of Apple Computer Inc.'s contribution to the technology revolution, bringing with it the phrase "point and click.'' The gadget, which looks more like a kidney bean with the top cut off than a furry animal, relegated typed commands to the unhip past. It introduced new phrases and actions, such as "double click'' and made it possible to zoom around the computer screen.

The mouse, though, is often uncomfortable to use, out of easy reach and attached to yet another wire. Because it works on a flat surface, it is limited to back-and-forth, up-and-down movements.

Enter CyberMouse, a miniature mouse that is fastened on the forefinger with a strip of Velcro.

Buttons on the CyberMouse control the pointer on the computer screen, letting the user move in three dimensions instead of the regular two. It looks cool and attracts a lot of attention.

CyberMouse is another offering among the alternative mice that are trying to free computer users from wires.

Singapore-based IPC Corp.'s IPC Peripherals Inc., which makes the CyberMouse, touts the device as the "ultimate, wireless, 3-D pointer that lets you navigate seamlessly through applications and games.'' What they mean is that the mouse is designed to let a computer user move around more easily during a game and with less hassle when typing.

The mouse lives up to its hype -- when it works. It is supposed to take five minutes to install. It took Bloomberg's reporter about half an hour.

It was necessary to reboot, or restart the computer, a few times and then try to install the CyberMouse software onto different operating systems before it worked. It was basically a question of getting the computer to read the one diskette that has the software used for the mouse.

The CyberMouse ring transmits signals to an L-shaped plastic arm that wraps around the top of the computer screen. The plastic arm, which contains three tiny receivers, is plugged into the same connection on the back of the computer as the regular mouse. That means that you either have to unplug the regular mouse each time you use the CyberMouse, or buy a jack that lets you plug in both mice. You also have to tell the computer to switch from one mouse to another and reboot.

When it works, CyberMouse is a lot of fun. At first it seems uncomfortable, a heavy piece of ray-emitting plastic on your finger. But after half an hour, you don't notice that it's there.

If your computer has 3-D software, the CyberMouse lets you move back and forth in the screen, which the regular mouse isn't able to do. The feature aims to make graphic design easier.

The CyberMouse is more comfortable to use than the desk-chained mouse. It is easy to type with because it fits on the lower part of the finger. The trade-off is that you have to lift your hand towards the screen, which gets tiring after a while. The CyberMouse responds well to the movement of your hand, but the receivers can't get the transmission unless you use it near the screen.

IPC seems to be offering the gadget as an additional mouse instead of a full-time replacement to the traditional one. The company plans in a month to release software that makes it easier to switch back and forth between the two types.

While CyberMouse's price isn't outlandish, users may find it easier to stick with the 11-year-old model. Less hip, it is still less trouble.