Chris Gohlke
01-30-2009, 04:00 PM
<p>Like many of you, I've got a computer hooked up to my TV in the living room for occasional browsing, especially when I have friends over and we all want to see a YouTube video or something similar. I've been using a desktop wireless mouse and keyboard that I had laying around, but the range was just a bit shy of what I really needed. I'd seen other options, but they seemed kind of expensive just for occasional use. Then I came across the Gyrotransport Air-Mouse on Woot! and figured I'd give it a go.</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1230690688.usr10.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>After the break, I'll tell you how it worked out. <MORE /></p><p>The mouse is plug-and-play and does not require any special drivers for basic functionality. When I plugged it in, it immediately worked. Even thought they call it an Air-Mouse, it is really more of a pointer. The best way to describe it is by comparing it to a Wiimote without the sensor bar. To activate it, you simply press the larger of the two center buttons and your pointer begins to track your motions. The mouse also covers your normal left and right clicks, but does not support scrolling with the basic drivers. Once you install the specific drivers, you can then program the second button as well as enable profiles via the switch on the side.</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1230669958.usr10.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p><em>Figure 1: Remote with USB dongle docked in base</em></p><p>I had no range problems; of course I did not expect any as this mouse is rated for 100 feet using 2.4 GHz RF technology and I can't get more than 20 feet away and be in the same room. </p><p>Another nice feature is that the dongle has a built in 1 GB flash drive (which happens to have the drivers on it). As someone who occasionally teaches at conferences and such, this will also be my new travel companion. I've had a few occasions where I've gone to present and the hosts have failed to load my presentation properly or are having equipment issues with their own presenter mouse. Carrying along the Gyrotransport Air-Mouse to my presentations will give me one less thing to worry about at conferences in the future.</p><p>As this product is no longer listed on the manufacturer's website, I'm assuming it is discontinued in favor of some of their newer, fancier models. <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B000O7MKXY" target="_blank">Amazon.com currently lists these for $105.99</a> [Affiliate]. I don't know that I would pay that much for it, but if you keep an eye on Woot! (which is where I bought it) you should be able to pick one up for under $30, which I think is more than fair.</p><p><em>Chris Gohlke is a Contributing Editor for Digital Home Thoughts. He loves poker, RPGs, and Sci-Fi and loves to get his hands on real-life tech gadgets. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida, USA with his wife and three cats.</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>