Gadget of the month… March 2016

It may look more like a pen than a conventional mouse, but the Penclic should prove handy

After installing the AAA battery and an initial charge with the included USB cable, the mouse connected relatively painlessly to the test computer, a Mac mini running OSX. The mouse’s on/off switch is on the bottom, with a button to change the resolution of the movement, configurable between 800, 1,200 and 1,600 dpi.

The Penclic is disconcerting to use at first but, once placed comfortably in the hand, it is easier and more pleasing to hold than a regular mouse. It takes a while to become accustomed to using the buttons placed on the sides of the pen. In particular, the right mouse button is tricky to use.

The battery is supposed to last around a month before recharging, and the Bluetooth range is up to 5m. The mouse switches itself off after 10 minutes, and it was a little reluctant to power back up. It also didn’t work when plugged directly into the computer’s USB socket.

The build quality is average – plastic is used throughout, and robustness does not seem to have been a priority. Considering the cost, the Penclic might not last that long.

However, this is an excellent idea and ergonomically much better to hold and use, particularly in applica-tions where fine adjustments are necessary, such as CAD programs or Photoshop. The traditional mouse still sits next to the Penclic, which is recommended for occasional use and as relief from repetitive strain injury.

Penclic costs £60-£80 from online retailers.