Mouse hand warmer celebrates April 2009 Occupational Therapy Month

Solve painful, cold mouse hand problems with infrared healing heated computer devices. Join the American Occupational Therapy Association's April 2009 celebration. Occupational Therapy Month month is right around the corner.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 31, 2009 – Occupational Therapy intervention is one of the most promising, results-oriented job-savers a person can experience within a lifetime. A healthy, healing intervention saves jobs, restores hope, a worker's self-confidence and self-esteem. This story is about the loss of hand movement, and the positive results of an OT intervention.

Losing the function of a hand can be devastating, especially when the hand is needed to work at the computer all day. Finding a new job is not easy and almost impossible in today's economic situation. Rehabilitating an injury is a lot of work. Of the two choices, we choose rehabilitation. The alternative of not holding a job isn't an option.

The loss of the use of a person's computer mouse hand due to arthritis and poor circulation can make everyday computer tasks painful and dreadful. The pain from a sick computer mouse hand causes the hand to cramp, freeze and fingers become numb. Pills aren't always the solution and aren't an attractive idea. The only relief is not working, and it is not a suggested option.

Most occupational interventions rely upon ingenuity and creativity. For our computer mouse hand injury, we relied upon a mouse hand warmer blanket pouch to hold the computer mouse and mouse pad. The blanket is made of fleece and covers the computer user's hand completely creating a warm house for the mouse and mouse pad. We inserted inside the mouse hand warmer blanket pouch an USB heated mouse and USB heated mouse pad to generate heat inside the blanket pouch housing.

The USB heated devices are designed with a carbon fiber. Carbon fiber generates infrared heat. Infrared heat is healing. The sun is an example of the natural source of infrared heat. The Eastern Medical profession has been using the healing effects of infrared heat for thousands of centuries. The Western world is starting to catch on to the healing effects of infrared heat through infrared saunas and now occupational computer devices.

It is documented proof by therapists and physicians worldwide, 20-30 minutes per day of infrared heat has healing effects on an injury, in this case, of the hand. I conducted a 4 week study using a mouse hand warmer blanket, an infrared heated mouse and infrared heated mouse pad with a person who suffers with arthritis and poor circulation of the computer mouse hand. After three weeks of 30 minutes of daily use, the right hand is healed. There's no cold, cramp, pain or discomfort in the person's right mouse hand.

The use of the hand for computer related work is not going to fade or go away soon. As a matter of fact, the occupational related hand injuries will increase based on the continued widespread computer use activity. The first computer mouse turned 40 years old in 2008, and introducing the healing effects of infrared heated computer mouse and mouse pad is being made in 2009. We've come a long way, and we have a long road ahead.

For more information about the healing effects of infrared heated computer devices visit IGMproducts.com. To receive free samples of the products and to review the products for your OT needs, please visit IGMproducts.com and send an email using the Contact Us email function or write to Webmaster(at)IGMproducts.com

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About IGMproducts.com: Mouse Hand Warmer is a fleece blanket for your mouse hand. Many computer users who sit and work at the computer for long hours suffer with an exposed, cold mouse hand. The Mouse Hand Warmer products available at IGMproducts.com solve the cold mouse hand problem using healing infrared heat. If you are a hand therapist or in the field of OT, please contact us today for free samples or our healing products.

Idióta kacatok blogs about keeping your cold mouse hand warmer

from Idióta kacatok

OK. So, we can't speak the language on Idiota Kacatok, but we can certainly get the jest of what's being said. So, if you have a cold mouse hand and want to keep your mouse hand warm, slip your cold mouse hand inside the Mouse Hand Warmer -- a blanket designed to keep your mouse hand covered while you are computer mousing from IGMproducts.com!

For more details read the PRWEB Press Release.

UK Ecoen Ecommerce Computer Industry's Newest Gadget

Mouse Hand Warmer Mouse Pad Computer Industry's Newest Gadget - PR Web (press release)

She is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. IGM's former ecommerce sites have been named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine … and today featured in PC Magazine.

Computer Geek Gadgets: The Nerd Cold-Hand Problem Fix

from BOLT Disney Movie

It doesn't take long for the computer user's hand to get cold working in this chilly winter weather. And, according to Author Anna Miller, a person does not need to be a NASA Rocket Scientist or Disney Computer Artist to suffer with this cold hand phenomenon sweeping the computer nerd's world.

