The Top Five Tools for the Facebook Gamer

![][1] Look, we both know that you played the hell out of your [favorite Facebook games ][2]this holiday. (And you lucky bastards that have off all week are probably playing right now.) So, tell us if this is you: You can crack your wrist at will, and it hurts to lift much of anything that isn't, well, a mouse. Also, you've developed quite the hunch and your laptop feels like it's about to blow any minute.

What's that? You scored a ton of gift cards to Best Buy or Amazon because your extended family didn't opt to actually spend brain cells on thinking of a more suitable Christmas present? By golly, you're in luck, because we know of five tools you can spend that not-so-hard-earned plastic on that could help boost your (Facebook) game on the cheap:

## A Solid Clicker

If [Mr. Ian Bogost ][3]has taught us anything, you absolutely need a computer mouse that not only A. can keep up with you, but B. feels comfy underneath your hand, too. And there are plenty of options that won't break the bank. We personally recommend the [Microsoft Arc Mouse ][4]or the [Apple Magic Mouse][5], as they're most compatible with tools featured later. But more economic options include the [Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 ][6]or the [Logitech Wireless Mouse M305][7].

## Cool It, Will Ya?

We don't know about you, but most Facebook games drive our laptops into dangerous temperature territories. This is because either our machines don't have fancy graphics or that most social games wouldn't take advantage of them anyway. At any rate, a trusty laptop cooler would do the trick to keep your precious [FarmVille ][8]machine from overheating. We recommend the [Targus Lap Chill Mat ][9]or the [Xpad Laptop Desk][10], both of which are affordable options.

## Protect Your Greatest Weapon

Anyone who works with a computer all day can tell you: Carpal tunnel is downright terrifying. So, to fend off that dastardly, seemingly irreversible damage to your wrist, consider picking up a wrist brace. There are several varieties to the modern day gauntlet, but we highly recommend those that include both a splint and some type of padding underneath. In that case, try looking for the [IMAK SmartGlove][11]--it's only 15 bucks.

## Take a Load Off

Sitting in front of the computer for hours can be not only excruciating on your wrist, but on your back, too. There isn't much to help with that hunch you might have developed without without training yourself to practice good posture. To that end, you can at least make sitting back a little more enticing. How about a lovely, robotic massage every time you sit back? If you're looking to save the most money possible on this buy, look out for the [Homedics Massage Chair Pad][12].

## Seriously, Protect That Wrist

Look, we may have been cute or cheeky before, but carpal tunnel is no joke. Seriously, double up on protection and preventative measures if you want to be able to keep at The Sims Social for much longer. Luckily, there isn't much price or guess work to wrist rest-equipped mouse pads. This writer personally prefers the [Fellowes Microban ][13]mouse pad, but just make sure whatever you buy has a gel wrist rest with an indent for your wrist to, well, rest on.

[Image Credits: Microsoft, Homedics, Edova Innovations]

**Are there any tools that you recommend for social gamers that we failed to list? What's your favorite gadget that helps with your social gaming habits? Sound off in the comments. [Add Comment.][14]**

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[1]: http://o.aolcdn.com/dims/GAME/5/168/168/100/http://www.blogcdn.com/blog.games.com/media/2011/12/mkarcblklarge-1325001904.jpg
[2]: http://blog.games.com/2011/12/23/top-facebook-games-2011/
[3]: http://blog.games.com/tag/cow+clicker
[4]: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-ZJA-00001-Arc-Mouse-Black/dp/B001C4ETU0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325001375&sr=8-2
[5]: http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MB829LL-A-Magic-Mouse/dp/B002TLTGM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001403&sr=1-1
[6]: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wireless-Mobile-Mouse-3500/dp/B0035ERKYW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001427&sr=1-1
[7]: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-M305-Wireless-Mouse-Silver/dp/B002Y6CJJ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001443&sr=1-1
[8]: http://blog.games.com/category/farmville
[9]: http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Chill-AWE55US-Black-Gray/dp/B002NU5O9C/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001523&sr=1-1
[10]: http://www.amazon.com/Xpad-Non-slip-Laptop-Cooler-Heatshield/dp/B000PH2E3E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001553&sr=1-1
[11]: http://www.amazon.com/IMAK-IMAA20127B-SmartGlove-Wrist-Wrap/dp/B003V8QC1E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001616&sr=1-1
[12]: http://www.amazon.com/Homedics-MCS-300H-Shiatsu-Massage-Cushion/dp/B002GHD00W/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001678&sr=1-1-catcorr
[13]: http://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-Wrist-Support-Blue-9182201/dp/B001BTWOJ4/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325001718&sr=1-9
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