One might think, "What's in a mouse?", but whenever I try a newer/fancier mouse I like it better than the one it replaced. Microsoft's new is an interesting device. It took only a little getting used to, and it's much more comfortable to use than any of its predecessors. 

This device (or simply "mouse" -- its full name is more than a mouthful) is an odd shape: short and curved. It addresses a workplace hazard which arose as computers became widespread. Usually called carpal tunnel syndrome, it's a specific problem caused by performing the same motion over and over, known as repetitive strain injury. The science which analyzes peoples' physical work patterns and helps improve them is ergonomics. 

For some time, specially designed keyboards -- sometimes tilted, sometimes split -- have aimed to accommodate human anatomy and prevent stress injury from prolonged typing. But computer mice mostly lagged behind.                                  

The Natural Mouse, with package signed by Dan O'Dell, Microsoft Design Ergonomist, has several features aiding comfort during prolonged use: rounded shape allowing fingers to relax and curl naturally, vertical right side allowing the hand to rest comfortably on work surface, elevated thumb rest to rotate the hand into a natural handshake position and prevent pressure on carpal tunnel nerves, and rubber thumb rest and sides for comfortable grip. Ignoring the cryptic illustrations of how to hold it, I simply rested my hand on it and found the position more natural and relaxing than I expected. 

To support and extend its hardware features (five buttons, two-dimensional scrolling), the mouse uses IntelliPoint 6.0 software. Updated versions can be downloaded from www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/Download.mspx. 

Opening IntelliPoint reveals a powerful set of options, mostly well organized. Tabs select option groups for setting button functions, pointer appearance and options, scrolling speed, and click characteristics. 

Pointer options customize mouse behavior to individual preferences. I like pointers automatically moving to the default button in dialog boxes, showing trails, and hiding when I type. And it's handy to have the CTRL key show me where mouse pointer is on the desktop. 

But it's the Buttons tab that makes the mouse a Windows toolkit. Each button (traditional left/right, two for the thumb, and the wheel) can be assigned one of three-dozen actions, allowing quick and tailored access to functions used most frequently. For example, the two thumb buttons can be set to your browser's Forward/Back functions, allowing efficient Web navigation. The wheel button can toggle Show Desktop, minimizing and restoring all windows simultaneously. And two relatively new functions are quite powerful: One summons a magnifying glass that can be moved and resized, revealing the smallest on-screen details or simply making tiny type readable. The other is an "instant viewer", displaying readable and clickable thumbnail views of all open windows, easier to navigate than traditional Alt-Tab keystrokes. 

If I ran the world -- or at least Microsoft's mouse development -- I'd make a few small changes. First, I'd include a "What's new?" list with each version of IntelliPoint. Without this, users must explore for changes. Second, I'd alphabetize the popup menu of the many possible button functions, to simplify finding desired choices. 

IntelliPoint installation instructions emphasize that the software should be installed before plugging in the new mouse. And you're told that previously installed mouse programs must be removed before running Setup, though I've had no trouble installing newer IntelliPoint versions over older versions. But it might be prudent to uninstall other mouse software first, especially other vendors'. After installation, it's worth ensuring that previous option customization survived, and checking for new options to improve comfort and efficiency. 

Wireless mice are packaged with default receivers that plug into computer USB ports. But a few button pushes allow you to mix and match mice and receivers: Press a receiver's connect button, them press the mouse connect button, and you've mated the two components. 

Mousing lefties beware: Microsoft has no plans for a left-handed Natural Mouse and the current mouse fits the left hand badly, with thumb buttons on the wrong side and the wrist rotation backwards. 

The mouse supports Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, and Windows Vista, as well as Mac OS X Versions 10.2-10.4. 

Manufacturer: Microsoft 

Retail: List price $79.95

Date: 12/07/2006

This article from the CompuKISS Web site, www.compukiss.com, is copyrighted by Gabriel Goldberg. It may be reproduced, for single use, or by nonprofit organizations for educational purposes, with attribution to CompuKISS. It should be unchanged and this paragraph included. Please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it when you use it, or for permission to excerpt or condense.