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The
Keyboard
At
about two thirds the size of a regular keyboard the
Gyration unit is a compact but seemingly high quality
setup. I'm not entirely sure I know why Gyration chose
to design such a small keyboard, presumably it's all
a matter of portability which would be a bonus for
their presentation related products but has less value
in this desktop focussed package. Other than size
though the keyboard, like the mouse, looks and feels
like a very high quality piece of kit. The keys themselves
have a nice action, in part thanks to Gyration's use
of scissor-action key switches.
For
users of laptops or even those who have a regular
or small form factor PC incorporated into their home
entertainment setup the compact nature of this keyboard
is likely to be more in keeping with the decor and
it's undoubtedly more comfortable in your lap than
a full sized keyboard would be so again it's about
striking a balance between size and functionality
and while it's a point that could be argued about
all day I think Gyration are pretty close with their
final decision.
The
keyboard comes with the increasingly comon sprinkling
of special function buttons. To the left are the audio
function buttons which you can use to progress backwards
or forwards through your CD or tracklist, Play/Pause
button, Mute button and volume up and down control.
While
over on the right are your Internet and browser functions
with which you can progress backwards and forwards
through your viewed pages, return to your home page,
open your favorites list, refresh, search, stop and
fire up your email software.
The
fact that Gyration offer an optional hard clam-shell
cover for the keyboard does suggest it was built with
portability very much in mind but thanks to the responsive
keys you can actually maintain a good typing rate
after allowing yourself a little time to get used
to it.
With
a range of around 100ft and a battery life expected
to be in excess of four months my only gripe is that
it isn't rechargeable and my only question is why
isn't it?
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