Griffin Technology PowerMate 1040-PMT USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device (Aluminum, PC/Mac)
by Griffin Technologies
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: Griffin TechnologiesPlatform: Mac, Windows
Model: 3260-PMBK
Color: Aluminum
Product features:
- Assignable USB controller knob for managing volume, scrubbing audio files, or scrolling video frames
- Easy-to-program settings can control virtually any function on your computer
- Compatible with any application that uses key commands
- Striking machined-aluminum housing with pulsing blue base
- Includes installation CD-ROM and 40-inch extension cable; 1-year warranty
Digital camera reviews of Griffin Technology PowerMate 1040-PMT USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device (Aluminum, PC/Mac)
Digital camera Review: A great addition to my setup.. I just wish it was more reliable.
Summary: 4 Stars
I've owned this item for about 6 months now and love it.
It's become an invaluable accessory for my PC Setup alongside a Wacom tablet.
The design looks much like the volume dial found on audio receivers but does much more.
I'll start off by saying that I use this on Windows XP (since people seem to have mixed reactions from different Operating Systems) and found it very easy to configure.
Once installing the included software you're able to assign program-specific functions to each 'button' on the device. At first glance it looks as if it just turns left or right but it actually has 3 additional input options: Click (pressing down the center of the device), Click and Left (Click the button down and (while holding it) rotate it left) and Click and Right. 5 Functions total which is a nice start for most programs.
As I said, you assign specific functions to each program meaning that in iTunes it can be a volume control (using left and right) and song control (Click + Left or Right), in IE it can be used to scroll up and down, in Windows photo viewer it can zoom in/out, in video editing applications it can be used as a jog dial, etc..
I use mine mainly as a volume control, jog dial and zoom tool for photoshop. I find that it helps greatly with these applications (more than you would actually assume) - being able to use this in one hand and a Wacom tablet in the other while working in Photoshop has greatly increased my productivity in the application. The volume control works great for me since my PC audio is connected to a surround sound system across the room and lets me adjust volume levels without switching back and forth between programs.
The blue light is very nice looking and can be customized (such as off when turned to the left (or the volume is off) and full brightness when turned all the way up - it can also be programmed to 'pulse' on and off. The design of the device is also very sleek for its selling price. I could see an apple version similar to this selling for 3-4 times the price easily.
With that said, there is a problem with it. For some reason, whenever I reboot my PC the device acts as if its not plugged in, causing me to unplug and reconnect it each time. I dont reboot often (maybe once a week) so the hassle isn't too bad - for people who reboot daily or multiple times per day, this can be a real deal breaker. Others seem to have the same problem and I havent found any fix for it yet.
With this issue aside, it works perfect for what I need it for. Even as just a volume knob for my uses would have been a nice investment - the fact it does so much more is just fantastic!
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UPDATE 11/02/2007:
After getting my new Vista PC last month, I was interested in how well this device would work. Fortunately Griffin has released a "beta" version of the software for Vista (and XP), and so far it runs much better than the previous versions.
The software itself looks a little different but works much like the original version. The only 2 features that I really noticed are that you can now run multiple Powermates on one system (so if you want one as a volume knob as well as one for a jog-dial, you can do this now (I believe - the software shows "Powermate 1" and "Powermate 2" customization)). The other (and more useful) difference is that the thing actually works now!
What I mean by that is that it will now start automatically with the PC (the big gripe before was everytime you restarted the PC you needed to unplug and plug back in the powermate or else it wouldn't work). This seems to be fixed now, but did bring in a new problem with it:
When you first use the Powermate after letting it sit idle, it takes a second to "wake up" and perform the action. This means that if you quickly turn the volume all the way down it will take a second before making the adjustment. If you change the volume again afterwards it will work fine in real-time as long as you don't leave it idle for more than a few minutes (then it will 'sleep' again and take a second to perform the action you wanted).
UPDATE 11/09/07:
Wow, Only 1 week after my last update and Griffin has released an update to the software fixing almost all of the issues I had (such as the delay in 'waking up').
