Griffin 1100-PWRMTS PowerMate/USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device
by Griffin Technology
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Griffin 1100-PWRMTS PowerMate/USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device
Customer Review: A useful device marred by poor documentation
Summary: 4 Stars
The Griffin PowerMate is a nicely-machined, smoothly operating device that can be of significant value when listening to or viewing media or operating devices attached to the computer. Movement of the knob is silky smooth and the non-slip material on the base keeps it in place on the desk.
The biggest downside of the PowerMate is the scanty documentation. The software is quite easy to use although it lacks elegance, as though it were version 1.0 right out of the door (which it is not) but the poor quality manual leaves the user scrambling to sort out how to program it for various applications. Once you figure it out, however, the device works like a charm. I use it with a Flex Radio 5000a transceiver and it greatly simplifies and speeds operation.
Pros:
Build quality
Smoothness of operation
Versatility
Cons:
USB cord is too short and can be lengthened only with an extension cable.
Software is relatively unsophisticated with respect to device command editing.
Documentation is telegraphically brief and can lead the user to resort to lots of trials-and-errors.
In summary, a very attractive, handy, and useful device that can reduce keystrokes and mouse clicks. Recommended.
Customer Review: It works, but no cigar
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought a Griffin PowerMate in 2004 for 52 euros, including taxes. You have to be a computer enthousiast to spend this much for such a simple device. I'm behind a screen all day and I wanted to make my work place look a little better. Also, multi-media buttons weren't that standaard yet.
Despite the pre-programmed functions for a lot of apps, the now better driver and response benefitting from
newer hardware, it's still not practical because you still need to switch to a mouse and keyboard for 99% of your tasks. I tried using it precisely scrolling the Adobe Flash' time bar, but it was no succes.
Also, the shiny aluminium is easily scratched and dented and the grooved surface holds dirt like nothing else.
I used it for a year or so before it landed in my cupboard after moving. Since I recently took it for a spin again, 3 years later, it's light was flickering uncontrollable. Griffin Technology said it was probable the software, but couldn't help me either.
When my printer and scanner didn't work any more, I thought it was the software, because it quit. Updating, re-installing.. cursing.. nothing helped. Turned out the PowerMate was the root of USB evil. Not what you'd expect of such a pricey gadget.
Customer Review: Powermate helps
Summary: 5 Stars
The Griffin 1100-PWRMTS PowerMate/USB Multimedia Controller & Input Device does what it is supposed to do. I just use it for volume since my main PC uses are audio related. I was surprised that you can also press it in like a big button. That mutes my audio. I was also surprised to find that the blue LED that is under the device can dim. It actually dims as you lower the volume and brightens as you turn it up. You can set it to strobe as well. It is all customizable. And, did I mention that it is crafted exceptionally well. The only thing I don't like is the icon that sits in my system tray. I like to keep those to a minimum for performance. Also, I didn't like having to install Microsoft .Net framework to run the update for this software. The original version was not that great and some bugs that affected the adjustability of the LED. Thats everything!Customer Review: Great for videos, cool for others
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this product to work with videos and it performs exactly how I imagined speeding up time to scroll through pause, speed up, rewind like a piece of cake.
If you want to keep the product stable though, do not use the built-in settings for iTunes. It will crash the device every time in my windows machine. However, what I discovered is you can get around this problem by learning keyboard shortcuts for your programs. Just google keyboard shortcuts and you will find a host of ways to use the device - it's def. the best way to program it.
The product looks great, runs smoothly and predictably once setup and is worth the price. Not worthwhile if you only use it for volume.
Griffin should come out with a new version though for the software to clear bugs and add more features.
Customer Review: Great spinner for TEMPEST Arcade - won't work with MAME32/64 GUI
Summary: 4 Stars
Being under impression of few positive reviews about Powermate working as a spinner with MAME Arcade emulator, I have decided to purchase one. How much disappointed I was once I discovered that Powermate does not work with newest MAME32/64 GUI emulator. I have tried to contact Griffin support, but despite of several emails received with long delay they were unable to help. I was close to return Powermate and get my money back when I tried one more time with older version of MAME (0.90b) and found Powermate to be working perfectly. When configured as mouse, Powermate works great as a spinner in games like Arkanoid or my favorite Tempest arcade. Built quality is great and I am planning to include Powermate on my DYI Arcade machine project. Highly recommend for all Tempest fans, great product for fair price.