ITWales.com
Ultra GT Mobile Keyboard Suite
By Basheera Khan
Getting started
In air cursor control
Coming soon - Professional Kit
Pricing and availability
With the introduction of its new Ultra GT Mouse, Gyration Inc. offers users something truly different; the ability to use your mouse without a desk or mousepad in sight.
The Ultra GT Cordless Optical Mouse is touted as the most technologically advanced cordless mouse on the market
today, and within just a few moments of using it, it's easy to
believe the claim. Built on Gyration's patented GyroPoint and radio frequency (RF) technologies, the Ultra GT is the only wireless mouse that can be used both on and away from the desktop.
Gyration also offers users two wireless keyboard suite options - the Ultra GT Full-Size Keyboard featuring a full-size 104 standard-key keyboard, and the Ultra GT Mobile Keyboard featuring a small,
portable keyboard with a standard 88-key keypad. Both keyboards are equipped with 15 Internet and multimedia hot keys, and a 30-foot range from the receiver. The keyboards use standard Windows
keyboard drivers and require no additional software.
The products are sold separately and in bundles; itwales.com tested the Ultra GT Compact Keyboard Suite, comprised of the Ultra GT mobile keyboard and mouse. Additional items supplied with the
bundle included a charging cradle and power cord for recharging the mouse, a USB radio receiver and GyroTools, a Windows software application that allows the user to assign commonly used tasks
to in-air gestures.
Setting up the Ultra GT Cordless Optical Mouse is easy and should take less than ten minutes. No special drivers or software is required for installation. As it is completely USB driven, setting up begins
with simply plugging the RF receiver into an available USB port.
The next step is to press the 'Learn' button on the receiver, while your computer is powered and running, and hold for two seconds. This sets the receiver to a mode in which it will scan for RF signals in
the vicinity, and it's at this point that you introduce the mouse and keyboard to the receiver by pressing the 'Teach' button on either device.
Once the RF receiver has synchronized with the keyboard and mouse, you can begin the process of adjusting to the freedom of movement that comes with being able to use your mouse in the air,
although as . the Ultra GT mouse is also a high-performing optical desktop mouse, it can be used in either manner.
In air cursor control is an entirely new way of controlling your PC, and Gyration offers first-time users the following tips:
-
Hold the mouse using a relaxed handshake position. Use your index finger to access the activation trigger on the bottom of the
mouse and your thumb to access the top
buttons.
-
Moving the cursor: Press and hold the activation trigger and move the cursor by flexing only your wrist while keeping your arm and body stationary. The scroll wheel and left and right mouse buttons
function identically when used in-air or on the desktop.
-
Sit back and relax: While your natural inclination may be to hold and point the mouse like a television remote control it is not necessary to hold the device in that way. Sit back and relax in a position
and distance from your monitor that is comfortable for you. You do not need to have line of sight contact with either your monitor or the Receiver to control the cursor. Your simple hand gestures,
whether on your lap or down by your side, will move the cursor across the screen.
In-air mouse use is particularly recommended for presenters, gamers and anyone who spends most of their time surfing the web. It could also make your life much easier if you suffer from repetitive strain
injury (RSI); with a standard desktop mouse your posture options are dictated by the requirement of having one arm extended to your desktop, whereas in-air use allows you to lean back away from your
desk and rest that arm in your lap or armrest in a comfortable position.
Other features include a high bandwidth radio that transmits data up to 160% faster than other cordless mice, resulting in smoother tracking and faster response, and my personal favourite, the
recharging cradle which you can drop the mouse into at the end of the day, ensuring it will be powered up for more in-air use the following day.
Gyration will soon be shipping the Ultra Professional Desktop Suite featuring a technologically superior cordless mouse and full-size keyboard set. Ultra Professional is designed for presenters, teachers
and anyone else who wants to deliver the highest quality PC-based presentations. The Ultra Professional mouse features a generous 100-ft. range, giving presenters the freedom to interact with
audience members throughout the room. And unlike infrared models, there are no line-of-sight limitations.
The GT Mobile Keyboard Suite retails for around £120.
Staples
Web:
http://www.staples.co.uk
MultiVision Audio Visual Ltd.
Web:
http://www.gbint.co.uk
MEDIUM UK Ltd.
http://www.medium.co.uk
Anders & Kern UK
http://www.anders-kern.co.uk
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