Original Article Date: May 19, 2005
Phil Frank, of Northeastern Log Homes, submits this article which I think you right handed folks will find interesting. He writes...
Since most of CAD work requires the input of exact numerical values, we have found that we are much more productive when the mouse is in our left hand. Sure, it takes a day or two to get used to, but the biggest advantage is that it frees up your right hand to pound on the number pad on the right side of the keyboard which means you don’t have to take your hand off the mouse to do so. Of course you can use the numbers above the letters, but I challenge anyone to efficiently enter numbers from there compared to the number pad. Also, when entering via the number pad you can quickly separate your master and sub units by hitting the “dot” key on the number pad twice. Refer to the following tip for more information on that: Hate keying in a colon? Well, good riddance with this tip! On a side note, I’ve trained dozens of users on this technique and all but one embraced the left handed mouse method. Try it for a day or two and see what you think. I can almost guarantee that you’ll see an improvement in your productivity! Although the primary reason for using the MILH (Mouse In Left Hand) method is to gain productivity while entering numbers, here are a few other benefits that justify the switch: No need to take your hand off the mouse to jot down a note, or sip your favorite beverage. When using your home computer, you switch back to MIRH. This switching back and forth may reduce the risk of getting a mouse-related musculoskeletal injury. And, finally, it looks good on a resume to be an ambidextrous mouser…OK maybe I’m reaching on this one!
Interesting reading: Devices in the Preferred and Non-Preferred Hands> Subjects' performance was compared in pointing and dragging tasks using the preferred and non-preferred hands. Tasks were tested using three different input devices: a mouse, a trackball, and a tablet-with-stylus. The trackball had the least degradation across hands in performing the tasks, however it remained inferior to both the mouse and stylus. For small distances and small targets, the preferred hand was superior. However, for larger targets and larger distances, both hands performed about the same. The experiment shows that the non-preferred hand is more than a poor approximation of the preferred hand. The hands are complementary, each having its own strength and weakness. One design implication is that the non-preferred hand is well suited for tasks that do not require precise action, such as scrolling. nxPeds Foot Pedals First came the keyboard... then the joystick... and then the mouse. The next generation of input technology has finally arrived... nXPeds foot pedal! Logitech Keyboard with Detachable Number Pad The Logitech® diNovo™ Cordless Desktop® delivers a maximum blend of comfort, convenience, and flexibility — whether you´re at your desk or on the go. It sets a new standard in design. With accents from the world of consumer electronics, it fits precisely with today´s sleek PC styling. And Logitech´s smart wireless technology creates a unique encrypted pairing between your keyboard, numeric pad, mouse, and your receiver, making it optimal for today´s performance and security demands. How to click with your mouse Using the mouse can lead to asymmetrical stressful postures creating muscle tension, and insidious joint and ligament strains. The further the mouse is positioned away from the body, on the desk, the greater the risks. Holding the wrist and hand in extension with repetitive finger clicking will also increase joint and soft tissue strain. When the arm is held out to the side there is increased tension in the muscles of the shoulder which can lead to neck strain. The Mouse Trap Having problems with your mouse? The mouse is an input device that people either love or hate. If you are currently in a "hate" phase, we have put together some ideas that will help you make the most effective and efficient use of it.
AskInga Article #248