Logitech 2.4 GHz Cordless Presenter (Black)
by Logitech
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Our Price: $189.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $80.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech 2.4 GHz Cordless Presenter (Black)
Customer Review: Cheaper than the other Logitech cordless presenter, still all the functionality I need in a classroom
Summary: 5 Stars
My husband "bought me" the other Logitech cordless presenter (which costs about 3x as much as this one) a year or so ago because, as a high school teacher, I often use PowerPoint to teach new lessons and to show photos of unfamiliar events or references in literature. The truth is, I took the thing to school once before he hijacked it for his own laptop/flat screen combination and used it as a glorified cordless mouse, with laser pointer.
Honestly, this little thing is a lot more convenient than the other one for use in a classroom, and the reduced cost makes me less concerned about it "getting jacked" by one of my well-meaning but sometimes-misdirected students. It doesn't have the cordless mouse functionality, so I can't switch between programs. It's pretty much only functional for use with PowerPoint, but that's fine for me. I can now move around my classroom freely, switching back and forth between slides and pointing out specific things on the screen without having to be right next to my computer. It helps to be able to spot-check my students' progress and walk the room, and students everywhere are just more attentive when they see presenters who can actually move more than in just a 5-inch radius. I also love being able to "black screen" the TV at certain points (to answer questions, to address side issues, at the end of the presentation) without having to interrupt my presentation/presence in front of the class.
I especially like the little case and the USB storage in the unit when it's not in use -- I tend to lose things. I also like the size and feel of this presenter over the other one, which was too bulky for me. The 50-foot range is GINORMOUS, and not having to have "line of sight" to my actual computer is a lifesaver. I don't use the timer/vibrate feature at all, and the on/off switch is really easy to get to -- not like the one on my cell phone that requires a lot of fumbling and fighting to get it to depress.
Customer Review: A must if you use presntation slides to deliver material
Summary: 5 Stars
I teach technical classes for a living. Often the material is heavy and I work very hard to keep my students engaged by delivering a high-energy, animated presentation. Another instructor used this very Cordless Presenter and I scoffed at the idea, until I tried it. Then I rushed to buy one of my own, and now I'll actually panic if I can't find it when setting up for a class.
The ability to move powerpoint slides forward and backwards without having to walk back to the machine running the slideshow makes the course flow so much better. Additionally, this little presenter has a built-in timer, vibrating alarm and laser-pointer - all of which help me with my presentation.
Technically speaking: the transmitter runs with two AAA batteries that seem to last for ever, and just in case, there's a battery meter on the LCD so I won't get caught unprepared. Still, I've been using it every day for 6 weeks and the battery power seems down about 10%. The receiver is USB powered, and stashes away cleverly in the Presenter's case.
The package only says compatible with Windows, but I've been using it 100% reliably on my MacBook Pro, with Powerpoint for office 2004 as well as NeoOffice (a MAC OS port of Open Office). Although I haven't personally tried it, I've read that it works with Keynote as well (Keynote is to iWork as Powerpoint is to MS Office.)
I was initially worried because when I plugged it into my MAC, it said it couldn't recognize the "keyboard device". Then I fired up Powerpoint, and it just worked. Ever since, when I plug in the little USB receiver, the MAC doesn't show any indication that it sees the device, but it just works. Windows XP auto-configures itself and works like a champ with Powerpoint; I haven't tested it with Open Office either on Win or Linux, and have avoided touching Vista, so I can't comment there.
Customer Review: Outstanding design, features, ease of use
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this unit to replace a Targus PAUM30 remote control with laser pointer. The Targus was aways frustrating for me. Erratic button operation (no advance or multiple advances), illogical button layout, large size. The Logitech is a superb replacement.
Forget the dimensions in the on-line product description - it is NOT 8+ inches long by 6+ inches wide. It fits comfortably in my hand.
