The receiver unit is USB (sorry PS/2 fans!). Getting the unit to listen to the mouse, is a very simple case of "teach and learn". Pressing a button on each and they are talking without problems. If there are conflicts with other wireless devices, the "conflict" light will turn on. This unit boasts a 25ft (7.8m) range. That's quite impressive for a mouse. A nice touch is the fact the unit has Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock lights on the unit and will light up matching your keyboard. I'm assuming if you buy their wireless keyboard it can run on the same unit.

The first thing I tested, was it's ability to be an optical mouse. It has two buttons and a wheel. I'm glad it doesn't have those annoying extra buttons that Microsoft mice have on the side - I always press those when I least want to. The wheel is nice, you can feel when it's moved a notch without having that over-notchy feel. The mouse itself is high resolution and glides over the surface of my desk with ease. Its ergonomic shape fits nicely in my hand. In general it's a nice optical mouse.

Of course, the main selling point for this mouse is its in-air ability - this is when that 25ft range comes in handy! Holding it in your hand is much like a remote control (with your thumb being the main button presser). It is well designed for this with its curved underbelly. Just in the right place for your primary finger, is the "activation" button. When this is pressed, the mouse now reacts to the movements of your wrist. This is excellent for presentations, and perhaps controlling a computer that is plugged into TV. With a little practice, it's not hard to get very accurate results. Although I feel it is worth talking about this aspect a little more, the concept is a simple one and it does it well!

One of the biggest drawback to using this device in an in-air environment is the lack of a keyboard. What is the point of playing Quake when you don't have a keyboard nearby to perform all the other functions of the game. Even web browsing needs a keyboard a lot of the time. You may as well be using it at a desk.

In conclusion. This is a very well built optical mouse - it is a pleasure to use. But unless you particularly want the in-air ability, £79.99 is a lot of money for a cordless optical mouse. It is definitely at people that do need this ability - and this it does well and is well worth the extra £. An excellent choice for presentations and the like.

It is available direct from dabs.com (a leading UK e-tailer) and more information can be found on Gyration's Website.

Spode

"This is a very well built optical mouse - it is a pleasure to use."

<< Back | 1 | | 2 | Next >>