Griffin PowerMate: USB Multimedia Controller & Input Device > Reviews (2)

Can't remember where I found out about this thing, but immediately wanted one, and thanks to a very helpful German Ebay chap, it was in my possession soon afterwards !

Made of high-quality machined aluminum - I opted for the "limited edition" stealth black model - the Griffin Powermate looks like a solid volume knob pulled right off the front of a world-class stereo ! That's it's "default" function, as an external volume knob for your computer, plus mute/un-mute by pushing it, but it does so much more !

It's programmable, so you can quickly and easily configure it with the simple interface - see my uploaded picture - to execute any key dommand, in any application. You can also adjust the sensitivity (eg scroll speed) for maximum control.

There are 5 functions - rotate left, rotate right, click, "long" click click & rotate left, and click & rotate right.

I have configurations (that I actually use) for Media Player, MS Word, Outlook, Acrobat Reader

. In Media Player, I scroll through songs and playlists and select my next listen. In Word & Acrobat Reader, it's really just a big scroll knob, with the click & rotate's set up for page up / page down, while in Outlook, I use it to scroll through folders and messages.

Some of the more powerful key commands in applications can be found under its "Help" section, but the possibilities are endless...

The next option for me is to set it up to edit video with the Powermate functioning as a jog/shuttle wheel and using the button to "cut". Watch this space...

Setting up a new configuration is very easy, just hit the "Add Setting" button, select the running application (or other) in the dialog box (see uploaded pictures) and set what key command you want each Powermate action to send !

Installation was a doddle, just slot the USB plus into a spare port on your PC or USB hub, install the software/drivers from the CD and you're away !

Specifications:

- Height: 1.3 in. (33.4 mm)
- Diameter: 2.1 in. (53.8 mm)
- Weight: .26 lb. (.11 kg)
- Cable Length: 22" / 55cm
- USB Extension Cable Length: 40" / 100cm
- Solid anodized aluminum

Around the bottom of the Powermate, there's a ring of transparent plastic that glows blue. Turn the volume up and the glow gets brighter. Push mute, the light turns off. You can also set it to pulse all the time of only when your PC is idle.

The USB extension cable's a useful inclusion in the box as the 22" connected cable could be a little short if your PC is under your desk, for example...

For you Mac folks, I think there's even some software to make the light act as a "you've got mail" indicator !

System Requirements

- Mac: Mac OS 9.0.4 or greater, or OS X, USB port
- PC: Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP, USB port

UPDATE: There doesn't seem to be a "Compare Prices" tab of this item (?), but for those of you who like price and availability details in reviews, a quick check on Pricerunner today (17/04/06)shows that the Powermate is available from morecomputers.co.uk for £34.94 !

Its heavy weight and tactile feel - there's some nice resistance to the rotation - are a welcome departure from typical plasticy feelinfg USB peripherals, and although totally un-necessary (!), this is a funky gizmo that looks amazing to add to the bundle of wires coming out of the back of your computer.

I hope this helps...