Using a computer mouse has become a pretty natural movement for most of us, but the hand position required to operate one is inherently unnatural for the human body. A company called Penclic is seeking to redesign the classic mouse shape with the Penclic Mouse, an input device that lets users assume a more natural, ergonomic position with the hand.

As you might guess from the name, the Penclic is shaped like a pen. Its unique shape and design allow for quicker, more precise movement than a traditional mouse. Users can rest their forearms on the work surface, reducing the risk of strain or injury to the wrist. It’s an ideal solution for designers, artists, architects, and anyone else who needs pen-like precision while they are working, but it’s also a clever and convenient change for the casual home user.

There are two different models of Penclic for different users. One is interchangeable for left-handed or right-handed people with the scroll wheel and three buttons on the pen shaft; the other features five buttons and a scroll wheel for right-handed users. The mouse also offers wired, wireless with a dongle, and wireless with Bluetooth options. A price range of $60-$100 makes it a somewhat hefty initial investment (as compared to a $5 traditional mouse) but the increased precision and decreased risk of Repetitive Stress Injury make it seem worth the price.

The post A Better Mouse: Input Device With the Precision of a Pen first appeared on Gajitz.

Bicycles, by design, are beautifully engineered for simple function. The frame, more often than other parts the bicycle, is re-imagined artistically. Now the functionality of the gears, chain, pedals and seat have been challenged by the Flexi-Bike.

Designer Hoon Yoon is quite literally stretching the limits of the bicycle. The main joints of the Flexi-Bike are adjustable to multiple postures. According to the Flexi-Bike’s description, the “main gear part” was designed with organic shape in mind. Between the handles sits a pretty LED display that lists basic information like speed, as well as custom stats like calories burned and weather.

Whether or not this design is necessary or even plausible is fuel for interesting debate, but the display hub is what makes this one unique. The simple-yet-complex design conundrum of the bicycle has been taken up a notch.

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Remember the days of seeing nerds and business people walking around with wrist braces on because of carpal tunnel syndrome? Luckily, improved ergonomics have been introduced to offices and homes everywhere, at least cutting down on the number of typing-related injuries. But this weird-looking keyboard from Smartfish will take the repetitive stress injury prevention just a step further.

By moving subtly once or twice an hour – depending on how much you’re using it – the keyboard prevents your wrists from staying in the same position for too long. The movement is more like a gentle vibration than a pronounced moving of the two sides, which means that it shouldn’t interrupt your typing. In fact, it’s supposed to be basically imperceptible.

The keyboard features the curved design that’s supposed to be much more ergonomically correct than straight-across keyboards, so its design coupled with its motor may indeed help prevent repetitive stress injuries in your wrists. It may seem crazy, but it’s true – and it’s going to be available beginning in April 2010 for about $150. According to Dvice, it’s quite large – but if you’re chained to your keyboard all day, saving your wrists from injury might justify giving up a little desk space.

The post Move On: Motorized Keyboard Gives Healthy Wrist Massages first appeared on Gajitz.