The buttons are logically laid out and very responsive. The laser pointer has well over a 40' range - I have no idea how much further it goes - just that it is still clear and well defined at that range. The advance/reverse buttons also work at about 40' with several intervening walls (done as a test...).
The on-off switch and the battery meter are great conveniences to avoid battery drain and to know when the batteries are getting low.
The timer is easily set albeit only in 5 minute increments. I find at least two uses. To time my own presentation and keep me on track. The quiet vibration warnings at 5 minutes and 2 minutes are helpful. The timer even has a 4-segment bar display that divides your entered time by 4 and reduces by one segment for each quarter of your total time. Another use for trainers: Say you give a group 5, 10, etc. minutes to do something. Set the built-in timer and you'll know when the time is up.
Want a gripe? Packaging. Their plastic bubble package took sharp scissors and some care to get open. That's about the only gripe I can offer.
One caveat: As others have noted and as Logitech is clear about. This unit does not serve as a mouse. I PREFER this since it is one less mode to erroneously get into and mess up my presentation. But, if you need a combined remote mouse and presentation controller, look elsewhere. If you need a great remote presentation controller, this is the unit.
Customer Review: Almost perfect
Summary: 4 Stars
The nature of my job, requires me to make lengthy presentation often, where I have to go back and forth a lot on my view graphs. This product is almost perfect. Unlike some presenters which are ultra small and can easily slip off your hand, it's just the right size. The buttons are very conveniently located, the simplest way you would naturally want them to be (In fact, I opened the package 2 minutes before my presentation, and I had NO complications using it. Very straight forward). Before buying this product, I suspected that the laser button may be close to Next/Previous buttons and it may be possible to push them together. But it was no problem. The laser button is raised and acts as a separator between Next/Previous buttons. The Timer feature is very handy, specially the vibrator which does not distract your audience.
I can think of a couple of minor flaws in this device. First, the laser intensity is not as high as individual laser pointers. This might reduce the visibility of the laser spot for presentations in bright environments. but nevertheless it's adequately good for 95% of situations.
Second, I would have liked it better, if the device came with a hand strip. This way I could easily use my both hands, while the device hanged off my wrist and then resume the presentation by grabbing the device.
Third, the "start" button only acts as "restart" and not "resume". At least this is the case for Microsoft PowerPoint 2003. I've read there're some tricks to get around this problem, but I've not personally used them.
Overall, if you can buy a pair of jeans in less than 2 hours, you're less picky than me, and you would definitely enjoy this Logitech presenter not even noticing any of the above issues. If not, you need to search for what exactly fits your application.
Customer Review: Perfect Presentation Device
Summary: 5 Stars
I do a fair number of presentations, and in my opinion this is the nicest device I've used. First, it performs flawlessly every time, which is of course the most important feature. Unlike many presentation remotes that are modeled after mice, this remote has the buttons for next/previous in the right order. The left button is previous, and the right button is next. If you're looking for a presentation remote, do not overlook this simple usability issue that many of them have.
The timer feature is really worthwhile. I do group presentations, and we use the timer to rehearse so that we can be sure we'll be on time. We also can glance at the timer when the handoff between presenters occurs so that we can adjust our presentation to the time remaining. The timer is multi-modal: it has a LCD number indicating time left, but it also has a progress bar that divides your total time in quarters, so you don't have to do math to know how on track you are. It also has a vibrating signal at 5 minutes and again at 2 minutes remaining. This is an awesome feature.
The ergonomic design is great too. I love the fact that the USB receiver stores inside the remote. You'll never lose it. The thing overall fits nicely in your hand and is textured so that it won't slip if you get sweaty palms giving presentations. The shape just feels good, and makes you feel more confident, and the laser pointer is easy to use and quite bright. It's also nice to have a "blank the screen" button. I haven't used the volume controls yet, but I imagine if I had video in my presentation that would also be useful.
I use this thing even when I'm sitting in my office going over slides for two people. It's just so nice to use. If you're looking for a presentation remote, buy this one.