Products available online help remedy the cold computer mouse hand problem. There are USB connected geeky computer gadgets and there are earth friendly blankets which use no electricity. Most of the items are made in China with the exception of one item Made int the USA!

Click here to read the entire article on Ezine Articles.

Click here to see Hand Warmer Blanket.

Click here to visit Made in the USA Forever!

Dear Oprah & Doctor Oz.... help us solve the cold mouse hand problem!

Searching for an answer to define the "cold mouse hand" syndrome, Oprah and Doctor Oz were sent an online letter. We haven't heard back from them, and if/when we do, you'll read about it here.

Here's what we wrote:

Many people may not be aware of a condition called "Cold Mouse Hand." It affects computer users who work using a computer mouse. It's not carpal tunnel and shouldn't be confused with other mouse hand medical conditions. I believe the "cold mouse hand" problem is a fairly new discovery.

I started using a computer in the early 90's, and I owned and operated an ecommerce site for over 12 years. My work required me to sit in front of a computer using the mouse. A/C offices, fans, drafts and chilly weather would cause my mouse hand to get so cold my finger tips would become numb. The only relief to the cold mouse hand was to stop working, and that was not an option. I tried pulling a sweater over my mouse hand and wear fingerless gloves to keep it warm and that didn't work. I bought computer gadgets that promised to keep the mouse hand warm, and they were either non-ergonomic, caused pain, or were too small.

In February 2007, after suffering from a cold mouse hand for many years, I decided to obtain a provisional patent for a "Mouse House Hand Warmer" to address and fix the problem. But, I was still too busy operating my business to do anything with the patent.

In May 2008, I sold my ecommerce site and decided to research the cold mouse hand problem to focus on a solution. I was surprised to discover the problem was experienced by many people.

In June 2008, I made a Mouse Hand Warmer using blanket fabric, tested the prototype, and it worked. The Mouse Hand Warmer was born! I don't suffer anymore from a cold mouse hand.

If Doctor Oz finds the mouse hand syndrome, not carpal tunnel, but the "cold mouse hand" problem, an interesting, new topic, please ask him to shed some light on this mysterious computer geeks' situation. If you look for little inventions to address new problems, I will participate by sharing the problem and the solution with your audience. I hope you find this story and it's solution unique and worthy of a discussion topic.

Resolved Question - Have you ever used a MOUSE HAND WARMER?

from Yahoo Answers by Dorothy

My mouse hand gets really cold, and I see there are lots of questions on Answers about a cold mouse hand. Has anyone tried using a Mouse Hand Warmer? It's not a warm mouse or warm pad. It's actually like a blanket for your mouse hand. Curious? I saw it on Amazon.com and at IGMproducts.com and there's been a lot of blogging about it. I think it would be good gadget to have on hand.

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
I haven't used that one, but I tried the "warming mouse" and it is bad. The mouse is not ergonomic and makes my hand really sore within an hour. There's another USB warming mouse warmer in the shape of a blue fish. It's bad, too. Like a piece of junk made in China.

I think the one you found at http://www.igmproducts.com is more practical, and the price is right with free shipping and no sales tax. That's a deal.

Check out the blogs listed below for more information about the product. Not sure I answered your question, but you may have found the answer to all the Yahoo Answers questions about a cold mouse hand. A blanket makes sense to me! Thanks!!!!

Source(s):
http://www.igmproducts.com/
http://www.mousehandwarmer.com/
http://www.handwarmer.org/
http://www.contemporaryloft.com/
http://www.i-globalmall.com/

Mouse Pads - Choosing the Best Pad for Your Computing Needs

Mouse Pads - Choosing the Best Pad for Your Computing Needs

By Ilse Hagen

A mouse pad is made out of foam rubber with a fabric or plastic top cover, which may be plain or decorated. Other pads feature more unconventional materials such as silicone rubber, glass, wood, stone, recycled rubber tires, leather, cork, aluminum and stainless steel. Other pads are made especially for gaming and are usually made with high-quality materials. Most pads feature a textured or adhesive bottom to keep it from slipping while in use.

The main purpose of a mouse pad is to provide an even, almost flat surface to make mouse movement more accurate. You can place it on a separate mouse tray, but any flat surface (such as the computer table) will do. There are different kinds of mouse pads, each with different purposes.

Kinds of mouse pads:

1. Textured type - This kind comes with a rough surface and is made of thick and long-lasting materials. This is most suitable for roller-type mice.

