Create podcasts or online videos for your clients? Trying to get rid of background noises? O Silent Mouse!
O Silent Mouse
Recently I created a SharePoint training video for a client. As I replayed the video I could hear some annoying background sounds. Once I eliminated the crows feet tapping on my balcony rail, I realized the other sounds were coming my mouse. Time to get a silent mouse and not break the bank.
Comparing M330 with M240 silent mice
Logitech has a series of silent mice with different features. I worked with two different models: the M240 and the M330. Both models cost less than $40. The M330 model is a little more quiet than the M240. I noticed the wheel is slightly more silent. However when recording video from the computer I couldn’t hear the wheel from either the M330 or the M240. Both mice have silent right and left clicks.
Downsides to the M330? It uses a up a USB port on your computer. As laptop manufacturers try to save money by reducing ports on devices, USB ports are now a premium. Another downside is the M330 is sculpted for right hand use. And the sculpting puts more stress on your thumb. I found my right hand got more tired more quickly mousing with the M330 after a week’s use.
You can use the M240 with either hand (a good practice to reduce hand strain). The M240 connects via Bluetooth saving one of your precious USB ports for other devices. I found I had less hand strain after a week working with the M240.
Where to buy
I found the M330 at Staples currently priced at $24.99. I got the M240 from the Logitech Canada web site also for $29.99 plus shipping.
Going to the Logitech web site looking for mice had both up and down sides. Logitech want you to buy the more expensive “ergonomic” and newer models. The upside is that if you have large hands, Logitech provides some mouse models for larger hands. Also whatever the model, Logitech has more colour options than Staples.
Don’t throw away your old wired mouse! I recommend keeping at least one wired mouse and one wired keyboard in the office as they can be invaluable for certain Windows disasters.
What about ergonomics?
Logitech and other mice manufacturers offer lots of expensive “ergonomic” devices. It’s not what you spend it’s how you use the device that makes it ergonomic. In fact some of the “ergonomic” mice put your thumb into a position you want to avoid if you have arthritis.
To save your body from computer strain you need to make sure your office chair is setup so you bend your arms at the elbow 90 degrees.
How you physically use the mouse matters as well. Give the mouse wheel your middle finger from the middle of your finger (not the tip).
Most importantly, take regular breaks from computer activity! I know that’s a tough one for small business owners. I find it helps to set a timer on my phone to remind me to get a break every hour from desk work.