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Summary of Griffin Technology PowerMate 1040-PMT USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device (Aluminum, PC/Mac)
Fully programmable USB audio knobStylish, versatile, and extremely functional, the Griffin PowerMate universal controller may look like a mere volume knob, but don't be fooled--it can also jog through video footage while editing, scroll through long text documents, and zoom in and out of Photoshop images. And those are just a few of its potentially hundreds of functions. How can a simple two-direction knob do all this? By letting users configure the functions themselves via their computers' system preferences. In other words, the PowerMate's functions are defined almost entirely by the user's imagination and creativity.
The PowerMate works by sending keyboard shortcuts, called key commands, to your computer. For example, users can set the PowerMate to open a new Microsoft Word document by inputting [command + D], or highlight text by inputting [command + shift + left arrow]. Each setting corresponds to one of the PowerMate's six main movements: rotate left, rotate right, click, long click, rotate left with click, and rotate right with click. The default configuration controls your computer's volume, along with specific audio applications such as iTunes. However, the PowerMate also comes with several preset configurations for such programs as iPhoto, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and allows the user to change the settings or add new ones (for virtually any application) based on their needs.
Design and Setup
With its heavy-duty, black housing that sits atop a pulsing blue light, the PowerMate just looks cool. Many owners have compared it to the volume knobs on high-end stereo receivers, and the description is apt. It's also cleverly engineered, as the blue light responds to your commands, brightening when the volume increases, for example, and dimming when you turn it down. Its main cord is only 22 inches long, but it comes with a 40-inch extension so you can position it either next to your mouse or on the opposite side for two-handed control.
The PowerMate, which connects to your computer's USB port, includes an installer CD, with separate folders for Mac OS 9; OS X; Windows 98, 98 SE, and Me; and Windows 2000 and XP, along with an Acrobat user's manual. Griffin has been making Apple accessories since 1992, so it shouldn't come as any surprise that the PowerMate is a little Mac friendlier. Mac users merely need to run a basic installation and restart their computers and the PowerMate is ready to go. Windows users, on the other hand, will also have to configure their PCs to recognize the USB device and then update their drivers, among other hurdles. It shouldn't take terribly long, but it's not exactly plug-and-play either.
Features and Performance
Simply put, we dig this device. For applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, it's mostly just a fun add-on, as it doesn't do much that a mouse doesn't do just as well (though Mac users will doubtless appreciate the scrolling function). However, the potential of the device increases exponentially when applied to editing software. In GarageBand, for instance, you can set the PowerMate to play, pause, rewind, record, and skip measures--a far more convenient method than clicking the buttons or keys. You can also use the PowerMate as a jog/shuttle dial when editing your home movies. You can even adjust the speed of the action--a slow speed will leisurely advance the frames, while a quick speed will fly right through them. We tinkered with the PowerMate in iPhoto as well, setting it to zoom in and out of images (as suggested in the manual) and rotate them left and right.
It takes a while to adjust to the PowerMate, as your first instinct is to use it like a mouse. But you'll soon realize that shifting the knob across your desk doesn't accomplish much, so you'll be forced to develop a better feel. Many music and video editors will likely opt for two-handed control, managing the PowerMate in the left hand and the mouse in the right. Users should also test a variety of key commands in each application, as it's not immediately clear which functions are merely fun and which are genuinely convenient. But the more you play with the PowerMate, the more you realize its potential.
On the whole, the PowerMate is a blast, especially if you spend a lot of time laboring in multimedia applications. That doesn't mean it's a great fit for everyone--people who work exclusively in Word or Excel might find it overhyped. But you'd be hard pressed to find a desktop peripheral with more promise for audio and video professionals. --Rivers Janssen
Pros
- Assignable knob controls virtually any function on your computer
- Ideal for audio/video editing applications, music jukeboxes, games, and more
- Easy to program; works with any application that uses key commands
- Cool black housing with glowing blue base
Cons
- PC setup is a bit cumbersome
- Takes time to realize full potential
What's in the Box
PowerMate USB controller, 40-inch USB extension cable, CD-ROM with installation software, Adobe Acrobat user's manual (on CD).
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