Targus 2.4 GHz Wireless Laser Presentation Remote, Range up to 30 Feet AMP03US (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Plug it in and go. Used weekly with Windows XP for four months so far no problems. Range is at least 30 feet, very reliable. Note that a slide switch on the side turns it off to conserve the battery.
How it works: it talks to the computer as if it's a keyboard. But the only keystrokes it can send are: PageUp (the left button), PageDown (the right button), B (the bottom button), and Alt+Esc (the top button). (The red middle button is the laser pointer.)
The bottom button is like hitting the B key, which in a PowerPoint slideshow toggles a black screen, useful for momentarily hiding a slide. (By the way, W goes to a white screen if you're using a full keyboard; the remote doesn't have a button for that.)
IF YOU HAVE OTHER PROGRAMS OPEN: This remote doesn't have any magical connection to PowerPoint; it's just a mini keyboard. So it won't affect PowerPoint unless the PowerPoint slideshow window is the "active" window. If another program is running and is selected, you'll just scroll it up and down and type a lot of "B"s, same as if you pressed PageDown and B on your regular keyboard.
That's where the top button comes in. In Windows XP, pressing Alt+Esc cycles focus between all open applications in the taskbar. (It cycles through in the order they were last "active", not necessarily the order they appear on the task bar.) In other words, the top button on the remote is basically a "switch between open programs" button. So if your "next slide" button isn't working, it may be bcause a different window is selected. Don't panic and don't immediately assume the battery is dead. First make sure the power switch on the side is on. Then just alternately press the "next window" (top) and "next slide" (right) buttons until the slide changes.
IF YOU USE DUAL-DISPLAY "PRESENTER VIEW":
Presenter view opens in another window, separate from the slideshow (and separate from the main PowerPoint window where the file can be editted). The left and right arrow keys function as previous and next slide when either of those windows (Presenter view or slideshow itself) is active. But PageUp and PageDown (which is what the remote's buttons are) only work on the slideshow window, not the Presenter window (in Presenter, PageUp and PageDown scroll through notes for the current slide). That means that if you have clicked the Presenter window then it will be the active window, and the previous and next slide buttons on the remote will not work until you re-select the slideshow window (which you can do using the top button as described above).
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If you're not afraid to delve a bit deeper into Windows, you can eliminate the chance for any confusion or delay the Presenter/PageDown issue might cause by remapping your keyboard's PageDown and PageUp keys to functions as right and left arrows. The simple and free way to do this without installing any software is a quick modification to Windows' registry:
1 - Create a new text file and open it.
2 - Copy and Paste into the text file the following three lines:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,03,00,00,00,4b,e0,49,e0,4d,e0,51,e0,00,00,00,00
3 - Save and close the text file.
4 - Change the .txt extension at the end of the filename to .reg (To do this you must have Windows Explorer's option set NOT to "Hide extensions of known file types")
5 - Right click the file and select "Merge"
6 - Reboot (or just log off and back on)
Both the keyboard and the remote are now remapped. The PageUp and PageDown keys (left and right buttons on the remote) work like left and right arrow keys now. Thus the remote will advance and reverse slides whether the active windows is the Presenter view window or the slideshow window itself.
By the way, you can still page up and down if you need to. Just turn off Number Lock, then use the 9 and 3 keys on the numeric keypad. With NumLock off the 9 and 3 work like PageUp and PageDown, even while the regular PageUp and PageDown are remapped to function as arrow keys.
Not graceful, but it gets the job done.
To undo it:
1 - Press Winkey+R (or click "Start" then "Run...")
2 - Enter "regedit"
3 - In the left column, by expanding the folders, navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
4 - Right Click on "Scancode Map" and delete.
5 - Reboot (or just log off and back on)
Registry editor is not a toy, and you can incapacitate your computer if you mess around in there.

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Targus 2.4 GHz Wireless Laser Presentation Remote, Range up to 30 Feet AMP03US (Black)

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IOGEAR Phaser 3-in-1 Presenter, Mouse, and Laser Pointer GME422RW6 (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this to use the trackball mouse in presentations because I go between web pages and powerpoint and wanted to do some mouse navigation. I also have a logitech trackman trackball desktop mouse and that uses standard Microsoft drivers. The Logitech trackball speed follows the pointer speed setting in the Mocrosoft mouse settings. I have it set on the fastest setting and love it that way so I can get across a screen with minimal rolling of the ball.
Unfortunately this trackball does not follow the Microsoft pointer settings at all and iogear's mouse configuation tools do not include a trackball speed setting and it tracks soooo slooooow. I had to roll the ball 360 degrees several times to get the cursor across one screen view of a web page! It was ridiculous. I verified with iogeear support that the trackball speed is hard-coded. What good is a trackball that can't be configured to a person's speed preference??? Total bummer. It was returned.
It was also touch-and-go on the connection, laser pointer and the charging light didn't work. A half-baked implementation of a very nice concept and nice looking product.

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IOGEAR's new Phaser 3-in-1 Presenter/ Mouse is an excellent tool for medical offices, libraries, and schools as well as for mobile professionals, gamers, and desktop users. No wires mean you've got the freedom to walk around the room during your ...

