I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like using the touch-pad on my laptop. I find it really challenging to get the accuracy I’ve become accustomed to by using a mouse, plus I find it annoying that I have to use two hands: one to move and one to click. Maybe I’m not doing it right but, either way, I’ve found a solution that works for me.
(Since the majority of computer users are right-handed, touch-pads and mice are set up to serve right-handed people by default. However, the settings can easily be changed for left-handed people, so use whatever hand is most comfortable. The description below is for right-handed users.)
First, let’s look at the terms and proper uses.
Touch pad or…
A touch-pad on a laptop is used to translate the movement of a person’s finger into the relative position of the pointer on a laptop screen. With laptops being small, touch-pads offer the same capability of a computer mouse while requiring less space.
If you find it challenging to work your way around a computer screen using the touch-pad like I do, perhaps consider getting yourself an external mouse.
External Mouse
When choosing a mouse, you have a number of options. Pictured to the left is a standard, corded mouse which simply plugs into your computer. You can also opt to use a full-size wireless mouse that gets its power from batteries, or even a palm-sized wireless mouse, that literally fits in the palm of your hand.
If you have dexterity challenges, or simply want a change from using the standard mouse, you might choose to use a trackball mouse. I suffer from nerve damage in my hands from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so using a normal mouse for any length of time causes weakness and pain. I was very grateful when a friend introduced me to a trackball mouse.
As you can see from the image on the right (this is the mouse that I have), the ball is on the top of this particular model. To use this type of trackball mouse, the ball is rolled with your index and middle fingers while you click with your thumb and ring finger. (On other trackball mice, the ball might be on the side, when you’d use your thumb to move the ball and then click with your fingers.) Regardless of which trackball mouse you use, the mouse and your hand stays in one place, and only the ball moves around.
Choosing the Best Fit
Whichever you decide to use – a standard, corded mouse, a wireless mouse or a trackball mouse – I strongly suggest that you go into a computer store and ask to try out the different types of mice available. Some mice are larger than others, which are perfect for folks with larger hands, but would prove to be challenging to a user with smaller hands. The trackball mice have options as well, so try them out to see if you’d rather move the ball with your fingers or your thumb. Your comfort level with the mouse you use really makes a difference in how enjoyable your time on the computer is, plus it can help save you from a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Do yourself a favour and try one on for size. Make sure to find the mouse that’s right for you!