Compared with their peers of the mid-Eighties, children today are much better equipped to deal with the computer thanks to icons, working windows and particularly to the mouse. We tend to take the mouse for granted these days and don’t give it a second thought. However, just watch any infant child trying to manipulate the mouse and you begin to realise that something needs to be done. The problem essentially for mainstream pupils is that the mouse is just too big for little hands. Little fingers cannot straddle the dome-like body of the mouse in order to press buttons. Thankfully, several companies have stepped in with dinky little “mini” mice that do the job perfectly.

Semerc’s Mini Mouse (PS2USB pound;12.50+VAT) is designed for small hands. This small, translucent mouse functions just like a standard mouse, however it illuminates when clicked to confirm the press (USB version only). I also like the dimpled buttons and the low price.

Resource’s MiniMouse (PS2USB pound;11.99+VAT) is proportionally reduced to 89mm high, 50mm wide and 27mm deep and is an ideal introduction to computer control for those with small hands. I like the concave sides and youngsters particularly like the dimple on the left button making it easy to locate. This mouse can be ordered with a serial connection.

Inclusive Technology’s Tiny Mouse (PS2 serial adaptor pound;19+VAT) is about half the size of a typical standard mouse which is considered the best fit for children up to five years old. This one has a wheel button which can be programmed to be an automatic double-click - a difficult manoeuvre for young hands and minds. I.T. also markets the Little Mouse (PS2USB pound;18+VAT) for children about six to nine years old.

These attractively finished mice are also perfect for use by those who hate the trackpad on their portable computer. They are just as easy to use by adults and take up less room in the bag. I love them!

An upside-down mouse is a trackerball and these devices are an ideal alternative to the full-size mouse. Of the many available, two stand out in terms of cost, quality and ease of use. The ProTrack 60 Trackerball (Semerc, pound;42.51+VAT, USB) is a high quality trackerball with latching drag and 60mm diameter, high-mass ball. Available in a silver finish with yellow ball or in a blue translucent case with illuminated blue ball, this trackerball is very stable and oozes quality in its construction. Inclusive Technology’s Kidtrac (serial adaptorPS2, pound;95) is a sturdy, three-button trackerball, Microsoft mouse compatible and very popular. Its low profile case acts as a natural hand rest. A central green coloured key is a “drag lock” feature - the button stays ‘locked’ until you press a second time. Three colour-coded switch jacks allow easy switch operation of the left (blue) button, right (red) button and drag-lock (green) button. Kidtrac is excellent.

SemercTel: 0161 827 2719Fax: 0161 827 2966www.granada-learning.comspecial_needsInclusive TechnologyTel: 01457 819790Fax: 01457 819799www.inclusive.co.uk ResourceTel: 01509 672222Fax: 01509 672267www.resourcekt.co.uk

PROTRACK 60 TRACKERBALL (SEMERC). ONLINE STAR RATING

Suitability for purpose ***** Ease of use ***** Design ***** FEATURES **** Value for money *****

INCLUSIVE’S TINY MOUSE. ONLINE STAR RATING

Suitability for purpose ***** Ease of use ***** Design ***** FEATURES *** Value for money ****

RESOURCE’S MINIMOUSE. ONLINE STAR RATING

Suitability for purpose ***** Ease of use **** Design **** FEATURES *** Value for money *****

SEMERC’S MINI MOUSE. ONLINE STAR RATING

Suitability for purpose **** Ease of use *** Design *** FEATURES **** Value for money ****

INCLUSIVE’S KIDTRAC. ONLINE STAR RATING

Suitability for purpose ***** Ease of use **** Design ***** FEATURES ***** Value for money ****