoeMouse include:

• Sculpted body designed to fit hand in a relaxed and slightly angled position, with the rear lightly inclined.
• Three sizes (small, medium, and large) in both right and left handed versions (left hand versions are available at 4 times the price of the right hand version). To determine which size is appropriate for your hand, see the HandShoeMouse sizing chart.
• Three colour options: black, white, and clear (only black and white currently available).
• Wired and wireless models.
• Small and medium sizes have two buttons (left and right click) and clickable scroll wheel.
• Large size has three buttons (left, right, and middle click) and clickable scroll wheel.

The brand new HandShoe Mouse is fitted with a BlueRay Track Engine, which is based on a double lens optical system in combination with a blue LED. The resulting precision provides the user with a simple but top quality optical solution. In other words: a Blue Ray keeps Track of your precision work with every application you may think of.

This is an important development for a growing number of people who want to prevent getting RSI (repetitive strain injury) problems but still want to use the latest technology.

• Reduces Wrist Pronation: The HandshoeMouse is angled downward from the thumb rest to the opposite side of the mouse at about a 20° angle. This slanting of the mouse has been shown by research to reduce wrist pronation, which can contribute to wrist pain and injuries. Even this slight slanting of the mouse can have a significant impact on the wrist over longer periods of time and is one of the main design requirements incorporated into the HandshoeMouse.
• Reduces Wrist Extension: Another risk factor that the HandshoeMouse addresses is wrist extension, which can be made worse with mice that have too high a profile at the rear without gradual inclined support for the wrist. The gently tapered rear of the HandshoeMouse, however, provides such support through the elongated 'ramp' that allows the hand and arm to gradually incline from the desk to the front buttons, thereby preventing the wrist from excessive extension. It is this specially designed elongated 'ramp' at the rear which helps reduce wrist extension, and by extension, common RSI problems.
• Reduces Hand and Arm Fatigue: The HandshoeMouse's design requires that the user's work surface be large enough to allow full movement of the arm when moving the mouse while the arm rests on your desk. It is important to use this mouse with your arm resting on the work surface, since the mouse should be moved primarily by arm movement and not hand or wrist movement. In this way, both hand and arm can be used most advantageously, thus reducing any excessive fatigue generated from improper or ill-advised hand and arm movements. Consequently, proper use of the mouse is just as important as proper positioning of the hand on the mouse, since it is both these aspects in conjunction that will give maximum benefits to the user. By transferring much of the force required for mousing to the stronger muscles of the arm instead of the weaker muscles of the wrist or hand, the overall workload can be distributed in the most economical and ergonomical way.
• Reduces Shoulder and Neck Injuries: Slanting the mouse by about 20° can reduce not only injuries due to pronation but even those associated with the neck and shoulders.

• Sculpted Body Shape: The sculpted design of the HandshoeMouse's body allows for the hand to comfortably rest on the mouse without having to grip or pinch the sides in order to move it. In addition, the mouse slants slightly from the thumb groove to the small finger's edge by about 20°. It also inclines downward towards the elongated rear of the mouse to reduce wrist extension. All these design elements are combined in such a way as to provide maximum ergonomic benefits while maintaining an attractive and stylish look.
• Three sizes for both left and right hands: Because the HandshoeMouse is designed to fit your hand, it must be able to accomodate different hand sizes and come in both a left and right hand version. Thus there are six different mice models available, with hands sizes (left and right) corresponding to hands measured from the tip of the ring finger to the wrist crease in large (210 mm or 8.25"), medium (190 mm or 7.5"), and small sizes (170 mm or 6.75"). Note: we currently stock right-hand sizes only - left-hand sizes are manufactured on demand and cost up to four times the amount. To determine which size is appropriate for your hand, see the HandShoeMouse sizing chart.
• Three colour options: The HandshoeMouse is available in white, black, or transparent colours (current stock is only available in white or black, however).
• Wired and wireless models : In order to accomodate the widest range of working environments possible, there are both wired and wireless versions of the HandshoeMouse. The wired model has a cord that plugs into your computer at one end (standard USB port) and into the mouse itself at the other end (smaller USB port). The wireless version's batteries can be recharged using the USB cable.
• Two buttons for small and medium sizes: Both small and medium sizes of the HandshoeMouse have two tactile switches corresponding to left and right mouse clicks. Between these is a clickable scroll wheel (slightly smaller than a standard scroll wheel).
• Three buttons for large size : The large size of the HandshoeMouse has three tactile switches corresponding to left, right, and middle mouse clicks. The third switch requires a lighter tactile force to activate than the other two standard switches.
• Replaceable rechargeable battery : The weight of the HandshoeMouse can be lessened slightly, if need be, by removing certain metal and plastic weights housed in the interior of the mouse. The weights located in the outer chamber in the underside are specifically there to allow the user to reduce the weight of the mouse. Research by Hippus NV determined the pivot weights for the various sizes, although they do not actively promote this feature of the mouse. However, if some users prefer a slightly lighter mouse, then it is very easy to just remove a few weights.
  
  Note: to comfortably handle an object, it needs to have a certain weight. If an object is too light, extensor and flexor muscles have to continuously compensate for this, with the result that these muscles become overactive. This is highly counter productive when one aims to provide optimal relaxation to these muscles.
• Variable weight: The weight of the HandshoeMouse can be lessened slightly, if need be, by removing certain metal and plastic weights housed in the interior of the mouse. The weights located in the outer chamber in the underside are specifically there to allow the user to reduce the weight of the mouse. Research by Hippus NV determined the pivot weights for the various sizes, although they do not actively promote this feature of the mouse. However, if some users prefer a slightly lighter mouse, then it is very easy to just remove a few weights.
  
  Note: to comfortably handle an object, it needs to have a certain weight. If an object is too light, extensor and flexor muscles have to continuously compensate for this, with the result that these muscles become overactive. This is highly counter productive when one aims to provide optimal relaxation to these muscles.

• Hand sizes: (To determine which size is appropriate for your hand, see the HandShoeMouse sizing chart.): Large: 8.25" (21.0 cm)
  Medium: 7.5" (19.0 cm)
  Small: 6.75" (17.0 cm)
• Sensor: Optical
• Colours: White, black, and transparent
• Buttons: 2 for small and medium; 3 for large
• Warranty: 1 year.
• Compatibility: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, XP, Vista
  Mac OS 9, OS X
  Unix (No drivers available for any OS)
• Troubleshooting: Using a PS/2 connection: After extensive testing it would appear that the HandshoeMouse WILL NOT work with a generic USB to PS2 adapter.
• Width: Large: 5.375" (13.6 cm)
  Medium: 4.875" (12.4 cm)
  Small: 4.5" (11.4 cm)
• Depth (front-to-back): Large: 7.25" (18.4 cm)
  Medium: 6.625" (16.8 cm)
  Small: 5.875" (14.9 cm)
• Height: (info unavailable)
• Weight (wired and wireless): Large: 8.8 oz (250 grams)
  Medium: 7.0 oz (200 grams)
  Small: 4.2 oz (120 grams)