It doesn’t matter if you’re a fanatical PC gamer, a web designer, an office worker or just someone who spends hours surfing the web; if you use a computer mouse on a regular and prolonged basis you’re sure to be affected by sweaty-palm syndrome.
It’s a biological fact that when a person comes in contact with their mouse, it’s only a matter of time before the palm of the hand begins to warm up and perspire. This is hardly rocket science; PC mice are just solid plastic shells, and plastic as we know isn’t really all that porous. Coupled with the fact that when we handle a PC mouse, contact between skin and shell leaves no opportunity for air to circulate and so causes the perspiration and sticky feeling that most, if not all, mouse users experience.
However, sweaty-palms may now be a thing of the past with the introduction of a USB powered palm-cooling mouse. Japanese maker Thanko has developed a mouse which draws air from the base of the mouse and blows it into the users’ palm by virtue of a built-in fan on the top of the mouse, helping to keep the palm of the hand cool.Â
The optical, 5-button mouse is available for $19 but currently only in the Japanese maket, although Thanko has plans to release the mouse globally in August through their revamped online shop. Shoppers will also be able to buy other quirky Thanko products via the new online shop, such as the USB ‘ass warmer’ and USB heated slippers.
July 18, 2008
gadgets