Gyration - Ultra Professional Optical Suite

Retail Price $299 US

Website - Gyration

The Gyration Ultra Professional Optical Mouse in action.

We first saw the Ultra Professional Optical Mouse in action at Fall 2002 Comdex. Since then, we have had some time to test it out. We selected the Gyration Ultra Optical Mouse as our "best of show" at Fall 2002 Comdex, and our subsequent testing confirmed that the award was well placed. The ability to use this mouse on or away from a solid surface has taken our use of the computer connected to the high-definition television to new heights. No longer are we tethered to cables or forced to use less than optimal designs; we finally have a solution that works the way we really wanted it to work in the first place. This wireless mouse is also a great product for those who do presentations.

The secret of this device is the miniature gyroscopic motion sensor that is contained inside the body of the mouse. This lightweight device allows the tracking of the mouse in mid-air without the use of a solid surface. If you want to use the mouse on a solid surface, you can do that as well with its built-in optical tracking. The Ultra Professional Optical Suite also includes a wireless keyboard, second battery pack, GyroTools software, and charger. There is a standard and professional series, with the biggest difference between the two being the range. The professional series product offers a range of almost 100 feet.

The standard series product only offers a 25-foot range, but can be purchased in the combo package, which includes the wireless keyboard, for $99 US. In most cases, depending on your application, the standard series will work fine due to the effective and powerful RF transmitter in these devices. If you want the extended range for use in a large home theatre, for example, and you are going to have more than 25 feet between you and the receiver, opt for the professional version.

Impressive technology and a top-notch design contribute to making the Gyration Optical Suite in either version a unique and excellent gift choice.