griffin technology powermate 1040-pmt usb multimedia controller and input device aluminum pc mac
stylish 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 .