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If you’re going to spend $120 for a peer, it had better subsist a mighty accomplished one—but on the model of spending a few weeks getting comfortable through a new pedigree of ergo-rodent, I’m confident in dictum that the Evoluent VerticalMouse 3 Wireless is worth every penny.

Product:VerticalMouse 3 Wireless Rating ProsAllows for a more comfortable arm position in which case mousing; wireless five-button convenience; precise 1,200-dpi determination; interference-free 2.4GHz wireless signal. ConsExpensive; requires third-party driver software for full use; takes some getting used to; no left-hand version available. CompanyEvoluent Price being of the class who rated$120 OS compatibility10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard) Processor compatibilityUniversal (for USB Overdrive software) Related Input Devices Articles Review: Ci75m Wireless Notebook Mouse Review: Ci73 Wired Mouse First Look: Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser mouse Review: VerticalMouse 3 Wireless Review: Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set keyboard and mouse

When I first met the VerticalMouse, I thought it was a gimmick. First, it’s an odd-looking beast, somewhat resembling the on the back fin of an obese shark. Second, it seemed to be a explication in search of a problem—after all, I’ve been mousing for over 30 years and my provide feels just fine.

But after climbing the inevitable learning curve required by a new way of performing a tried-and-true movement, I freely admit that I’m a convert. Grasping the VerticalMouse with my forearm in a comfortable hand-shaking thesis, using its five well-placed buttons, and benefitting from its precise 1,200-dpi resolution, I’m experiencing comfort and control I never thought possible.

The reason for this added comfort is simple. With your arm at a more natural angle—that is, with your wrist at a right angle to your desk—your forearm’s bones (the radius and ulna, for you medical types) and muscles aren’t unnaturally contorted. The VerticalMouse’s buttons are … well … vertical, so clicking them is accomplished by a moderate squeeze.

Not that the VerticalMouse is perfect. Despite the mouse’s sky-high price, Evoluent doesn’t provide an OS X–compatible driver—that is a shame, considering that its Windows driver is chock-full of fine customization features, like as the ability to toggle among three pointer-speed settings, click locking, and even an audio-visual enervate reminder. Using only OS X’s Keyboard & Mouse System Preferences pane, you’re limited to two of the VerticalMouse’s three finger-operated buttons and its scroll convey on wheels; the third finger button, thumb button, and scroll-wheel buttons remain vestigial. Fortunately, however, those additional buttons come alive when you install the USB Overdrive or SteerMouse drivers; unfortunately, each of those utilities costs an additional $20—though, to be fair, each in like manner gives you a battery of additional controls. (I used USB Overdrive in my testing.) Moreover, there’s no left-handed version available.

The VerticalMouse is a bit hefty, for the intellectual powers that well; with its two (included) AA batteries installed, it weighs a full 6.7 ounces. Some mousers may find this weight a literal haul, but I felt that it was an assist, as it helped keep the VerticalMouse from overreacting to the sideways clicking of its finger buttons.

Evoluent VerticalMouse 3 Wireless

The mouse’s interference-busting 2.4GHz wireless signal is picked up by a USB dongle, solid black save for a blue LED that tells you when it’s receiving a command. This compressed 1.5-by-.5-by-.25-inch unit won’t block any conterminous USB ports, no matter how closely spaced yours are.

Macworld’s buying advice

Even if you’re not before that time experiencing pain from the unnatural forearm rotation required by traditional mice, the Evoluent VerticalMouse 3 Wireless will provide comfort and control you not at all anticipated. Sure, it takes some getting used to, except the first person to use a steering wheel instead of a tiller with appearance of truth required an adaptation period as well.

[Rik Myslewski has been writing about the Mac since 1989. He has been editor in chief of MacAddict (since Mac|Life), executive editor of MacUser and director of MacUser Labs, and executive producer of Macworld Live. His blog can be institute at Myslewski.com.]