This time, it’s a topic not directly related to photography or cameras. Well, maybe I could stretch it to be considered a “peripheral device” since it’s about computer gear.
The PC I use for RAW processing and writing this blog post is a compact gaming laptop with a reasonably powerful CPU/GPU that I repurposed for photo editing. So far, I have absolutely no complaints or concerns.
To overcome the limitations of its built-in screen size, I usually connect it to an external display. But leveraging its portability, I can take it anywhere—anywhere in the house or even outside—and work without being tied to a specific spot. It’s a truly versatile tool.
The PC itself, that is.
However, when using a notebook PC for mobile work, there’s something that must be bothering many people internally—and I’ve been bothered by it just as much all along.
I just want to fix the mouse situation!
Yes, these are my top mouse complaints:
1) In tight workspaces, there’s not enough room to move the mouse
2) Wireless mouse batteries die at crucial moments
3) Switching to wired to avoid dead batteries means dealing with cable clutter
4) The pointer doesn’t move smoothly during detailed work
5) The click feels unpleasant
6) The most comfortable mice are always too big
I’ve tried all kinds of mice and trackballs, but none have been the definitive solution. Price doesn’t seem to correlate much with usability either. What to do?
Amidst this, I finally came across a product that might just be the definitive solution this time, so I thought I’d write about it.
This is the item.
Product Name: Finger Barrel Mouse i2
![MEETS TRADING｜ミーツトレーディング 指先マウス Finger Barrel Mouse i2(Android/Mac/Windows11対応) ホワイト MT-FBMi2W [光学式 /無線(ワイヤレス) /3ボタン /Bluetooth・USB]](https://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/biccamera/cabinet/product/10851/00000013387074_a01.jpg?_ex=128x128)
The manufacturer/brand name seems to be listed as either “Meets Trading” or “IRON PAW”.
Its most distinctive feature is its miniature, elongated pillow-like shape. Unlike a regular mouse, you don’t grip it in your palm; instead, you use four fingers. In my case, I hold it between the tip of my thumb and the first knuckle of my ring finger to move it, and click using the first knuckles of my index and middle fingers.
It looks small and flimsy, but because you control it with sensitive fingertips, it’s incredibly responsive, allowing for precise, detailed movements. Image editing occasionally requires meticulous work, but it’s become easier than before.
The movement sensitivity is adjustable in several steps to suit your preference. With the right settings, you can operate it precisely just by moving your fingertips in an extremely narrow space. How narrow is narrow enough? For me, the small space to the right of my laptop’s touchpad is perfectly sufficient. Working on the Shinkansen is a breeze.
It’s rechargeable via BT or 2.4GHz wireless connection. I don’t trust the claim of 40 hours on a full charge, but charging it on the same cycle as my smartphone has been problem-free so far.
I’ve only listed the things I like, but given its unique shape, sensory aspects like pointer movement and click feel might be subject to personal preference. In fact, it took me a little while to get used to the click operation. Also, with just three buttons including the scroll wheel, it might feel limiting for those used to multi-button mice.
So I can’t exactly recommend it to everyone,
but personally, I’m feeling pretty happy lately, thinking I’ve finally gotten closer to the “final solution” to my mouse problems.