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Loop Pointer In-Air Mouse for PCs & Macs connected to TVs & Projectors Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a media center PC hooked to my TV and have been struggling for months on how to deal with non-HTPC websites like Hulu. When I first heard about the Loop Pointer I thought the idea was potentially interesting but wasn't sure I wanted to spend the money on another "wireless mouse."
This is NOT another "wireless mouse."
First, the big stuff.
As a free-space pointer with no line-of-sight requirements, the Loop performs remarkably. I was absolutely astonished at the subtlety with which it tracked my wrist and hand movements. Whereas before I would have to use some sort of wireless mouse on a hard pad on my lap, now I can leave the Loop comfortably by my side as I sit on the couch and make little movements to control the PC.
Hillcrest also got the little things right, too...
Firstly, it comes in a package that doesn't require a chainsaw to open. I can't begin to express how tired I am of packages that require a serrated knife from my kitchen to open!
I installed the Loop on 3 PC's in my house and each went perfectly. Just plug in the usb dongle and it gets recognized as a mouse instantly. No drivers needed is a big deal for me, personally.
Finally, there's an off button on the controller. This may seem trivial, but it really helps the battery life and performance. The fact that I can click it off when I want means I don't have to wait for some arbitrary time-out before it powers down. Also, the fact that I can easily turn it off and on means that my kids - or cat - won't be accidentally changing channels or re-formatting my hard drive when I get up to go to the bathroom!
In conclusion:
Will this product unalterably change my life?
No, but it sure as heck will change my life on the couch - and that's a pretty good start. It's worth every cent and I happily recommend it.


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By connecting your computer to your home TV, you can enjoy your choice of TV shows, movies and more. Take advantage of top sites like Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube and Pandora. Or play your own videos and music using iTunes, Media Center or other applications. It's also ideal for use with the Kylo browser for TVs. Don't leave a keyboard on your coffee table, or drag a mouse across your couch cushions! Use the Hillcrest Labs Loop pointer, the in-air mouse replacement. With just simple wrist movements, control the computer's cursor from your favorite easy chair across the room. And the award winning ergonomic design looks great in any setting. The Loop pointer is the motion-sensing mouse that moves your cursor with a wave of the wrist. The distinctive design has just four buttons and a scroll wheel. Using your computer's USB 2.0 port, Loop pointer requires no extra software or drivers. The fast wireless connection works across large rooms and through closed cabinet doors. The Loop pointer incorporates Freespace motion sensing technology from Hillcrest Labs. This patented technology handles complex tasks to compensate for natural hand tremor and varying orientation while responding to the motion of the Loop pointer. These complicated algorithms result in a simple, natural experience that is easy to use. The Loop pointer is also a valuable tool for presenters and educators who use PCs and Macs connected to projectors. With the Loop pointer you can control presentations, navigate web pages and more from anywhere in the room. The Loop pointer works with computers running Windows, Mac OS or Linux.

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Logitech Wireless Presenter R400 with Red Laser Pointer Review

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(More customer reviews)First off, you don't really get a feel for the size of thing from the picture or even the video. As noted in the product dimensions, it's 4.5" by 1.5", so draw that to see what it's like. It's small and very comfortable to hold, with a rubbery surface that makes it very unlikely you'll drop it even with a light grip.
I especially like that the USB dongle stores inside the unit, so the two pieces are much less likely to get separated. It comes with a nice protective zipper case, though I don't use it. I just throw the thing in my laptop bag without the case.
I use this on a Mac and it works, mostly. With a little customizing, it works completely.
The first time I plugged it in, a "Keyboard Assistant" ran since the Mac didn't recognize the "keyboard". I simply quit the assistant, and there was no problem. The forward, back, and black screen buttons work fine on both Powerpoint and Keynote. However out of the box, the "play" button works on neither. With some fiddling, I was able to get the play button to work on both.
To configure Powerpoint for the play button, go to the Keyboard system preference and pick Keyboard Shortcuts. Then hit the + key to add a shortcut. Pick Microsoft Powerpoint for the application (you may need to hit Other... to find it, since it's in a subdirectory in Applications). For Menu Title type in, exactly, "Slide Show" (without the quotes). Then in the Keyboard Shortcut, simply press the play button on the remote. That sets the shortcut to F5, which is what the remote sends with you press play. Now the play button works for Powerpoint. You can do the same for Keynote, with the menu title "Play Slideshow".
Then all the buttons on the remote work on the Mac.
The red laser is not very bright, but passable. I would have preferred a brighter green laser. The wireless range is more than good enough for any room I've been in.
Notably missing is any ability to move the mouse arrow or click. Moving forward and back is not really enough if you have movies or links in your presentation. In that case, you'll want a more capable remote.
The bottom line is that the R400 provides the minimum functionality, even on a Mac, with a really nicely designed form with a great feel. However the functions are only minimal, one of the functions doesn't work on a Mac out of the box, and in the end, it is a little overpriced. There are better choices, e.g. the Keyspan Presentation Remote Pro. Though I wish the better choices felt as good to hold as this one.

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Logitech Wireless Presenter R400 is designed to help you make your point. Its intuitive slideshow controls help you navigate through your presentation with confidence. Buttons are easy to find by touch. And its shape feels great in your hand. It\'s got a red laser pointer that\'s easy to see against most backgrounds and a range of up to 50 feet (15 meters), so you\'ve got the freedom to move around the room and mingle with your audience. A storable plug-and-play wireless receiver makes it simple to get started—there\'s no software to install. And when you\'re through, the receiver stores inside the presenter to make packing up easy.

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