2. Shiny type - This pad comes with a smooth, glossy surface and is made for optical mice, which use LED light instead of roller balls for tracking. The shiny surface enhances the mouse’s optical light tracking.

3. Ergonomic type – This type comes with a wrist rest that relieves the user from strain from extensive mouse usage. It is designed to prevent hand strain and repetitive stress injury among heavy users.

Tips when buying mouse pads

1. Choose a pad that uses a non-slip material (such as rubber) for backing.

2. Regarding size, it is better to select a thicker pad so that it would be at equal level to your keyboard.

Learn About The Three Basic Types Of Computer Mouse

The Hamburger USB Mouse for the meat lovers in your life!

Learn About The Three Basic Types Of Computer Mouse

By Bonnie Archer

1) Mechanical: This is a type of computer mouse that has a rubber or metal ball on its underside and it can roll in every direction. Sensors within the mouse, which are mechanical, detect the direction in which the ball is moving and moves the pointer on the screen in the same direction. A mouse pad should be used under the mouse to run on.

2) Optomechanical: This type is the same as the mechanical mouse except that it uses optical sensors to the motion of the ball. A mouse pad should be used under the mouse to run on.

3) Optical: This type uses a laser for detecting the mouse's movement. You don't need a
mouse pad but you can use one made for optical mice. Optical mice do not have any
mechanical moving parts. This type responds more quickly and precisely than the mechanical and optomechanical mice and now that they have been around awhile the price is pretty comparable.

How does a computer mouse hook up to the computer?

Serial mouse: these ones connect directly to an RS-232C serial port or a PS/2port. This is the simplest type of connection.

PS/2 mouse: connects to a PS/2 port.
USB mice

Cordless mouse: These are not physically connected to the computer. They rely on infrared or radio waves to communicate with the computer. Cordless are more expensive than both the serial and bus mouse. The nice thing is that there is no cord to constrain or get in your way.

Computer Mouse - Which One Is Right For You?

By Jesse Miller

The computer mouse is an accessory to the personal computer that has become an essential part of it's operation. Computer mouses is an instruments used to control your courser and function selection. There are many devices available in a variety of forms such as foot mouse, standard computer mouse, mouse keypad, light pen, joystick, touchpad, and trackball. The mouse cames in many designs, the device can be left hand only, right hand only or both left and right hand.

Mouse
The ball-mouse replaced the external wheels with a single ball that could rotate in any direction. The ball mouse utilizes two rollers rolling against two sides of the ball. The mouse sends these signals to the computer system. Some by means of connecting wires and some are wireless. Mouse movements should be made using the elbow as the pivot point, not the wrist.

Click
To select items or choose commands on the screen, the user presses one of the mouse's buttons, making the mouse click. The mouse gives directions to the computer where to move to the cursor on the monitor or screen, with one to three buttons (depending on design) allow the user to say yes by clicking the buttons. The press of a button closes the switch with a click and the computer has received a command. The driver tells the computer how to interpret the mouse's data stream including speed, direction, and clicked commands.

It's been almost half a century since the first computer mouse was put out of a Stanford lab in the '60s. Choices for a computer mouse has increased since then. The computer mouse has come a long way since then. The designs are many, Examples: wireless, small fats ones to fit kid hands,ones with three buttons, ones with a scroll in the center. Light pen design, short,long,thin, I could go on with all that they have in todays market. So when deciding which one to buy,take your time and get the one that is right for you.

Don't Laugh! A Mouse Hand Gets Cold

Don't laugh! Mice hands get cold. That's a fact. And, the motivation behind a new invention called the Mouse Hand Warmer. It's a blanket pouch to hold your favorite mouse pad and your favorite mouse. It keeps your mouse hand covered with a warm, fleece blanket so the hand is not exposed to cold drafts or chills.

See the photo above. The Mouse Hand Warmer looks neat on a desk top. It's sleek and modern in design. The gray, black and white color combination is neutral. The size is about 12" x 12" and has a non-slip surface to keep the hand warmer in place on the desk top.

Any standard sized mouse pad fits inside the Mouse Hand Warmer with plenty of space remaining for a mouse and your hand.

A large ergonomic mouse is being used as shown in the above photo. The model has a medium-sized hand. The overall size of the mouse hand warmer is about 12" x 12."

The large ergonomic shaped mouse and the standard mouse pad fit neatly inside the Mouse Hand Warmer as shown above. Notice the large front opening. The large front opening of the hand warmer makes it easy to get your hand inside or out quickly. We tested the usability, and it works perfect!

