Windows 7: Need Mouse & Pointer Help ...

I just purchased a new HP computer with Windows 7 Pro running 64-bit. I also purchased HP's 25" widescreen monitor. It is beautiful. One could not ask for a more perfect viewing experience with an OS like Win7Pro as seen through this monitor. However, I have an unexpected problem. One I clearly did not anticipate.

My old monitor was a 20" square Dell UltraSharp that I bought in 2003. While the new HP monitor allows you to see everything since there is so much space, I did not anticipate the extra stress on my wrist, forearm, upper arm, and shoulder from having to move the mouse and pointer around so much. The extra 5" makes a huge difference.

These are the adjustments I have made so far followed by what I have heard might be available. Under the Control Panel section for Mouse, I have changed the Motion to the fastest setting possible. I have also checked the Snap To button so that the pointer will automatically move to the default button in a dialog box.

Staying within the Control Panel, I then went to the Ease of Access Center. There I chose Make the Mouse Easier to Use and then I clicked on Set Up Mouse Keys. There, under Pointer Speed I set Top Speed to High and Acceleration to Fast.

So far, none of these changes are having much of an impact. When I went back to my old monitor for a few days, the stress on my arm subsided but the viewing experience was just not he same. I am back to my new monitor now and, once again, my arm is hurting.

I have heard of two different tools that might help but I can't seem to find them. One is a tool called something like Wraparound that will allow my mouse to go off of one edge and come back on the other edge. Either on the side edges or the top and bottom edges. I did find one such tool but could not download it because my system is 64-bit and it was only for 32-bit machines.

The other tool is some type of mouse accelerator that will increase the distance the pointer moves on the screen to a much greater extent than is currently the case. In other words (and I haven't measured this, I am just giving an example), perhaps when I move my mouse on the pad 1" now it will move maybe 6" on the screen. But with the tool I'm talking about, I could move it the same 1" on the pad but it would move perhaps 12" or 18" on the screen. Again, my ratios are not proportional but I hope you understand what I am describing.

Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. I love this monitor and do not want to give it up but the stress on my arm is almost unbearable. If anyone thinks this would be better addressed under a different Windows 7 Forum, please let me know. I tried another forum to start but so far no one has responded. Thanks so much for everyone's help.

Jim

I'm afraid nothing much can be done in this case. Either you try 3rd party apps like this one-

http://www.orbitamouse.com/applications.php

or buy a mouse with higher DPI, like Logitech mx518 (1800dpi).

Hi! Jim12345, welcome to 7F

Ezio beat me to it. I couldn't find any programs, but I was going to suggest upgrading your mouse to a gaming style.

Since you have a HP here is their offering:
Product Specifications - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
But it may be out of stock.

Couldn't find a price there, but just for an idea, they start around $30 up to $100 USD

Some others:
Newegg.com - Gaming Mouse .

And like Ezio said you would want to stay with a high DPI.

Thank you Ezio & Anak:

I have visited all the links and will try a gaming mouse from one of the sites. It does not look as though the Orbita is as of yet compatible with Windows 7/64-bit. I will probably start with the HP gaming mouse since my CPU is an HP but might possibly end up with one of the LogiTech ones form Newegg.com.

Again, thanks for taking the time to respond. I will get back with you once I have a chance to make a purchase and try it out. Thanks again.

Jim

Your welcome Jim.
Take your time this will be an important decision. We'll be here.

You may even want to look for an ergonomic mouse this is what newegg had to offer:
Newegg.com - Ergonomic Mouse Just use the show all selection at the top of the list, and you won't have to go through 6pages, just the one.

It is your prerogative, but you can use newegg as a catalog and maybe find one you like at the place where you bought your machine, some of the local computer shops or electronic Department stores. Heck even Wally's World (Wal-Mart) might carry them.
Sometimes Shipping and handling balance or outweigh the cost of buying locally, FEDX Overnight $45.64; UPS 3day $10.02
Example: Newegg.com Shopping Cart

Personally I like a large mouse, but the DW needs a smaller one. I know, I could hook up two to satisfy the both of us, but I just get used to the one's that are comfortable for her.

Happy Hunting!

Steve

Hi Jim....

Just a suggestion on your mouse situation. Try using a "Trackball" mouse. The mouse itself doesn't move you just roll the ball around with your finger. You may not be able to find them in a store, but they are available on the internet. I find it much easier than moving the entire mouse all over the place. I have one for my desktop and one for my laptop. Hope this helps.