Input Alternatives

If traditional input devices won't do the job for you, you've got many other choices. We've selected two that are more comfortable for people with repetitive-strain injuries and one that makes a great presentation assistant as well as a mouse. Finally, artists and digital photography enthusiasts will appreciate the ease of the Wacom Graphire3 tablet.

ART Zero Tension Mouse
This mouse will appeal to anyone with hand or wrist injuries, because it lets you hold your hand in a more natural, vertical position while you work. You rest your hand on the molded surface of the translucent blue mouse and push from your bicep, so your wrist doesn't move at all.

IOGear Phaser Mouse
If you'd like to add a little sci-fi flair to your presentations, pick up the Phaser Mouse, a gun-shaped tool that lets you mouse around on screen and click through slides from a distance. The Phaser comes with a large RF receiver that plugs into a USB port, letting you work up to 50 feet away.

Salient V-Mouse VM-101
For those who find holding a mouse uncomfortable, the V-Mouse fits in the hand like a pen and makes working on a computer as easy as writing on paper. The V-Mouse doesn't need drivers and connects via a USB cord. The rocker button on the front works like the left and right buttons on a standard mouse, while a plastic nib on the top lets you write on PDAs. (Via PC Magazine)