Once your favorite mouse pad and mouse is inside the Mouse Hand Warmer, you're ready to work and keep your mouse hand warm. Wear a long sleeved sweater to keep your entire arm covered from chills and drafts.

The above photo illustrates the use of the hand warmer without a mouse pad. This is another added feature of the Mouse Hand Warmer item. The white non-slip bottom shown above has a smooth, flat, surface facing the interior of the hand warmer. It's slick enough for mouse movement. So, if you prefer to keep your hand warm without the use of a mouse pad, that's your choice.

Also, notice the mouse being used in the photos is a wireless mouse. There's a net window in the front of the Mouse Hand Warmer for the optical connection. If you use an USB connected mouse, make a small slit in the front net to slip the cord. Either way, USB or wireless, the mouse hand warmer works like a charm. It's like having a cozy, warm house for your mouse!

For more information, to become a distributor or to contact the manufacturer, please click here.

Touch takes hold, but it's no mouse-killer: The iPhone is leading a touchscreen revolution, but don't eBay your old computer just yet

See innovations in computer mouse gadgets.

Guy Clapperton The Guardian

As reported a few weeks ago in these pages, the market is being flooded with touchscreen phones - and this time there's no controversy over whether they've succeeded: sales of the iPhone surprised even its most ardent admirers from day one.

Meanwhile, the desktop market is showing signs of adopting similar technology. Both Apple's next operating system and the next version of Windows will contain "hooks" for touchscreen technology, if installed on the right hardware.

This has led to speculation about the future of the keyboard and mouse. "We already have well-integrated touch technology on consumer electronics, from Apple's multitouch devices (iPhone, MacBook Pro, the new Mac operating system), games consoles (Nintendo DS) and now PCs and notebooks," says a spokesman for HP, which has now released the TouchSmart, a desktop system with a touch interface. And this month, Dell released a module to turn its Latitude XT Tablet computer into a full-blown touch-operated system.

All of this adds weight to comments from respected research house Gartner, which last week said the day of the mouse, if not the keyboard, may well be numbered. Speaking to the BBC's news website, the organisation said the mouse would last three to five years tops, to be replaced by gesture-based computing and other technologies, such as gesture recognition, which are emerging in the home entertainment market.

It could be that there's more going on than a few product launches, but there will be practical issues. Richard MacKinnon, a business psychologist for the people assessment company Talent Q, has a postgraduate diploma in ergonomics and says touchscreens are unlikely to be suited for use over long periods of time. They also inadvertently promote poor posture, and reduced productivity through reduced typing speeds. "Touchscreens can have a place in entertainment scenarios, but in the office environment? I don't think we're there yet," he says.

Dumbing down?

Other academics concur. "It all depends on the ease of use of the technology, whether or not it's fit for purpose, and how well it maps to people's mental model of their tasks," says Chris Clegg, professor of organisational psychology and deputy director of the Centre for Organisational Strategy, Learning and Change at Leeds University Business School. Future generations may also adapt better than the current Qwerty-bound people. "I couldn't have imagined taking to texting, and I still don't find it friendly, but a lot of people use it extensively."

Non-psychologists also have reservations. Pete Bennett, chief executive of the training provider Learning Resources International, has doubts about the quality of the information available to non-keyboardists. "Nobody wants to sound like a luddite, of course anything can happen and things can change - but I can't see it being anywhere near anything other than basic functions," he says. "Our background is in designing learning materials and if you're only using a finger, there isn't much action involved."

Fingers acting as a mouse is one thing, he says, but a mouse doesn't type. "The interaction of typing helps people read the words, retain the words and I don't see how a touchscreen can replace that requirement. It's a bit dumb, in a non-insulting manner." It could be great for some applications, he says - shopping and anything involving lists - but for anything requiring thought and which is challenging there's a need for more interaction.

Let's assume some sort of change is on the way. The next question for everyone will be how quickly it's going to happen - and therefore how soon to eBay those old non-touch screens. "As we've seen with Office and Vista, people can be very resistant to changes in their technology that are two steps ahead of the previous version," says Darren Van Laar, principle lecturer in psychology at the University of Portsmouth. "If it's incremental versions then people don't mind - if they have to unlearn too much then it gives them a problem." This is presumably why Microsoft is reportedly considering several mini-releases of Windows next time around rather than a single larger launch.

