RollerMouse Free3

The RollerMouse Free3 from Contour Design is part of the RollerMouse family, central pointing devices that are positioned between the operator and keyboard space bar. This keeps all mousing activity "inline" in the area immediately in front of the keyboard, eliminating the need to reach for a mouse. This also makes it suitable for use where there may be insufficient room for a mouse to be placed to the side. Like all RollerMouse products, cursor movement is achieved by manipulating the tube-like cylindrical "rollerbar" with the fingertips. Rotating the rollerbar moves the cursor "up" and "down", and sliding the bar from side to side accomplishes horizontal movement. Rotation and sliding motions can be performed simultaneously for complete and seamless cursor control. Once the desired location is achieved, a left click can be generated by pressing down on the bar, with the force required to do so also being adjustable. The 10" wide rollerbar on the Free3 is the longest of any Rollermouse, and it also has the longest travel path - 14". This allows for a greater range of horizontal cursor movement, less likelihood of reaching the end of the range, and less need to increase pointer speed acceleration. The rollerbar on the Free3 is smaller in diameter than that on the RollerMouse Red and has an even surface, with no raised bumps such as those found on the Red.

A convenient cursor speed button offers ten settings ranging from 600 to 2800 dpi and the Free3 offers on-board configuration for either PC or Mac use, using a simple button combination. Advanced sensor technology ensures precise cursor movements while also providing rapid horizontal movement when multiple screens are in use. Eight pre-programmed buttons (re-programmable via a downloadable driver) and a scroll wheel are located below the bar to generate left/middle/right clicks, copy, paste, back, forward and vertical scrolling.

The Free3 sits just 0.9" high, allowing it to work seamlessly with most standard rectangular-style keyboards without getting in the way while typing. The included keyboard lifters can be installed to optimize use with even the lowest profile keyboards. The RollerMouse Free3 has a comfortable integrated padded palm support for comfort and a weighted aluminum base ensures strength and stability.

The Free3 is available in a standard wired model as well as a wireless* rechargeable version, so that those who want to reduce extra wires or complicated cable management have the option of going wireless. The wireless version has an on/off switch to facilitate additional power savings when the RollerMouse will be unused for extended periods and a convenient storage slot provides secure storage for the USB micro receiver (USB) to ensure it does not get misplaced when not in use.

For those familiar with the earlier Rollermouse Free2, it is important to note that the wrist support on the Free3 cannot be removed.

Need a keyboard? Get the Ultimate Workstation Bundle (BUNDLE-FREE3, BUNDLE-FREE3W)! Purchase any model of the RollerMouse Free3 with a Balance Keyboard and save!

View the entire range of RollerMouse products here.
* Data being entered using wireless products from Contour Design is secured using AES 128 bit encryption.

• Rollerbar Control: Cursor movement with the RollerMouse Free3 is accomplished using the core feature of all RollerMouse solutions, the "rollerbar". This tube-like cylinder is suspended on a rod that permits the cylinder to rotate and slide left to right. Sensors track the rotation and lateral movement and translate it into onscreen cursor movement. Rotating the bar moves the cursor up and down on the screen, with lateral left or right movement accomplished by simply sliding the rollerbar from side to side. The combination of both rotation and sliding motions gives complete cursor control. When combined with the capabilities of the adjustable sensor both extreme accuracy and high speed movement can be achieved.
• End Detection: In order that cursor movement remain centered throughout usage, there is an end detection mechanism that shifts the cursor to the left or right side of the screen when the rollerbar can no longer be physically moved any further left or right. Tactile feedback is provided in the form of a click that can be felt as the end limit is reached, indicating that end detection has been engaged. This feature is required less frequently on the Free3 as the rollerbar is fully exposed and has a longer track (14") than on the Pro3.
• Bar Click Tension Adjustments: A slider on the underside of the Free3 adjusts the tension of Rollerbar click force. This feature can be helpful for individuals who find that they often accidentally click on the bar while typing.
• Palm Supports: The RollerMouse Free3 features integrated padded leatherette palm supports that can relieve stress on the wrists while typing and using the rollerbar.
• Easy to Use Keyboard "Lifters": Ultra-slim keyboards are becoming increasing popular, so Contour Design has included two keyboard lifters that allow one to change the height and angle of the keyboard. There are three heights to choose from: low (flat), high (flat), and sloping down and away from the rollerbar (negative inclination).
• Plug and Play Connectivity for both PC and Mac Computers: The RollerMouse Free3 is HID compliant and has the drivers on board. Once plugged into any USB port it will install the drivers and provide notification when it is ready for use. Configuring for PC or Mac functions is accomplished by pressing a simple button combination.
• Nine Button Functions: There are two easy options to perform a left click. Either push down on the navigation bar itself, or click on the large left button in the button control area. Other button functions include a traditional right click button, a single touch double click button, a scroll wheel, a Scroll Lock, and one-touch Copy, Paste, Back, and Forward.
• Programmable Driver: Although the RollerMouse Free3 works plug and play, the button functions can also be easily reprogrammed and customized by simply downloading the programmable driver from the Contour Design website.
• Cursor Speed Selection: The RollerMouse Free3 has 10 different cursor speed settings selected by a control button with five indicator lights. The dpi increments are each 200 or 400 dpi: 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 2000, 2400, and 2800.
• Slim, Compact and Low Profile: Rising just 0.9" high above the worksurface, the RollerMouse Free3 is the lowest profile RollerMouse model available.
• Wireless Data Security: All data being entered using wireless products from Contour Design is secured using AES 128 bit encryption. During the pairing process a random encryption key is generated and exchanged between the dongle and the wireless device, then stored and used afterwards to secure the communication.

