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Ultra GT Compact Keyboard Suite |
March 31, 2005 |
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As any long time HTPC user can tell you, the biggest problem has
been controlling the system from the couch. There are several
remotes on the market that let you use most common TV functions, but
one of the nicer aspects of building your own HTPC setup is that you
also get a full fledged PC. You have a system that can tune in
TV, act as a PVR to record all your shows to a hard drive, play music,
surf the web, retrieve E-mail and even do some gaming ...if only there
were a way to do those things from the couch. Enter the Gyration
Ultra GT Compact Keyboard Suite. I have spent months with this
remarkable set up and I can say without question that there is no
better alternative for HTPC users. The entire system functions as
advertised, and in some cases even better. Finally a means of
control for my HTPC setup that really works for everything, not just
the TV portion.
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Included are the compact 88 key keyboard, the Gyration mouse, a
recharging cradle for the mouse, a USB powered receiver, 4 AA
batteries, the Gyrotools CD and instructions. I would like to
make my usual complaint here about tamper proof packaging that require
the jaws of life to open. I HATE it. If my 68 year old
mother has trouble opening the packaging, it is too hard to open.
It is supposed to prevent theft etc. I know, but I was still short some
batteries, so the wrestling was pointless. It does, however, get
you the goods unharmed so I wont score it a ZERO.
Section Score: 5 out of 10
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It is small, unobtrusive, and easy to use. Words that will warm
the heart of any HTPC user I am sure. Plug the 5 foot USB cable
into an available USB port, raise the little antenna, press and hold
the learn button located on top for a few seconds. Then press the
teach button located on the keyboard so they can make a connection and
repeat with the teach button located on the bottom of the mouse, and
you're in business. There is no required software to install and
nothing to have running in the background hogging system
resources. You can install the GyroTools software if you
want the added functionality. Additionally, you can change RF channels
if you want to run more than one unit in the same house or
office. I run 2 in the house without any problem. Keep in
mind that these products have a lot of power and range, unlike your
typical wireless keyboard and mouse, so the ability to change RF is
very handy. I was also able to run the mouse on my HTPC in
addition to a local mouse also attached to the PC. This is nice
when your HTPC doubles as a traditional work machine. You can sit
down, grab the local mouse, and do your thing without having to go out to the living room and grab the wireless Gyro mouse.
Section Score: 10 out of 10
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I know the gyration in air ability of the mouse gets a lot of
attention, but the keyboard is also an amazing little marvel unto
itself. It is, as advertised, very compact. If you work
all day at a desktop workstation typing letters and such, it might not
be your first choice, although I do use mine for that, and I love
it. The keys have a wonderful spring that is quiet yet
solid. The media buttons are clearly labeled and
unobtrusive. All the usual suspects can be found for controlling
media players like volume up/down, play/pause and so forth. The other buttons for web surfing and opening mail are also
present. In addition to the compact size and great feel of the
keys, the range is quite good. The advertised range is 30 feet,
but I am able to use them at 50 feet without issue. Your mileage
may vary, but I feel confident that 30 feet is the minimum you would
get depending on walls and other obstacles in your home. It
looks good sitting on a couch or coffee table also. I did add a 3
inch by 10 inch piece of black felt to the bottom to keep it from
sliding off my lap if I dozed off. It also keeps it on the couch,
and is simple to apply if you use some spray-on adhesive.
Spray the felt-NOT the keyboard. Before the addition of the felt,
the keyboard did take numerous trips to the floor, all without incident
or breakage. The solidly built quality is more than skin deep.
If there is one problem, it would be the battery life. The provided
batteries lasted about 10 days under heavy 12 hour a day use in games
and working conditions, and they were not what I would call
quality batteries. The second set of high end AAA's lasted
just over 2 weeks. Keep in mind that I used the keyboard HARD
during that time, with at least one key mashed down almost
constantly--think games and W A S D. The transmitter
does deliver the distance and as a result, when the batteries go, they die without
warning. I spent 10 bucks on rechargable AAA's and
it is a non-issue at this point. I have a second unit that is
used at the couch exclusively for my HTPC, and the batteries last much
longer. Six weeks at least under the lighter loads. I
understand that the ability to use the products at such great distances
with such reliability does require some power, but at a retail price of
U.S. $119.95 I think rechargable batteries should be included.
Section Score: 10 out of 10
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| May, 2013 |
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