Reactions are bound to be mixed early on. One user of the HP Touchsmart, which is the first mainstream computer to be released based on touchscreens outside the Tablet PC (which is pen- rather than finger-sensitive), enthused at first. "It's a terrific box, loving the integrated DTV and dead easy to get going with," she said. However: "We don't use the touchscreen, though. Partly old habits, but mainly due to the fact that it gets intolerably grubby after use. Should come with a box of wipes, really."

Fingering the problem

If this is typical - and it's anecdotal rather than a scientific sample, of course - then the dawn of the touchscreen age may have a slightly bumpy beginning. Add to this the fact that at a pre-launch event another HP spokesperson pointed to the screen's value as a kitchen computer - eliminate all those recipe books, have demonstrations of cooking techniques on tap as well as static pictures, went the patter - and the idea of dirty fingerprints all over it becomes less of a small problem than an epidemic. Particularly when the current models retail for more than £1,000.

Nonetheless, the HP spokesman's original point - that we've adopted touch for phones and games consoles happily enough - remains valid. In January 2007 Apple launched the multitouch screen for what would evolve into its iPhone, while in February 2006 a professor from New York University demonstrated a full screen using touch technology (The hands-on revolution, January 18, 2007). Following a year in which the iPhone and iPod Touch enjoyed a near-monopoly, touchscreen products are now arriving on the market en masse. At this stage it looks unlikely that keyboards and mice will actually be displaced in people's affections, but they may find they have a new, touchy-feely running partner in the right niches before long.

computer mouse trivia

from Tech Republic

MouseCage (exe)
Using a computer mouse is almost impossible for people with shaky hands or tremors. MouseCage, a new software application, helps people with hand tremor control their computer mouse. MouseCage is simple to use, installs in seconds, and requires no additional hardware.Version 1.05 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Happy birthday to the computer mouse
To quote myself: "For those of you not accessing this column using shortcut keys, touch screens, or voice-recognition interfaces, reading [this edition of] Geek Trivia is possible thanks to a critical computer peripheral that went on sale [26] years ago. On April 27, 1981, the first commercial computer mouse debuted...

Happy birthday to the computer mouse
Actually, go back a little furtherYou can thank Doug Englebart and his crew for many things, including the mouse. Doug demonstrated windowing, collaborative screen sharing, a mouse, and more in 1968. He also helped define the concept of hypertext that led to the WWW.Squeek squeekAlso view this

First Russian computer mouse (Dinosaur Sightings: First Russian computer mouse)
In Soviet Union...Mouse clicks YOU!That's funny.:) I could just hear your accent..."Russkaya Kompyooternaya Mishka"Powered by Stolichnaya Vodka and Borscht

Dinosaur Sightings: First Russian computer mouse
The first Russian computer mouse was used with the EC-1841 (IBM PC/XT compatible computer).Sergei Frolov, a programmer and engineer from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, has compiled an extensive collection of Soviet calculators and computer accessories. He has graciously allowed us to reprint these photos of early Russian computer mice. You can see...

Soundy Mouse (exe)
Soundy Mouse allows you to step your computer into the future by adding sound to your mouse movement (uses the PC-Speaker, available on most systems). Additionally, you can give your mouse more freedom with the mouse cursor wrapping technology. This technology makes the mouse wrap around the screen from one...

Mouse Master (exe)
Mouse Master is a mighty application ideal for mouse-control, automation macro and mouse parameters measurement. Independent running environment for every program Powerful Macro, support mouse extend buttons, Mouse sample rate setting, Mouse DPI/CPI measurement, and Statistics of the usage of mouse and keyboard. Version 2.1 may include unspecified updates, enhancements,...

Computer mouse facing extinction NO WAY!

Touch and gesture recognition tech taking over game & palm industry
from Pocket Lint

The humble computer mouse could soon be a rarity on desks around the world.

According to industry experts, alternative technologies, including gesture, movement and facial recognition interfaces could see the mouse and mouse mat pushed into the past.

Gartner has published a report, which states that computer giants including Microsoft, Intel and Apple are promoting gestural interfaces for future use.

It also found that consumer entertainment companies such as Sony, Panasonic and NEC are also moving towards new control systems, and are already demonstrating applications using facial and movement recognition.

Author of the report Steve Prentice says that using a mouse for desktop working would still carry on for a while but "for home entertainment or working on a notebook it’s over".

