Idea of the Day: Finger mouse

I am currently working with inventor Emil Jacob, who has created a new ergonomic product known as Pad ‘n Click. This solution consists of gel pads that stick to your mouse to correct the position of your hands and fingers. It is simple and ingenious.

But it also makes me wonder, why do we use mice anyway? The straightforward answer would be “to control the computer” but there are alternative (and arguably better) ways to do so. For example, my MacBook uses a scroll pad with sophisticated (but intuitive) finger touches that really eliminate the need for a mouse.

Another disruptive technology that could replace mice altogether is the touch screen computer monitor.

In the meantime, I could see a use for finger tip pads that emulate the functionality of Mac’s scroll pad. You could simply tap or click on the counter top next to your keyboard, instead of reaching out to find your mouse.