3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Large Size, Black (EM500GPL)

by 3M

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.4 x 5.4 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008KWWF
• Item model number: EM500GPL
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (122 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,066 in Office Products (See Top 100 in Office Products)
  • #92 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Accessories > Keyboards, Mice & Input Devices > Mice
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 3, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The 3M Ergonomic Optical Mouse is clinically proven to reduce muscle strain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury. Its unique design places your mousing hand, wrist and arm in a more ergonomic position compared to a standard mouse. Comes in two sizes for more comfortable mousing.

Key Features

• Innovative vertical design keeps the arm in a comfortable, more neutral and natural "handshake" position
• Uses larger muscles to move mouse, reducing risk of discomfort
• Left and right click functions using the thumb button on the top of the vertical grip
• Easy electronic scrolling function reduces scrolling to a single click (PC model only)
• Available in two sizes: small/medium and large
• Included software provides user with option for daily ergonomic tips
• Easy installation
• USB connector with PS/2 adapter
• Compatible with PC, Macintosh, and iMac computers with USB ports
• Includes a two year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee

System Compatibility
PC

• Operates using Windows 95, 98, 2000 and NT 4.0

Macintosh

• Works with the new G4 Apple Power Macintosh Computer with USB port. Plug and play only. No software support.

iMac/eBook

• Works with iMac and eBook computers and compatible with USB support
• Operates using Apple O/S 8.1 or higher with USB upgrades. Plug and play only. No software support.

Product Description

3M This mouse is clinically proven to alleviate pain and discomfort of repetitive stress injuries in the hand, wrist or arm associated with the use of traditional mice—which can pronate the forearm and wrist and typically presses the wrist and carpal tunnel area against the desk. The 3M Ergonomic Mouse has earned an Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation for its patented, vertical grip design that keeps your hand and wrist at a neutral angle, while the mouse works as a regular optical mouse. Grip the handle and rest your hand on the base. Use your thumb to left and right click. Optical sensor, USB/PS2 plug and play compatibility and a 6.5 ft. cord for flexible use. Available in original black design. For right-handed use. 2 year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Comfortable, but not that user friendly, March 8, 2007

By 

Peter Gallagher "Bernard" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Large Size, Black (EM500GPL) (Electronics)

I purchased this 3M Ergonomic mouse and the Evoluent Vertical Mouse2 at the same time to compare.
I really enjoyed the feel of the 3M mouse, but it is limited in what it can do. I need to scroll often with my kind of work. The 3M mouse does not have a scroll wheel it has a scroll button. When you push the scroll button, you then have to physically move the mouse up and down to scroll.
The Evoluent Vertical Mouse2 is pretty comfortable. It seems a bit light at times, so it takes a while to get used to it. I really enjoy the scroll wheel and the 5 programmable buttons; Left, Right, Middle, Wheel button (for your fingers) and a Back button (by the thumb) and the scroll wheel. Of course you can program each one to do what you want. You might want to visit Evoluent's web site to get the most up to date driver.
Although the 3M is slightly more comfortable then the Vertical Mouse2, with my type of work I need the functionality of the Evoluent Vertical Mouse2. If 3M had a scroll wheel I probably would have kept it, but I'm going to stick with the Evoluent Vertical Mouse2.

80 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for those with wrist pain, June 10, 2004

By 

Carlton (Indianapolis, IN, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Large Size, Black (EM500GPL) (Electronics)

This 3M Ergonomic Renaissance Mouse is great for those with wrist injuries or discomfort because it keeps your thumb pointed in the upward direction, eliminating pressure within the carpel tunnel area. I was pleased to find this new version that uses an optical sensor, a USB connector, and a new graphite color.

Mouse model number EM500GPS is supposed to be for those with palms 3.5 inches wide and less and EM500GPL is for those with palms 3.5 inches and larger. My palm is exactly 3.5 inches wide, I tried both, and the large size was much more comfortable. My fingers were much too cramped with the smaller mouse. I think the recommended cut-off between the two sizes should be about 3.0 inches.

Unfortunately, there are a couple of drawbacks. First, it's for right-handers only. Secondly, it is not quite as precise as a regular mouse because you can't use your fingers to fine tune the position of the pointer, so I occasionally miss target areas and have to reposition the mouse and click again. However, I still highly recommend this product because it helped eliminate my wrist pain, and that is the first priority! You can find info and drivers at the official 3M website: 3m.com/ergonomics/ergonomicmouse.jhtml

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars On my 3rd one, but still happy, April 20, 2006

By 

Charles S. (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Large Size, Black (EM500GPL) (Electronics)

It's true, if you use this mouse for many hours a day then they have about 3 or 4 months of life - they start to double click like crazy, so you have to throw it out. I'm on my 3rd one, but it has allowed me to get my work done without pain. This seems like a small price to pay to reduce pain and allow me to keep working. I just purchased 3 of them so that I have about a 1 year supply. Maybe 3M will read these reviews and actually make a durable product, but why would they want to sell fewer mice?