Tech Tools

We believe that choices of devices should be made to fit a radiologists’ individual needs, and are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Click on the devices below to learn about their (1) Functionality (2) Ergonomics (3) Value and (4) Ease of Use at the workstation.

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Gaming Mice

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Razer Naga V2 Pro

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Functionality: Excellent

Ergonomics: Average

Cost: $179.99

Ease of Use: Average

Impressions:

Wireless mouse offering a high level of functionality and customizability with 3 hot-swappable side pieces that offer 2, 6 or 12 buttons.

Pros:

- Up to 24 available shortcuts accessible with the right thumb (with Hypershift).

- Customizable side piece attachments allow customizability for different tasks (plain films vs. cross sectional)

Cons:

- Lack of smooth scrolling limits functionality for cross sectional studies.

- Only programmable on windows computers.

Logitech G502

Wired Option (Recommended)

Wireless Option

Functionality: Excellent

Ergonomics: Excellent

Cost: $44

Ease of Use: Average

Impressions:

Our current go to mouse with great all-around functionality and currently the workhorse at our apartment.

Pros:

- Practical number of shortcuts accessible with the right thumb (up to 10 shortcuts with G-shift).

- Smooth and ratcheted scrolling

Cons:

- Right thumb shortcut buttons may lead to thumb strain

Logitech G604

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Functionality: Excellent

Ergonomics: Excellent

Cost: $60

Ease of Use: Average

Impressions:

One of the best devices available for diagnostic radiologists looking to add practical functionality with the added benefit of Bluetooth connectivity.

Pros:

- Practical level of functionality (up to 12 shortcuts with G-shift)

- Great value compared to other similar devices (retails at $59.99)

- Smooth and ratcheted scrolling.

Cons:

- Right thumb shortcut buttons can lead to right thumb strain.

- Need to keep track of wireless dongle.

Logitech G600

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Functionality: Excellent

Ergonomics: Average

Cost: $38

Ease of Use: Average

Impressions:

Wired mouse offers the most customizability with its 12 programmable buttons.

Pros:

- Up to 24 available shortcuts accessible with the right thumb (with G-shift).

Cons:

- Number of right thumb shortcut buttons likely exceeds usefulness for radiology applications and contributes to right thumb strain.

- No smooth scrolling decreases functionality for cross sectional imaging.

- Known driver issue for macOS necessitates programming on a windows computer.

Dictation Devices

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Tonor Podcasting Microphone

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Functionality: Average

Ergonomics: Excellent

Cost: $35

Ease of Use: Average

Impressions:

Handsfree option ideal for radiologists working in an quiet office or cubicle, cheaper than industry standard options but more prone to error.

Pros:

- Does not require user to hold a dictaphone and frees up a hand to use the keyboard.

- Reduces thumb strain induced by activating the Dictaphone. Microphone can be activated with a keyboard shortcut (F4 in PowerScribe).

Cons:

- Subjectively more dictation errors than a Nuance PowerMic in our testing.

- Must speak at a higher volume compared with a Nuance PowerMic.

Logitech H570e

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Functionality: Average

Ergonomics: Excellent

Cost: $48

Ease of Use: Average

Impressions:

An affordable option which is compatible with PowerScribe 360.

Pros:

- Does not require user to hold a dictaphone and frees up a hand to use the keyboard.

- Reduces thumb strain induced by activating the Dictaphone. Microphone can be activated with a keyboard shortcut (F4 in PowerScribe).

Cons:

- Subjectively more dictation errors than Nuance PowerMic in our testing.

- Less comfortable than more expensive options

Jabra Evolve2 65

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Functionality: Excellent

Ergonomics: Excellent

Cost: $170

Ease of Use: Excellent

Impressions:

A premium wireless headset that provides a high level of comfort and performance.

Pros:

- Wireless with Bluetooth dongle

- 37-hour battery life & rapid charge feature

- Comfortable

Cons:

- Expensive (initially $289, but recently discounted to $212 on Jabra.com)

- Occasional delays between dictation and text output in PowerScribe 360.

Nuance PowerMic III

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Functionality: Excellent

Ergonomics: Poor

Cost: $34999

Ease of Use: Average

Impressions:

The Nuance PowerMic is an industry standard and boasts reliable performance. A familiar form factor and certified compatibility makes it an easy choice, despite the above-average cost.

Pros:

- Reliable, certified compatible with Nuance PowerScribe.

Cons:

- Requires repetitive use of the thumb to activate dictation.

- Expensive, retails for $300-400.