• RollerMouse Free3 Info Sheet: PDF


• RollerMouse Free3 Wireless User Manual: DOWNLOAD from Manufacturer's Site


• RollerMouse Free3 Wired User Manual: DOWNLOAD from Manufacturer's Site

• Dimensions:
  Width: 19.25" (48.9 cm)
  Depth (front to back): 4.5" (11.4 cm)
  Height: 0.9" (2.3 cm)
• Weight: 1.4 lbs (0.64 kg)
• Rollerbar Width and Travel Range: 10" (25.4 cm) Rollerbar moves along a 14" (35.6 cm) Travel Path
• Rollerbar Clickable: Yes
• Adjustable Click Force: Yes
• Optical Resolution: 600/800/1000/1200/1400/1600/2000/2400/2800 dpi
• Number of Buttons: 8 programmable buttons
• Clickable Scroll Wheel: Yes
• Removable Palm Supports: No
• Compatibility: Strictly plug and play for all OSes listed:
  PC: All Windows OSes
  Mac: Mac OS X
• Interface: USB - Contour Design recommends connecting directly to the computer - not through a hub or docking station
  (Note: Contour Design does not warrant that their product will work with any KVM switch)
• Connection:
  RM-FREE3: Wired
  RM-FREE3W: Wireless
• Programmable Driver: PC & Mac: Drivers
  Note: Please verify compatibility with your OS.
• Wireless Data Security: All data being entered using wireless products from Contour Design is secured using AES 128 bit encryption. During the pairing process a random encryption key is generated and exchanged between the dongle and the wireless device, then stored and used afterwards to secure the communication.
  
  
• Warranty: 2 years (manufacturer direct only)
• Package Contents:
  RM-FREE3: RollerMouse Free3, 2 Short Keyboard Risers, 2 Long Keyboard Risers, User Guide
  RM-FREE3W: RollerMouse Free3 Wireless, 2 short keyboard risers, 2 long keyboard risers, Wireless Receiver, USB 2.0 Cable Adapter, Charging Cable, User Guide

• Do not use your thumbs to move the rollerbar! The rollerbar is designed to be moved by the fingers, which are drawn towards the torso when the rollerbar is accessed. While using the thumbs may feel natural at first, accessing the rollerbar with the thumbs actually requires you to reach "back" to the rollerbar and will tend to position the thumbs in an almost "overextended" position where there is sustained tension when moving the rollerbar. Repetitively engaging the thumbs in such an awkward manner may over time cause fatigue and pain.
• Make sure the edge of the keyboard closest to you is straight with no built-in palm support. This point is very important, since any curved edge or palm support between keyboard and the RollerMouse will only create more distance between you and the keyboard, creating additional problems of overreaching.
• Clean out the rollerbar channel area once in a while. This is advised so that you get the greatest life expectancy for your RollerMouse. Due to build up of debris in critical parts of the RollerMouse mechanisms, the internal sensors and switches can malfunction over time. Cleaning can be accomplished by turning your RollerMouse over and gently tapping it to dislodge any particles in the rollerbar channel. Better still, if you have compressed air available, use it to blow out any debris or dirt.
• If you are going to use your RollerMouse and keyboard on a tray, make sure the tray is at least 10.5" deep. Since many standard keyboards are about 6" deep and the RollerMouse Free3 itself is 4.5" deep, you will need a tray at least 10.5" deep in order to properly stabilize both keyboard and mouse on the tray surface.
• Take turns using either left or right hands to move the rollerbar. By alternating hands periodically, you lessen the fatigue in both hands, and so help reduce the overall risk of developing pain from extensive mousing. The ambidextrous nature of the RollerMouse encourages such usage. Once you are trained in working this way, it will become second nature.