I’ll briefly touch on Apple vs. Google for a moment.  At times we only see the world and the world of technology from our American perspective.  In the U.S., Apple makes itself out to be the fearless defender of our privacy.   The iPhone is totally encrypted.  iMessages are encrypted.  (iCloud backups?  Another topic for another time.)  Apple stood behind its principles of privacy so strongly that they would not unlock the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooters.  We view Google on the other hand with some skepticism.  Search for free.  Gmail for free.  Can it really be free?  How much of my data are they harvesting in exchange for free services? Putting on my international thinking cap, until yesterday, I had a different take.  Apple recently started putting iCloud data from Chinese customers on servers in China, per a request from the Chinese government.  Apple will take apps out of the App Store that offend Beijing.  Google on the other hand did not give in.  They did not bend to censorship.  Until now.  This article https://theintercept.com/2018/08/01/google-china-search-engine-censorship/  claims that Google is developing a search engine with China’s blessing that filters out terms such as human rights or Tienanmen Square 1989, for example.   The ethics of technology…… food for thought!

Desktop users have no choice, but I frequently recommend that my laptop toting clients use a mouse as well.  Laptop trackpads can be inconsistent.  MacBooks are generally the best in that regard and while Windows laptops have come a long way, they are still in second place.  I realized this week that using a good mouse with a laptop can restore a sense of confidence while operating a portable computer.  I literally dusted off my Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic mouse (circa 2014) and began using it.  It restored a sense of joy in computing.  How is your mouse?  Do you need a new one?  Do you want to make your laptop or desktop experience better?  Do you want to go laptop but fear the trackpad?  Here are some mice to consider with Amazon links.

Classic Intellimouse – This is Microsoft’s classic wired mouse that was recently re-released as a new product.  It is WIRED and is Mac and Windows compatible.  It has a hand friendly curved shape.   On sale now.  https://amzn.to/2O4PkgT

Sculpt Ergonomic — This is a wireless Microsoft mouse.  It could work on either Mac or Windows, but is more geared toward desktop use.  It is a large mouse and seems to fit my hand so well.    I have been told by friends this week, “I want that mouse.”  https://amzn.to/2vbC96S

Vertical — This is a newer design that makes you grip the mouse in the “handshake position.”   Proponents of the concept claim it significantly reduces hand strain.  The best of the bunch seems to be made by Anker.  Mac and Windows compatible. It’s priced to sell.  https://amzn.to/2LKkgX2

Trackball — They say once you go trackball, you never go back.  I have met people who swear by them.  The mouse does not move around on your desk.  You roll the ball to move the cursor and then click on the buttons to make your selection.  Check out the Kensington Expert (Mac + Windows, wired or wireless) https://amzn.to/2vc1bTv  or the Logitech M570 (Mac + Windows, wireless) https://amzn.to/2v9qaqG