"Technology was developed to prevent exhausting labor. It is now dedicated to trivial conveniences." -- B.F. SKINNER
That Skinner guy was a smart man, but he obviously never tried the Gyration Ultra Cordless Optical Suite. If he had, he'd be forced to acknowledge that this particular technology package both saves you aches and pains at end of the day and gives you lots of fun, convenient features.
The Gyration Ultra Cordless Optical Suite features the Ultra mouse, an optical mouse with scroll wheel that can be used either on a desktop or in the air, and a compact RF keyboard. This Win/Mac suite includes a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse with rechargeable NiMH battery, 80Hz RF receiver, charging cradle for the mouse, AC adapter, and four AAA batteries for the keyboard. It includes manuals for both keyboard and mouse, as well as a quick-install fold-out illustration.
Setup is simple. Gyration doesn't use any software drivers. First, you connect the recharging cradle to an AC outlet and the radio receiver to your computer's USB port. Then you press a "Learn" button on the receiver and "Teach" buttons on the corner of the keyboard and bottom of the mouse. This lets the three devices agree upon which one of eight radio channels they'll use.
The mouse, which resembles a Norelco electric shaver, quickly became my new best friend. The ergonomic design encourages subtle wrist motions and a very light touch, making hand cramps a thing of the past. The scroll wheel, which can be clicked to auto-scroll mode, is especially handy. As soon as you pick up the Ultra mouse, its optical sensor shuts off in favor of its gyroscope. By squeezing a trigger on the underside of the mouse, you can wave your hand in the air and move the cursor around the screen. When you're ready to click, you simply let go of the trigger and click as usual. With its 25-foot range, I can see how the Gyro mouse would be handy in presentations or home theatres. I find myself content just to use it as a regular desktop mouse.
The wireless keyboard comes in both standard and compact sizes. I chose the compact size because I liked the smooth glide of its low-profile scissor-mechanism keys. Because my compact wireless keyboard weighs just 18 ounces, it's easy to move around. I find I no longer have backaches at the end of the day from sitting too long in one position. If you prefer a full-sized keyboard and regular punch-style keys, get the Ultra GT + Full Size Keyboard Suite, which costs $20 less. It comes with an ergonomic keyboard and detachable wrist-rest. Both keyboards have a 25-ft. cordless range and 15 hotkeys for Internet browsing, mail and multimedia control.
If you've never heard of Gyration before, you will soon. This product is a winner.
