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# Microsoft Mouse Supports Left-Handed Users

Article ID: 116052

Article Last Modified on 12/22/2004

APPLIES TO

- Microsoft Mouse 2.0
- Microsoft IntelliPoint 1.0

This article was previously published under Q116052

## SUMMARY

This article provides information about the support built into the Microsoft Mouse for left-handed users.
"Performance data and user's assessment of mouse ergonomics confirm that the new Microsoft Ergonomic Mouse is equally effective for both left- and right-handed use -- 'ambidextrous.'"
"The new Carrera design offers the highest degree of anatomical compatibility. Its topology most closely mirrors the palmar topology of the hand at rest, in the 'neutral posture.'"
Our worldwide studies showed the new Microsoft Mouse is slightly more comfortable for left-handed users than right-handed users. Have the customer put the new Microsoft Mouse in their right hand as they would if they were using it as a right-handed user and see how comfortable it is. Then put it back in your left hand and compare. You'll probably find that it supports our left hand a little better than the right, especially on the palm of my hand at the base of my pinky and ring fingers, where the curve is. Also take a look at the mouse from the back on, it is actually symmetrical. Looking at it from the top gives the artificial impression of a right-handed user bias.
Use the below information to as an example of how left-handed users can set the mouse up for more comfortable use:
Hold the mouse in your preferred position, use the pointer finger to press the left button, etc. but have the mouse pointing in a 45 degree angle, or whatever angle is most comfortable. By 45 degree angle I mean if you were facing north and looking down on the Mouse, the end the cord comes out of is pointing in a northeast direction, not straight north. Then go to the mouse manager and click the "Orientation" button, then click the "Set Orientation" button and move the Mouse in a straight northerly direction, in a straight line and still holding it at your most comfortable angle, till the pointer hits the image of a compass in that window. This same window will allow you to switch primary and secondary buttons should you want to experiment with the other hold you describe.
The Orientation feature allows you to use the mouse with your hand at the angle you feel is most comfortable. Orientation allows you to define what direction is "North" no matter how you hold your mouse.
This should take care of most of the people we handle on this topic. The icing on the cake is the 60 day comfort guarantee, no matter where purchased we will refund the cost of the Mouse, including tax. And to date we have not heard of anybody taking us up on this guarantee, and we have sold over 1.5 million of these mice to date.

## MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft spent 2 years and 10 million dollars setting the standard for ergonomics and comfort for desktop and portable pointing devices. We studied over 500 people worldwide, disproportionately favoring left-handed users (relative to the 11% of left-handed users worldwide), on how they interact and use mice in everyday situations. To gather the data we used many standard input methods: interviewing, questionnaires, video taping and many specific devices, fiber optics and hand/fingertip pressure sensors. We also worked with the top institutions in the field of ergonomics, The Joyce Institute, Metaphase Design Group, Inc., and the University of Illinois, Department of Kinesiology. Here are some quotes from the Metaphase Research

Additional query words: 9.00 lefty lefties righty righties

Keywords: KB116052