Browsercat 4 Way 2 Usb Touchpad (Black)

PROS
Good responsive touchpad
Right-click made easy through the upper-right corner
Built-in scrolling feature
Small backstand allows the unit to sit at an angle

CONS
Hardware buttons are not the best (noisy to press but far better than the "EasyCat" model)

I prefer touchpads to mice in that they require less space and are easy for me to use either left or right-handed. Touchpads are a personal thing and I find that people's opinion of them are quite polarized. If you're the type that enjoys using them, then this is a pretty good option. The surface is quite responsive and by clicking up in the right-hand corner, you can easily simulate right-click buttons. The lower horizontal edge and the rightmost vertical edge provide horizontal and vertical scrolling.

If you install the Adesso software, then you can also use the leftmost vertical edge for zooming and the upper edge for back/forward functionality (e.g. can be used for internet browsing). I believe there are a couple of other features that can be customized with the software, but I skipped it altogether and just settled for the mousing action with right-click and scrolling capability. For me, driver software can clutter and complicate a system and the added features aren't important to me (I take the same approach with Logitech and Microsoft keyboards/mice in that I prefer to just use the device without the drivers). If you are looking to use the extra features, make sure you check the vendor website to determine if drivers exist for your OS.

The size of the unit is larger than other similar models from the same maker and to some, it may feel like there's a lot of wasted space. For what it's worth, I also own the "EasyCat" model (Adesso USB EasyCat 2-BTN Touchpad Black Cirque Glidepoint Technology ( GP160U-121 )) which I believe is inferior to the "BrowserCat" for a number of reasons. While the touchpad action between these two units is identical and the smaller size of the "EasyCat" makes it more portable, it's also more difficult to balance on a variety of surfaces than the "BrowserCat" and its buttons are unusable (too hard to click). The "EasyCat" cord placement (right side instead of top side) also limits its ability to be used left-handed without requiring extra space. Finally, this "BrowserCat" unit has a small stand in the back allowing it to be propped at a slight angle (the "EasyCat" does not have this). This stand combined with its size allows me to place the unit squarely over the number keypad on my keyboard (this allows me to sit the keyboard on my lap with easy access to the touchpad without the use of a lapdesk or other surface). All that said, this "BrowserCat" is my standard pointing device at home and the "EasyCat" is my portable device for road use.

I bought the Brosercat following a painful wrist episode that I attributed to using a standard mouse. One day I woke up and my wrist hurt. I became more aware of computer work space and realized that I needed to make some changes. The wrist and elbow should be at about the same level with the wrist comfortably on the 'mouse'. This touchpad takes the pressure off of my writs. I like that I can hold it in my lap or position it so it's in front of the keyboard -- elliminating the reach over to the side. I must admit, it's not as precise or as easy to use as a standard mouse, but it's not that much more difficult. The benefit of having a relaxed and pain-free wrist greatly outweighs the slight lack of precision in using the 'mouse'. Also, I like not having to change the batteries in my optical mouse anymore :)

UPDATE June, 2010
The left button on this device gave out a few months ago. I got about 4 months of use out this mouse and then had to toss it. I'm not impressed with it at all.

Got this thing for several weeks now. it's got some nice features like circular scrolling, zoom, etc. only problem is that sometimes, even few times in a day, it somehow goes berserk and i have to pull out the usb cord and replug. i am using latest driver in xp. not sure why they can't make these things more stable. i like using touchpad since i started using my thinkpad and it is a lot less work on the hands. this is decent alternative although can't quite replace my thinkpad keyboard. the dimension and cord does make the touchpad too far below the keyboard if placed below. i got this unit over the other adesso models bc users of other models complain about the buttons being useless and that it tips easily. the buttons on this unit does work well, but i avoid using it bc it makes a loud click each time. the button is very important if you need to highlight or click and drag stuff. otherwise i rely on clicking the touchpad instead.

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