Magic Trackpad good for carpal tunnel?

[InternetDude08]

OK, well I'm not sure if I just have some repetitive stress or carpal tunnel symptoms or what. I get pain in my wrist when I spend a lot of time mousing. And, I'm on the computer all day every day.

I am using a rigid wrist brace now that helps keep the pain level down (LINK). But I saw the trackpad and got to thinking that it may help alleviate some pain.

The nearest Apple store is 600 km away so I can't try one out before buying. So do you think a trackpad will help put my wrist/arm/hand in a more comfortable position?

Right now I'm thinking of just buying one to try it out and if it doesn't help I can always sell or return the thing. I'd be ordering from Apple directly.

I guess the other thing is maybe I should be looking for a mouse-type product, but something different. Thoughts, comments? Anyone else here experiencing RS/CT symptoms?

 

[skorpien]

Maybe a trackball might suit your needs? I have a Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan (controlled with your index finger rather than your thumb) and I've noticed it's helped reduce the pain in my wrist.

 

[joudbren]

I've mostly switched to a Magic Trackpad and my wrist pain has gone away. I use a combo of mouse and trackpad now with the trackpad being about 85% of the usage. Anything that breaks up your typical usage patterns should help.

It's all individual though so as you mentioned, try it out and see. If you're not happy with it then take it back, nothing lost. Be warned though, it takes about a week to get used to the trackpad so you do have to give it time. You can also enable the click mode to be a tap on the pad or a physical push on the pad. I initially had it in tap mode but I found the lightest tap with my finger was causing all kinds of accidental stuff so I changed it to the physical push down mode. Now I scroll with my finger and click on the bottom edge with my thumb. (It's a little easier to click it at the bottom)

Pushing down with two fingers gives you a right click and once you get used to gestures on the trackpad like "pinch zoom", etc., it's hard to go back. Cheers and good luck!

James

 

[Bernard SG]

Trackpad good.
No kidding!
Not just for carpal tunnel but also incredible user experience.

 

[rubberwheels]

for me the track pad is the best. it doesn't require a mouse pad and can be used on any surface. too bad i bought the magic mouse before the track pad came out.