Joined on 05/30/07
Good - Takes Time
Pros: The NIA does work for me. It took a few days to understand the software setup. There are four "Joystick" windows that allow you to program many computer commands in each joystick mode. Basically, you set different levels via slider controls and then set up the functions you want the different levels to trigger. At the moment, I'm trying to start off simple and have mine set to accomplish the following in a First Person Shoter Game. Fire - Alt Fire - Weapon Select - Jump I use both muscle control and glance control. I find the commands mentioned to be easy to accomplish and work each time. There is one more window that is called the Switch mode and this allows you to set up as many as three commands in this window. The switch setup is for quick reaction commands like shoot or jump in a FPS. I only use one switch command at the moment.
Cons: I agree that the grounding issue is something that you will have to find your own solution for. For me, I simply slide the small NIA box under my pants leg. You do need a little extra hobby time on you hands to get everything just the way you want it.
Overall Review: Great Tech Support but as usual, it's sometimes takes leaving a message for them to get back with you.
Kicks Off All the Time - Windows 7
Pros: None
Cons: Kicks off over and over in Windows 7. Absolutely ZERO tech support.
Overall Review: Do not buy this. It's too much of a gamble because of Zero Tech Support. Yes I did update the drivers on their web site.
Correction - My Mistake - Sorry!
Pros: After a lot of trouble shooting trying dfferent Butooth adapters and a different brand keyboard the issues were with my computer.
Cons: Microsoft has weak email support and was no help in solving my bluetooth Windows 7 issue.
Overall Review: I tried this keyboard on a different Windows 7 machine and it worked without any issues. Sorry for making a confusing review but as I have learned Bluetooth can be a big confusing hassle. I hope this keyboard works for you but if not, take a look at the wireless MS Arc.
Exceptional
Pros: I had tried a couple of Bluetooth keyboards including the MS mobile 6000 and it was a very nice device but I had Bluetooth issues because of my computer and not the keyboard. I like this one just as much. I'm sitting 7 feet away from the USB transceiver. I experimented up to 14 feet away without any issues. I did not try it at a distance past that. Also, I like the position of the Ctrl, ESC and Del keys for my CAD work.
Cons: None so far but I'm just starting to use it.
Overall Review: I like the arrow key being one button. Some call this the D Pad. The keys have a nice tactile feel and the keyboard is easy to type on. It's small but not so small that you have to strain to type.
Logitech M570 - Very Good
Pros: I’ve used Logitech trackballs for over 10 years and this one seems to be a little smoother but my other track balls worked well. I think this one has a better wireless range which is what I needed. I initially had the tiny USB receiver plugged into the back of my computer as I tried out a 9.5 foot distance and that was a little too far for reliable accuracy in my case. I connected the receiver to a USB extension cord and found that at about 8 feet the trackball worked well. If you have a keyboard or other Logitech device that uses the same USB dongle receiver, it will also work off the same receiver.
Cons: Just like my other track balls, this one has just a bit of play in the ball that you feel sometimes but this is a small issue to me and I like using this thumb type device much better than a mouse.
Overall Review: When you first try it it will be a bit stiff but it will smooth out after you use it for 5 or 10 minutes. The same thing will happen after you clean the ball. It seems to need a a little skin oil to roll around smoothly.
K360 Keyboard - It's OK
Pros: The price is great for a small keyboard and it can send a reliable signal up to about 8 feet in my case. The USB receiver is as small as they get. The battery life is great. Also if you use other Logitech devices that use the same dongle receiver, one will work for both, up to six I think. The name Logitech on a product is always a plus for me.
Cons: The overall quality is a bit low but for the price it's OK. I didn't like the feel of the key strokes or the plastic tactile feel of the keys plus they are raised up too much for my personal preference. The keyboard sometimes makes a bit of a plastic cracking sound when you handle it. It’s OK but I’m use to Logitech’s higher end products.