However, some disagree.

George Foot, director of sales and marketing at Kensington told IT Pro: "There will undoubtedly be change, driven by technology. Just look at the impact the Wii has had and how Wi-Fi has changed how and where we work. People need to be able to use and interact with their data as efficiently as possible, but new multifunctional mice have proven more than capable of meeting this need".

"Gartner’s predictions for the end of the mouse are ahead of their time. The mouse is an integral part of how we interact with our PCs and will continue to be for the foreseeable future."

No, the mouse isn't going away

Keep your mouse hand warm this winter.
Mouse Hand Wamer coming soon!

from UserNomics

A response to an earlier article ... "There's a silly BBC article making the rounds that proclaims the imminent extinction of the computer mouse.

It begins: It's nearly 40 years old but one leading research company says the days of the computer mouse are numbered. A Gartner analyst predicts the demise of the computer mouse in the next three to five years. Taking over will be so called gestural computer mechanisms like touch screens and facial recognition devices.

"The mouse works fine in the desktop environment but for home entertainment or working on a notebook it's over," declared analyst Steve Prentice. The article goes on to quote an opposing view from Logitech but in a rather dismissive way ("Naturally enough those in the business of making mice are not wholly in agreement that the end is nigh.").

I think touch and gestures are great, and their use will continue to grow for appropriate applications, but there are some very good reasons that mice won't be going away any time soon.
The mouse is still the most efficient pointing device as measured by the standard test using the Fitts' Law paradigm (and it really is the standard test now as defined by the ISO). Mice generally perform a bit faster and more accurately than touchpads. Of course there is a lot of variability among devices and the technology is improving, but it's quite possible that the difference is due primarily to the fact that we use different muscles to move a mouse compared to moving a finger on a touchpad.

Touchpads are also difficult for some people to use because they require precise finger motion, and some people just plain don't like them. Portable mice for notebook computers are still very popular.

Touchscreens might beat mice in a Fitts' test comparison (I don't know offhand, though I'm sure somebody has done this test), but your arm will likely get tired using one for any length of time and you'll also take more time to move your hands from the keyboard to the screen and back."

Psych - Computer mouse heading for extinction - NOT

The article below written by Guy Dixon made quite the stir online with bloggers throughout the world. But, it didn't take into consideration the ergonomics of a large, face-to-face touch screen for day-to-day activities. Sure, the touch screen is ideal for palm held devices, but consider reaching over your desk for a few hours trying to complete daily tasks! I think your arm and shoulder would get pretty tired really fast. My mouse is my buddy! Over the years we have acquired a closed relationship, and there's no way I'm going to let go of my ergonomically correct, optical mouse anytime soon.

Actually, if the keyboard is predicted to stay, then the mouse should stay, too. Maybe the mouse's job would change somewhat and not be used 100% of the time, but try to vision a mouseless day, only using a Wii pointer remote control, facial recognition and a touch screen by reaching over your keyboard to a desk top screen.

The use of touch screens on palm held devices and small laptops makes sense. But, many of us sit at a computer for ten hours each day. I'd be lost without a mouse. I don't think the human body is built to handle some of the predictions in Dixon's article.

Like many others, we disagree. The Computer Mouse is not heading for extinction. There are new technologies on the rise, and advancements will include touch screens and facial recognition, but kill the mouse? We think NOT!

_______________

from VnuNet

Humble input device being usurped by touch screens and facial recognition

The computer mouse is set to die out in the next five years and will be usurped by touch screens and facial recognition, analysts believe. Gartner said that innovations from electronics firms creating new interactive interfaces for gaming and smartphones are driving the demise of the mouse.

Steven Prentice, vice president and Gartner Fellow, told the BBC that devices such as Nintendo's MotionPlus for the Wii and Apple's iPhone point the way to the future, offering greater accuracy in motion detection. "With the Wii you point and shake and it vibrates back at you so you have a two-way relationship," said the analyst.

"The new generation of smartphones like the iPhone all now have tilting mechanisms or you can shake the device to do one or more things." Prentice also highlighted home entertainment efforts from Panasonic which employ hand and facial recognition techniques to display information in place of a conventional remote control.

However, while the mouse's 40 year-old reign is coming to an end, the keyboard is here to stay, according to the analyst. "For all its faults, the keyboard will remain the primary text input device. Nothing is easily going to replace it," he said. "But the idea of a keyboard with a mouse as a control interface is breaking down."