As web surfers begin to use the Internet from their living rooms, new input device, other than conventional keyboards and mice are needed. Virtual Industrial Technology has created the UniCon that functions as a wireless mouse, trackball, keyboard and handheld remote control.

In the closed position, pictures above, it functions just like a TV remote control that you can hold in the palm of your hand. Place it on a mouse pad and it works like a conventional mouse.

When the UniCon is opened, it exposes a membrane keyboard that can be used for short entries. (I don't recommend it for word processing since the key spacing is quite small, but it works fine for entering information in an e-commerce order.) On the right side of the keyboard is the trackball. The people at Virtual Industrial Technology cleverly used the "other side" of the mouse as a trackball.

The Virtual Industrial Technology UniCon also:

- includes an 86 key membrane keyboard

- features a 2 button mouse

- supports Windows 95/98/2000

- uses a 3 volt battery for power

- uses infrared for communication (37.9 kHz signal) which is good for 150 feet

- is estimated to retail for under $50

- is 5.3 inches long, 2.6 inches wide and 1.39 inches high when closed

- is 9.82 inches long, 2.6 inches wide and .91 inches high when opened

Copyright © 2006 Rick Smith All rights reserved.