Are you beginning to resemble the letter "C" from all the hours you spend surfing the Net while hunched over the mouse at your desk? Wish you could move over to that oh-so-comfortable couch on the other side of the room…but the keyboard’s cord is too short? You might want to consider the SurfMate™ wireless keyboard and mouse by U.S. Electronics.

The SurfMate™ uses an IR signal to transmit keyboard and mouse signals to the computer. The matchbox-sized receiver plugs into, and is powered by, the keyboard and mouse inputs. Easy-to-see Scroll, Caps, and Num Lock lights are in the receiver. This reduces the drain on the four AA batteries that power the notebook-sized 81-key keyboard. (The specs claim only 79 keys; our count includes the Windows95 keys).

A thumb mouse is situated on the right-hand side of the keyboard, with the right mouse button next to it. The left mouse button is on the left-hand side of the keyboard. This necessitates a two-handed approach to mouse control. However, with recessed grips on either side of the keyboard, this method feels very natural. You can, of course, swap mouse controls from within your operating system.

The advertised range of the IR signal is 45 feet, and the keyboard can be pointed away from the receiver by as much as 60 degrees. In my white-walled office it even worked 180 degrees of line. In fact, the only place the signal did not get through was directly under my desk.

While we did not perform a drop test, the unit seems constructed sturdily enough for use by a child or clumsy adult. It is also difficult for your average tinkerer to open. U.S Electronics seals the unit with star-head screws.

Our biggest complaint was that the plastic on the bottom of the keyboard was a bit slippery, causing it to slide around if not on a flat surface while in use. However, placing a soft pillow underneath the keyboard made it comfortable to use anywhere. Also, the thumb mouse takes a bit of getting used to. The left-hander in our office had the most difficulty with it.

At $129 ($159.95 list), the SurfMate™ is a luxury for most of us, but one well worth it if you want to break free of your desk.  For more information and complete specifications, visit U.S. Electronics (who may well have made your TV’s remote control) or the SurfMate homepage.