3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Small Size, Black (EM500GPS)

by 3M

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.4 x 5.4 inches ; 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008KWWG
• Item model number: EM500GPS
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (129 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #96 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

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant RSI relief, June 14, 2004

By 

Estelle Weyl (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Small Size, Black (EM500GPS) (Personal Computers)

I felt the difference in my right wrist instantly. According to websites, "Ergonomic design keeps the arm positioned for natural, comfortable movement. It is clinically proven to reduce muscle strain and discomfort associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and repetitive stress injury. The 3M Ergonomic Mouse is compatible using any USB port computer."

Ever notice that Gamers don't have carpel tunnel syndrome like most typists even though they likely spend more time at the computer? Well, 3M noticed! Your wrist sits on this ergonomic mouse like it does on a video game joystick. The weight of your hand is no longer carried by your wrist. Rather, your hand is relaxed on the mouse.

The relief in pressure on your wrist is instant. The cost may seem high, but it's less than a chiropractic appointment. Comes in 2 different sizes (small/medium and medium/large). This is a RIGHT handed mouse. You can program the left/right clicks if you are left handed, but the "joystick" is angled, so it's not as wonderful if you are a lefty.

Added note: The above review was written 2 years ago. It has been 3 years that I have been using this mouse. My wrist pain is completely gone. This mouse is so worth it. That being said, it is a P.O.S. as others have mentioned: the mouse does not travel well (it breaks if not protected in your computer bag) and breaks when dropped on hard surfaces -- I put a carpet under my desk and bought a glue gun to cut down on mouse costs. After gluing them back together, 3 have acquired the "double click" disease. Even with these drawback, I still feel that this mouse is worth it. I have purchased 8 over the past 3 years - I now keep one at work, one on my desk at home, and a "floater" for my home laptop that moves from room to room but does not leave the house unless carefully wrapped in it's original box. For "daily travel", because the 3M mouse has helped my wrist heal, I am now able to use a regular mouse, so I now keep a regular mouse in my backpack.

61 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware of worsening problems, June 5, 2006

By 

Adam Safran (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Small Size, Black (EM500GPS) (Personal Computers)

I run the IT department in a small office (around 30 users). Four of the users who had turned to this mouse to deal with carpal tunnel issues initially found it quite comfortable. However, that changed over time with each one complaining of pain from the thumb to the wrist.

The problem, as far as I can tell, is that this mouse requires too much extension of the thumb -- far more than one would expect in a normal mouse. I'd suggest staying clear of it and replacing any that you may have purchased with an alternative that does not require as much thumb movement.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really is absolutely amazing, March 20, 2005

By 

S. Allen - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Small Size, Black (EM500GPS) (Personal Computers)

Though it takes a little getting used to, once you adapt to this mouse it really is indispensible. After about two years of too much mousing at too many poorly adjusted tables, I had developed fairly regular pain in my right hand and wrist, so much so that I started favoring my left hand for carrying objects. After switching to this mouse and an ergonomic keyboard (the Belkin Ergoboard to be precise) this pain is completely gone and a bump that I had started to develop on a tendon on my right hand has almost completely receeded (and my doctor had said that it was caused by mousing). In other words, if you have any pain at all from mousing, you should get this mouse. It works well, is durable, and really does all that it should do. I can't recommend it enough.