OT, though it's affecting my ability to use Sonar, big time: I've got a pretty bad repetitive stress injury, mostly in my right hand from using the mouse. As one migh expect, there is a ton of stuff out there advertised to help.

Has anyone used any of these product, specifically different types of mice, like the one that looks like a joystick and keeps the hand in a more neutral "handshake" position?

Also, anyone have any really really good keyboard shortcut maps or ideas they'd be willing to share? I'm going towards eliminating the mouse as much as possible, so any brilliant ideas there would be great.

Finally, I'm using a Mackie MCU Pro with Extenders. Anyone have good ideas on mapping the function and/or using the M1-M4 keys in a really efficient manner?

I'm going to do experimenting, but I figured I'd check with my friends on the Sonar forum as well - for the best advice.

try this one

Find a mouse that slopes right to left (if you are right-handed). Microsoft, Logitech, Kensington, etc..


http://www.ergodirect.com/default.php?cPath=234

You may also want to consider an ergonomic keyboard. One the that tents and splays. That will significantly reduce stress and strain by creating a neutral position that is right for you.

http://888ergodir.com/page/ErgoDirect/CTGY/GTKB?gclid=CJDVo4S1m5gCFUog3godOV9hmw

Ive had that problem for quite a while.
I switched over to a trackball and now only use my thumb... still a little stress but not as much as before.

The first thing I look for in a mouse is how easy the left button operates. Even in the same brand there can be a huge difference between models. Get one with a hair trigger left button.

Next the position of the mouse. I use one of those under desk keyboard trays that is wide enough for both the keyboard and mouse pad. Try to get the mouse at a position so your arm is not under stress.

I started getting some pain when I got the fancy mouse that Dell supplied with my XPS computer. I switched to a standard Dell optical mouse, the same sort I use at work, and all is fine. The difference seems to be that the standard mouse allows me to rest my wrist on the desk and virtually all movement is done with fingers and thumb. The other thing you should consider is a mouse mat with a large gel pad.

Lastly, Mario Bianchi (mabian) has produced an excellent reference for shortcuts which can be found HERE

+1 on the trackball. I switched to one for space reasons (really) but it's definitely not so hard on the wrist/hand etc.

I usually suggest the handshake mouse for starters for my patients. There is also joystick mouse similar to the the Wii but fits around your index finger.

Trackball here, have been using one for a long time now. It doesn't even take 15 minutes for my wrist to start to hurt when using a mouse.

Another vote for a trackball... I've got one of the Logitech ones and it works nicely (though it takes a little getting used to...):

* Logitech Trackball Optical Marble Mouse

As for eliminating the need for the mouse... while it probably won't completely eliminate it, you might want to check out the new keyboard numpad editing features in SONAR 8. In the SONAR help, go to: New Features in SONAR 8 > Enhanced Editing With Keyboard.

Best,
Scott

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Scott R. Garrigus - Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series. Get Sonar 8 Power - Today! Go to: http://www.garrigus.com/ - http://www.musictechshop.com/ - http://www.cooltechshop.com/

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