Keyboard and Mouse combo?

I came across this new keyboard and am not quite sure what I think of it.

It is not in production, but won an ITsecrets award several years ago. As you can see from the picture, the keyboard is split and the right side also functions as the mouse. To switch between stationary mode and mouse function the user simply moves their hand to grip the mouse-like contour where there is a contact sensor. While I was marveling at how bizarre it looks I began to wonder why someone wanted to create it. Further investigation led me to a portion of their webpage called Advantages, these are the reasons given:

* The combimouse provides instant and effortless transition between keyboard and mouse operation.
* A regular keyboard has its mouse situated far to the right of the keyboard. combimouse eliminates shoulder abduction - a widely documented and recognised problem - which is the unnatural opening up of the shoulder in order to reach a standard mouse.
* Minimises prime desk space usage.
* Left and right units are small enough to be easily pushed aside while not in use.
* The units can be placed to the right and left of center, leaving a clearing for books or other items.
* The right unit features an integrated numeric keypad, making the combimouse perfect for data entry and navigating spreadsheets.
* Features a multi button mouse which is convenient for gaming, CAD and most other programs. It is the best system for First Shooter Gamers.
* The combimouse right unit can be used with a notebook to provide keyboard, mouse and numeric keypad functionality.

So I suppose the feature of being able to put a document directly in front of you without covering the keyboard is useful, and though it is not explained in detail, I could buy its usefulness for running CAD and similar programs. The pleas about effort and pain associated with moving your hand to the traditional mouse seems a little far fetched though. This is a good attempt at unique design, but I'm not convinced it is really solving any problem, and from the looks of it would require a substantial behavioral change on the part of the user, something we all know is bad for successful adoption of new products. As can be said for most interesting but not-so-useful designs, at least it would be a conversation piece!