Gyration GyroMouse Pro Review

Author : Wayne Date : 18th January 2001

Radeonic would like to thank Gyration, and in particular Marc Harris - Director, Marketing Communications for their invaluable help and generosity in supplying this mouse for review.

Introduction :

When Douglas Englebart invented the mouse (or X-Y Position Indicator as it was then known) back in 1964, I doubt he could have possible imagined just how much we would come to rely on, and take for granted, his incredible work. Surprisingly, although the mouse has seen some changes, it seems to have evolved at a fairly primitive pace when compared to the rest of the computer industry. Maybe it's just hard to improve on a good design.

Englebart's first mouse

Although the evolution of the mouse has been slow, there have been changes. First we saw optical technology introduced in 1981, not hugely successful as those original offerings needed a specially patterned mat to operate. In 1982, Logitech managed to combine optical and mechanical techniques to produce an optical mouse capable of being used without a special mat. Then in 1984, we saw the cord disappear with the first ever cordless mouse. In addition to these, we've seen innovations like the addition of a third button, the scroll wheel, side buttons and a whole host of weird and wonderful features many of which were relegated to the murky realm of "failed gimmicks".

With the elimination of the ball and the cord, there seemed very little else that designers and engineers could do to further improve the humble mouse, unless they could perhaps remove the need for an operating surface completely, and this is where the GyroMouse Pro comes into the story. No, I haven't been drinking! This really is a mouse that you can use in mid-air with no solid surface beneath it whatsoever. Before we get to the meaty bits, let's take a look at Gyration, the company behind the GyroMouse Pro.

 

Gyration is emerging as a leading supplier of interactive controllers in presentation and digital convergence markets by leveraging key technologies and patents during the markets' transformation from traditional analog media to interactive digital content.
Founded in 1989 and based in Saratoga, CA, Gyration currently employ around 20 staff and have multiple manufacturing partnerships throughout Asia for technology and product creation. Gyration also holds broad patents on its inertial tracking technology.

Specifications:

Manufacturer	Gyration Inc.
Part Number	GP9450-001
MSRP	$99
Product name	GyroMouse Pro
Setup	Plug and Play (no drivers required)
RF Range	40 feet (line of site not necessary)
RF Channels Available	8
Security Features	Digital Signature Feature
Mac Support	Yes with optional USB or ADB adapter
Patents	Incorporates 7 Gyration Inc. technology patents
Min. Software Requirements	Dos/Windows with compatible mouse driver Mac : Apple mouse driver
Min. Hardware Requirements	PC: PS/2, serial or USB (optional) port MAC: USB (optional) or ADB (optional) port OTHERS: USB (optional) with HID mouse support
Dimensions (inches)	Handset : H 1.7 W 2.2 D 5.1 Cradle : H 2.7 W 2.6 D 5.5
Weight	Handset : 5.5oz Cradle : 6oz
Warranty	12 months end user

 

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