|
When it comes to choosing between fun and function
for a mouse pad, always choose function first. And consider
ergonomics. After that you can narrow your remaining mouse pad choices to
the most fun one.
When Do You Need a Mouse Pad or Mousing Accessory
- You need a mouse pad when...
...you don't get optimal performance from your
mouse without one.
...you don't get any performance from your mouse
without one (e.g. it's required with that particular mouse).
...it'll help you with office ergonomics, such as
raising the mouse up to the right height for you. Or when using a mouse
accessory will give your hand more support.
...you want a cute peripheral accessory for you
desktop (but not too cute---you still work in a professional
environment.).
Consider what type of mouse you use at the office.
If you're using the old-fashioned mechanical mouse with the hard tracking ball on
the underside, using a mouse pad might give it some better resistance
and thus a smoother movement experience. It may also keep the track
ball and mouse insides cleaner.
You won't be rolling the mouse around the desktop over all those snack
crumbs and dust remnants that can get inside by the track ball (and
require you to open it up and clean it because it's acting goofy.).
An optical mouse will work fine on a clean desktop.
However, if you're looking for some more precision, you may want a
performance mousing surface like game players use. You'll find some
mouse pads specifically labeled as made for optical mice. Now I'm not
saying you should be an overzealous gamer on your break-time at work. But gamers
aren't the only ones who need precision. So do users doing graphic
design. It's a thought if you do a lot of graphic design work.
Material - The surface material of a mouse
pad should give you traction and a smooth rolling experience. Frankly,
all mouse pads should do this; otherwise they're just a junky piece of
material. Of course, the backing should be a non-slip design, often
rubber. It's not much use if it keeps falling onto the floor (which is
why improvising a mouse pad versus buying the real thing doesn't
always work).
Size- A thicker
cushion on the mouse pad might be useful if you're trying to bring the
mouse up higher (to be more even with your keyboard). Or you could
stack another mouse pad on top to achieve the same effect. You also
could buy a Mouse Booster (same concept).
In regard to size, maybe you want a wider mousing surface
because you keep scrolling off the edge of the mouse pad (though you
can just pick the mouse up and move it back, which is an option
probably for everyone except gamers in competition). Then again, maybe you want a
smaller mouse pad that fits better on your desk area.
Wrist Rest/Pillow Option - You can get
built-in gel wrist rest or palm support with your mousing surface. If
you're not using a mouse pad for your mouse, you can still buy a
separate wrist rest/palm support (without the mousing surface part).
These support your hand or your palm and offer protection to your
wrist and related nerve while you're using the mouse.
Adjustable Mouse Platform Option
-A mouse platform might enable you to put the mouse
over the numeric keypad on your keyboard. Actually, this might more
correctly be referred to as a Mouse Bridge. Or you might just
use a mouse platform (that sits adjacent to your keyboard) to adjust
the angle of your mousing experience.
Comfort -Some mousing
accessories, such as wrist/palm supports, are ventilated for a cooler
feel, literally. Angle and height, mentioned earlier, can be important
ergonomically to help customize your mousing experience.
Style -This is the
"fun" part of choosing a mouse pad. Some mouse pads come with slots so
you can customize them by sliding in your photographs. The ready-made
mouse pads include every color imaginable. And then there are patterns
and decorative designs such as geometrics, caricatures and soothing
prints.
And of course, there are the boring mouse pads with
the company logos that many businesses and vendors often give you for
free. Anything that's new puts a smile on your face for a while, but
do you want to look at that boring business logo every day (even if
it's your own employer's logo)? Buy a mouse pad that's inspiring but
tasteful for the office. The choices are endless these days.
Price -Mousing
accessories range from free to $50 on average. Free would be a simple
mouse pad a business gives as a premium gift to their customers. The
higher $50 range might be a mouse pad or mousing surface with a
built-in ergonomically correct wrist/palm rest.
(c) Karen Porter
|
