I picked up the Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart Wireless Mouse as someone who relies heavily on their laptop to complete a wide variety of tasks since I further rely on my peripherals to do just the same. However, finding a good mouse that not only fits my relatively smaller hands but is reliable enough to travel with me regularly is not always an easy task.
Targus has recently released their new ErgoFlip EcoSmart mouse aimed to not only cater to those looking for an ergonomic mouse but those trying to be more eco-friendly as well. Compatible with most computer platforms with Bluetooth and supporting up to 4000DPI, the ErgoFlip claims to have features that should meet a wide variety of user’s needs; whether it meets my needs will be determined later in this review.
Straight out of the eco-friendly packaging, the Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart mouse looks nearly the same as most mice. However, the ErgoFlip adds the convenience of a thumb rest on the lower body of the mouse, making moving the mouse around a mousepad or surface of your choosing much more comfortable. The ErgoFlip also tilts the upper portion of the mouse to a position that is much more natural feeling compared to a conventional mouse. Unlike many typical mice, the ErgoFlip features not only a back button along its side but also an additional button for going forward on web pages.
Using the Targus ErgoFlip initially took me a few minutes to adapt to the tilted body, however I was able to very quickly adapt to using it, and it felt much nicer to use than other mice I have tried in the past. For left-handed users, the body of the mouse can lift off the base and be spun 180 degrees to accommodate their hands as well. This can be an excellent feature for situations where multiple people share a computer but do not want to keep switching mice all the time. The addition of the thumb rest is something I found myself wishing more mice had as I can’t count all the times I have had my thumb repeatedly rubbing against various surfaces and found it to be quite irritating at times.
“Using the Targus ErgoFlip initially took me a few minutes to adapt to the tilted body. However, I was able to very quickly adapt to using it, and it felt much nicer to use than other mice I have tried in the past.”
Some features most people likely wouldn’t notice in day-to-day use would be how quiet the mouse clicks and scrolling motions are. I was barely ever able to hear the clicks, even in some of the quietest environments. As someone who likes minimal noise when trying to work, I was thrilled about this as it made concentrating on what I was working on much easier.
As per the name, the Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart mouse is an eco-friendly option compared to most mice on the market. Made of 85% recycled plastic, the Targus ErgoFlip is one of the few mice helping to minimize e-waste, something I would like to see more companies doing with their products, especially in this day and age. However, I do wish Targus had incorporated a built-in battery as opposed to using AA batteries, as they can lead to more waste.
As an added bonus, the Targus ErgoFlip also features what Targus calls their “DefenseGuard™ Antimicrobial Protection,” which is meant to help minimize the growth of microorganisms on the mouse, which those in the medical field would likely find especially helpful. While not many people share my devices with me, it’s at least relieving to know the Targus ErgoFlip has my back to help prevent me from getting sick.
While the Targus ErgoFlip may not look like much on the outside to the average person, I found it has a reasonable number of features to offer while aiming to make your usage much more comfortable and ergonomic. As a mouse that can cater to both left and right-handed users, the Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart mouse stands out in the crowd of right-handed only mice. To answer whether the Targus ErgoFlip EcoSmart meets my needs, I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anybody.
