Cideko Air Keyboard motion controller

The navigation pad in the top-left corner can be used to scroll within applications in either the vertical or horizontal planes. It came into its own when used with Google's StreetView allowing for a smooth 360° rotation of view.

Get a grip!

Hold down the button in the middle of the navpad and you can use the Air's motion sensor to pan around documents and web pages.

If the keyboard design has a failing it's the absence of a backlight, a problem in the subdued lighting of your average domestic lounge.

Power comes from a couple of AA batteries one of which sits in each hand grip for perfect balance, and Cideko reckons a fresh pair of cells will give you 50 hours of use. Battery life is helped by the Air's ability to put itself to sleep if not used or moved for four minutes.

Verdict

As an media centre controller, the Air has a lot going for it. It's small and light, and the accelerometer lets you move the mouse cursor around your TV screen with ease. You can even type at a fair old clip. It may lack the style or out-of-sight intuitiveness of the Glide Navigator - reviewed here - but at under £70 its half the price and packs in more functionality. ®

Thanks to Firebox.com for the review sample

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