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Unlike other cordless suites currently available, the Gyration version offers an impressive radio range of eight metres. It is perhaps because of this extended radio range and transfer rate of 80 Hz, as against the 50 Hz and 30 Hz quoted by Logitech and Microsoft for their respective products, that the Gyration receiver unit has a rear-mounted antennae. This receiver, which connects to an available USB port, provides feedback via a series of status LEDs that decorate the front of the unit. You can teach the receiver to recognise up to eight devices by using different channels but only two can be used simultaneously.

The keyboard, powered by four AAA batteries, manages to cram not only the full range of alpha-numeric and function keys but also 15 Internet and multimedia hot keys that require no additional software when using Windows Me or later. I use the word “cram” advisedly as this keyboard could almost be described as mini, measuring, as it does, 32 x 15cm (L x W). Compare this to a more standard keyboard size of 48 x 22cm and you can appreciate the space saving feature of the Gyration unit.

See also: Keyboards and Mice

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However this reduction in size does have its downside, especially for those with large hands, as adjustments will need to be made in the positioning of fingers. I find that the reduced space to be constricting with the result that my typing speed, never fast at the best of times, decreased while typing errors increased. But then I am self-taught and no doubt have my share of non-standard typing techniques.

While the keyboard saves on desk space, some of this will immediately be reclaimed by the mouse and its accompanying furniture. The mouse itself is slightly slimmer than many other rodents but you also get a charging cradle which takes up space. This mouse-housing unit not only provides a base for storing the mouse when not in use but also keeps the supplied NiMH battery pack fully charged. An LED indicator, positioned just behind the rubberised scroll wheel, keeps you informed as to the battery status of this two-buttoned mouse.

Along with its battery-charging facility, optical technology and 8 metre wireless range, the Gyration mouse has an in-air feature. Normally a mouse will require a fairly rigid surface in order to work but that is not the case with the Gyration unit. By pressing a based-located trigger switch and then moving the mouse through the air, the on-screen cursor will track the motion of your hand. Left/right mouse buttons and scroll wheel activity will also be recognised. This in-air capability comes into its own when you need to control the computer from a distance.

Although you do not need any additional software for the basic Gyration Ultra Suite, the company has produced its own software suite entitled Gyratools. Consisting of 75 different tools, these have been categorised into sections that include Internet, PowerPoint, Presentations, Multimedia and Windows. Using these tools you can set various mouse control sequences to perform a range of functions. For example you can bring up a digital clock, magnify the screen, and turn the cursor into a highlighter pen plus cut, copy and paste. These functions work in both traditional mouse mat mode and when the mouse is operating in-air.

Both of these products have been priced at £99.95. While this is a reasonable price for the Gyration Ultra Suite with its recharging facility and in-air feature, it does seem excessive for the tools which will not appeal to everybody. For more information about both items you can either ring 0870-458-0011 or visit www.euro-tech.co.uk or http://www.gyration.com/ultragt-compact.htm