Gyration Pro Gyrotransport

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CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
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Product summary

The good: Small size; RF receiver includes 1GB USB key; useful software for adding macros.

The bad The bad: No optical sensor for traditional mousing; expensive.

The bottom line: Gyroscopic mice such as the Gyration Pro Gyrotransport are an acquired taste but one that dedicated users swear by.

Specifications: Form factor: External; Compatibility: PC, Mac; Battery size: AAA type; See full specs

Price range: $129.97 - $138.63

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
Reviewed on: 10/16/2006
Released on: 01/08/2006

After years of ergonomically incorrect computer use, many people suffer from a tennis-elbow-like condition sometimes called "mouse arm," causing pain in the wrist and forearm. One solution is a gyroscopic mouse, held in the hand like a remote control, which is a much more natural position for the wrist. A company called Gyration has carved out a unique niche with its line of gyroscopic input devices. The tiny $199 Gyrotransport is a good (although expensive) alternative to the traditional travel-size optical mouse, and while primarily intended for controlling things such as PowerPoint presentations, is also useful for home theater PCs and multimedia laptops.

Measuring 1.25 inches wide, 2.5 inches long, and about 1 inch deep, the Gyrotransport is held in the hand with the forefinger resting underneath and the thumb on top. When activated, the mouse pointer effortlessly follows your hand movements across the screen. Unlike the Nintendo Wii control, for example, the gyroscope is only concerned with the device's orientation, not its relative location to a screen or receiver. Additionally, the RF receiver, housed in a USB key, requires no direct line of sight and claims a 100-foot range. The USB key also includes 1GB of storage--useful for bringing a multimedia presentation into a meeting, loading it up via the USB key, and controlling the show from a distance with the Gyrotransport.

Installation didn't require any special drivers, just standard Windows device installation. Because Windows recognizes the Gyrotransport as a mouse, an RF receiver, and a USB storage device, several runs through the new hardware wizard are required.

Controlling the cursor is accomplished by moving your wrist. The required motion is subtle, but it can be adjusted, just like with any other mouse, from the Windows control panel, to allow for increased or decreased sensitivity in mouse movement. By default, the mouse cursor won't move unless your thumb is holding down an activation button on the top of the mouse. Press the thumb button, move the cursor where you want it, then release the button to keep the cursor in place while you click the left or right mouse buttons, which are also thumb controlled and located on the top of the Gyrotransport. It may sound complicated, but as a long-time gyroscopic mouse user, it's actually very intuitive after a day or two of practice. Freeform control is also available by double-clicking the thumb button.

See more CNET content tagged:: wrist,; mouse,; optical mouse,; receiver,; cursor

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Gyration Pro Gyrotransport

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