I got this gel mouse pad as a bday gift from my friends back in 2001 or 2002 and until this day I still use it!  Although it is pretty worn out because after all I'v had it for about 10 years and I use it for hours each day, it is still completely functional.  It is a really great mouse pad, very durable and very comfortable.  I cannot imagine switching to a regular flat mouse pad.  If I use a regular flat mouse pad or no mouse pad at all, my wrist starts hurting after about 15-20 minutes.  This doesn't happen with the gel mouse pad because it keeps my wrist straight.  I highly recommend it to anyone... or if at least not this specific one, definitely use a mouse pad that has the gel wrist support.