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Gyropoint Pro2, by Gyration, Inc.
The Gyropoint Pro2 is a prime example of when a good idea gets used in the most improper circumstances. It's difficult for new users to learn, makes presenting a nightmare, and causes AV technicians everywhere to curse its name. Your computer's cursor reacts to subtle movements of the Pro2, making Windows navigation very interesting at first, but more productive as you learn what it likes. There are also two buttons on the Pro2 that simulate left and right mouse buttons. This unit transmits using radio frequencies, making for a much more versatile user experience. After you get used to the technology, it becomes second nature and somewhat fun. The Gyropont Pro2, as with similar products by Gyration, Inc., can be connected to you PC or Laptop through a mouse port. Adapters allow for connection with PS2 and serial ports. For better control and redundancy, it is recommended that the Gyropoint and a hard-wired mouse be connected using something like the Y-Mouse adapter by PIEngineering. This is a good idea when using wireless technology under any critical circumstances, such as a quarterly financial meeting.
Pros: If you're looking for a way cool at home or office wireless mouse, this may be for you. It seems to work well at distances of around 50', but if your office is that big, please send $1 million to the address provided later. It's a cool idea that gets better with use. Although not accurate enough for graphics work (not unless you have the hands of a surgeon), it does well with navigation through windows and applications.
Cons: This device is not for use with presentations. New users usually begin their learning experience with the Pro2 through what appears to be a drug induced dance of some sort, not realizing that only subtle movements of the Pro2 are necessary to move the cursor. Interestingly enough, this phenomenon becomes more exaggerated as the size of the screen increases (I once saw a presenter leap off a six foot stage trying to get his cursor over to the start menu on a 15' x 20' screen. Ouch!). Another "disaster waiting to happen" is the wonderful battery saving feature that turns off the mouse after about 20 minutes of inactivity. Unfortunately, that leaves technicians sweating it out before a presentation or show begins, hoping that the mouse doesn't turn off. Turning the mouse back on is not obvious either. There is a small recessed button on the top of the mouse that must be held down for five seconds to "revive" the unit.
Final Say: This mouse is NOT for beginning presenters, but advanced users may find this to be a very useful tool.
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