Griffin Technology NA16029 PowerMate USB Multimedia Controller

I wanted something to enable me to quickly do specific tasks within various programs, whether it be scrolling, zooming, switching between 20 open files, etc. I decided to get this and try it out, and it works perfect for my needs. The software interface is simple, and you use it to program how the knob works on a per-program basis. I use this for a variety of programs so my review isn't touching on specific programs, but I'll go over the highlights and some tech stuff.The Driver Issues:Folks are having what they believe to be driver issues, but there's a misconception here. This hardware doesn't come with or need any "driver" which Windows doesn't already have. Specifically, the powermate uses HIDUSB.SYS which is a default Windows driver for all Human Interface Devices, such as mice, trackballs, keyboards, etc.. Aside from this default OS driver, the only thing the powermate requires is the program itself (along with the plugins it comes with), which runs as a memory-resident program.What might be occuring is the program may not function well with Windows 7, I haven't tried it yet on my Windows 7 system. However, what I believe is most likely the actual problem, is how Windows 7 uses HID USB devices, as it's a smidge different from XP. There's a different level of security intepretation when software is run. I will update the review once I test this on Windows 7, but as a general rule of thumb, try this:* Run the powermate program (powermate.exe) in Administrator Mode (right-click, choose Run as Administrator..)* Make sure the powermate is plugged into a usb2/3 port which has full power available, you can always try a different port (don't use USB extension cables!)More to follow..Software Flexibility:You have the ability to turn the knob, press it down, or turn it while pressing it down, and the software allows you to also handle "holding" the button for a period of time. This gives you a total of 6 possible functions per program, as well as 6 "global" (default) functions. You can adjust the sensitivity response of the knob turning, so it responds faster/slower compared to how fast you turn it, as well as the length of time before the "hold" (long click) action kicks in.The software allows you to have many additional powermate knobs attached to your computer simultaneously, each of them programmable this way. Whether you have 1 powermate or 255, you can configure certain settings on each one individually, such as how the blue LED reacts, and whether that specific knob is going to use all possible program settings, or will only respond to global default settings.Actions:For each knob function you can choose from a series of different actions:iTunesMouseOpen FilePowerScrollingSend KeysVolumeThey should be easy to understand. Volume controls volume, Send Keys allows you to setup a key sequence, Open File opens a file, etc.. Each of these actions has a breakout menu with more specific choices, and/or specific settings such as sensitivity.PROS:* Inexpensive* Simple to setup & use* Works with practically any program* 6 possible functions, many actions* Ability to program 'keypresses'* Adjustable sensitivity* Can use multiple units with one piece of software* Does not need additional drivers* The blue LED can be turned offCONS:* Not heavy enough for my taste, it's about 100g, but could benefit from weighing a lot more.. 500+* No ability to set time delays on the 'key press' function* Windows 7 functionality is questionableOTHER THOUGHTS:For someone who wants an extra button with some added features, this is perfect, and will work with almost any program or software environment. If you want more than 6 functions, perhaps something with multiple button presses and that measures angles, you might want to look for a more professional device which can be found for under $100.

I'm writing this review to help others decide between the USB PowerMate and the newer Bluetooth PowerMate. In my opinion, the main reason to buy either device is the companion software that allows you to program it. But potential buyers should know that the capabilities of the software for the bluetooth version are much more limited than the capabilities of the original USB version. I haven't purchased the bluetooth powermate, but I did download both versions of the software (I recommend that potential buyers download both applications from the Griffin website and take a look before making a decision). Both versions of the software work on my machine running Mac OS 10.10, and both allow me to program my USB PowerMate. Here are some examples: the USB version of the software (PowerMate 3.1.0) allows you add modifier keys to the various physical actions of which the device is capable. This means that instead of six triggers, you can set up a great many more triggers for custom actions in specific applications. The PowerMate 3.1.0 software also comes preconfigured with a number of settings in place for different applications, so you can get a better idea of the device's capabilities. The AppleScript dictionary is different: the verb 'pop light state' is not available in the bluetooth version. Overall, it seems like, out of the box, the PowerMate 3.1.0 software also gives you a lot of actions to assign if you wish. The PowerMate Bluetooth and USB Manager 1.2.4 allows you to launch AppleScripts, but you would have to write them yourself first.As for the device's physical characteristics, I find it buttery smooth and a pleasure to work with. Some may like it even more if, like I did, you remove the small foam cushion underneath the button. The button pulls off easily, and the cushion simply sits underneath it. I found that the cushion produced too much drag for my taste. One other tip: it seems like you need to launch the PowerMate software before plugging in the device. I've had trouble getting it to register otherwise. (In any case, as the instructions state, you must keep the software running in order to use the PowerMate. I keep it as a background application in the menubar.) I'll post revisions to this review if I uncover anything else, but after a few days of experimenting with the device, I love it, and cannot wait to unlock its potential.