Pros:
Works as well as a mouse and is more comfortable
Minimizes work space
Designed to reduce repetitive stress injuries
7 key feature with one touch copy and paste
Ready to use product that doesn’t require installation 

Cons:
Not travel friendly
Does not allow for customization of key functions (current software)
Not ideal for precision applications like PhotoShop
May be too expensive for the average user
Slight learning curve

The importance of an ergonomic workplace is becoming ever more important as work related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis are on the rise. While the idea of ergonomics came about in the 1950s, products related to this idea have really only gained public recognition in recent decades; one of the biggest developments is the ergonomic mouse. Several companies, such as LogiTech, Evoluent, and Aerobic, have created an ergonomic mouse to address the issue of work-related injuries. However, none of their products even come close to the March 2009 release of The RollerMouse Free ergonomic mouse by Contour Design. This is the third ergonomic mouse released by Contour Design and by far the best.

While many products like the LogiTech Optical Trackman and the Evoluent Wireless Vertical Mouse boast about their ergonomic designs, they are still used like the traditional mouse, tend be bulky, and require charging. Some models are even “right hand only” use and not compatible with Mac computers, making them less versatile. The RollerMouse Free however, requires no installation and is compatible with Macs and PCs alike. Much like its predecessor, The RollerMouse Pro, The RollerMouse Free eliminates the need to reach for a mouse, which other models still require, and creates a smaller work area for user. By preventing the repetitive reaching, The RollerMouse Free can prevent neck, back and shoulder injuries which is not the case for its competitors.

The RollerMouse Free is five inches smaller than the Pro, so it fits smaller laptops and has adjustable wrist supports, a feature not previously available. It has the same seven key functions as the Pro; however, it does not have installation software like the Pro and as such does not allow for customization of the key functions though it is said to be in development. The “right click” can be preformed by a key function while the “left click” can be done by either clicking the roller bar or the key. A “one touch” copy and paste feature was added as the top two buttons however for Mac users these buttons are volume controls. In addition, there is a scroll wheel and scroll lock, as well as a “double click” button. The RollerMouse Free is equidistant from both hands making it versatile for left and right hand use preventing strain from the over use of either hand.

At first glance, the roller bar seems a little intimidating, but it couldn’t be easier to use. The textured rubber finish of the bar makes it ultra comfortable and you simply roll up and down for vertical cursor movement and left to right for horizontal. So here is the obvious question, what happens when I have rolled the bar as far left as I can and I am only in the middle of the page? Just roll the bar so that it pushes the built in edge detectors that will move the mouse to side of the screen. The RollerMouse Free is ready to use, straight from the box with a USB insert and includes adhesive rubber feet to adjust the height as need to fit your keyboard or laptop. For Mac users who may have smaller keyboard that sit lower than the RollerMouse Free, these rubber feet may be used to raise you keyboard to the appropriate height.

Even though The RollerMouse Free reduces the space needed for a mouse on either side of the keyboard, 15-inch by 3.5-inch size requires more space in front. However, most computers don’t completely utilize the width of the table so this problem could easily be adjusted by moving you laptop or keyboard further back on the table. You could also take off the wrist supports to save space if needed although they do provide a higher level of comfort. One of the only downfalls of the RollerMouse Free is its need to be stationary. Since it needs to be on a table, it’s not very functional if you’re working on your laptop while you wait in the airport and as such is not very travel friendly. In addition, it doesn’t require software like it predecessor, so users can’t customize the key function although the standard ones are the most useful.