What's the best presentation controller?

April 7, 2009 4:11 AM

What are the best presentation controllers?

I have two requirements: it must use radio, rather than infrared and needs to interface via USB (preferably without needing software installed) rather than Bluetooth.

The smaller and easier to use it is the better - I don't need a built in mouse, laser pointer, etc.

posted by alby to computers & internet (5 comments total)

I worked on a bunch of large corporate shows, and the best RF controller is the D'San Perfect Cue. It is automatically detected on a usb port and has a really extensive range. It. Just. Works. Google for more infos (I'm on iPod - can't copy).
posted by ddaavviidd at 4:24 AM on April 7

The Perfect Cue is overkill for most people's needs. If you aren't regularly working with an A/V tech, or presenting in huge rooms (i.e., you're 300 feet from your laptop), it won't be worth the investment.

I absolutely love my SmartDisk PowerPlay Pro -- it's small and lightweight, and the receiver doubles as a flash drive! -- but they don't make it anymore. If I had to replace it, I'd probably get a Honeywell Mini Power Presenter, which seems to be the only product currently on the market that was designed with an acknowledgment that the user might want to do something with their hands other than clutch a remote, and that only one button is going to get 90 percent of the product's use.
posted by jjg at 5:18 AM on April 7

The Interspace Microcue fits the bill perfectly.
posted by the duck by the oboe at 6:22 AM on April 7

I'm perfectly happy with my Kensington remote (I have the version with a laser pointer, but otherwise equivalent). It's a bit thick, but the USB receiver stores inside it, and it fits in my hand well. Also: cheaper than most other options.

It uses RF, and the USB receiver emulates a keyboard (requires no software whatsoever).
posted by whatnotever at 8:00 AM on April 7

If Bluetooth isn't a dealbreaker, I've used a Wiimote and it worked out great. The advantage is: you already might have one.
posted by zsazsa at 9:40 AM on April 7