Griffin Technology PowerMate 1040-PMT USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device (Aluminum, PC/Mac) by Griffin Technologies
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Griffin Technology PowerMate 1040-PMT USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device (Aluminum, PC/Mac)
Digital camera Review: Pretty Neat...
Summary: 5 Stars
This product is really cool if you are looking for an accessory to add that extra cool factor to your desk. It doesn't do a whole lot, but in my case I set it up to play a random song whenever I `click' it. It's fun to have if you've got an extra $... to burn. No complaints about it; it is what it is!Digital camera Review: Spiffy, but a bit overpriced
Summary: 4 Stars
The PowerMate is a really cool-looking controller knob. It's a hunk of brushed aluminum that glows blue at the bottom, and looks very neat on your desk. It's a functional controller knob beyond that; I'm still exploring what I can do with it, but the draw for me was probably more the cool factor rather than meeting a specific need.Griffin has new software (version 1.5.2) for Win 2K and XP, and this software seems to address some of the concerns posted by other reviewers, although the driver still isn't appropriately signed (dunno what M$FT charges for signing the drivers; might be prohibitive).
Digital camera Review: Unreliable Driver (XP)
Summary: 1 Stars
Nice knob. Bad software. Usually does not start when OS boots. If it does, it won't last long. You have to CONSTANTLY reinstall the driver to make it work for a while. Yes, Griffin is a "Mac" company and yes, PCs suck and all - yada-yada... None of the other USB devices I have fail like the Powermate does though. Hey, Griffin, hire someone who knows how to make the damned thing work, OK? Tech support is NO help. This product has been out long enough for this problem to have been resolved. They obviously aren't concerned.Digital camera Review: Worth it for scrolling alone
Summary: 5 Stars
Very cool, Very handy, Very nice design.
I love it. Scrolling is superb but also use it for other tasks in all apps. Like changing the brush size in Photoshop while painting with my Wacom tablet.
PowerMac 2.5GHZ G5
bit
Digital camera Review: Would be 4 stars if it worked...
Summary: 2 Stars
This is a beautiful device which is rendered mostly useless if you are a PC user by non-functional drivers (haven't used it on a mac so I can't comment).
The good: Very solid construction - this ain't no cheap hunk of plastic, the powermate is a nice, very solidly constructed, smooth metal device with a snazzy blue glowing led to make it even more cool. Your desk will look a lot more impressive with this device on it. Expect it to be blinking slowly all the time though, `cause that's what it does when it is not working. When it does work, it is a pretty nifty device. The provided software lets you re-map (with limitations) its uses for any individual program so you can set it to work as a shuttle controller for video editing, etc.
The bad: unfortunately, as noted by other reviewers, usability with XP is questionable. You generally have to unplug and re-plug in the device over and over -- about half the time this will make it work. Sometimes a re-start helps, often you have to reinstall the drivers as well. What does make it work is unpredictable, some days no problems, other it never works at all. If it was a brand new device, you might forgive Griffin and wait for them to release some new drivers, but since its been out for 3 years or so, it seems unlikely they have any intention of making their $45 volume control knob actually work for PC users. Too bad, since it would be a very useful device for some users, if it worked.
If you prefer usability over aesthetics, I'd highly recommend the "Contour Designs ShuttleXpress" line of controllers. The quality difference is immediately noticeable - the ShuttleXpress feels flimsy and is made of very lightweight plastic, but the it works like. It is highly programmable and does eveything the PowerMate would do if it worked, and mopre. The included controller software provides every manner of individualized control that the PowerMate lacks.
Bottom line (for PC users): Save your money -- it will annoy you more than it is worth -- It is really too bad Griffin has no interest in making this device actually work with PC's because it has the potential to be a great accessory.