I have always felt somewhat constrained when giving a presentation using my laptop. Being tied to the keyboard just did not feel right. I much prefer to move around and be more animated. My sitting in front of the keyboard also limited the number of people that could view the screen, so some of the audience just did not get to see much. One answer of course, is to use a projector, but projectors are just another heavy item to tote around. They are also expensive and somewhat prone to damage in transit. So when a remote, wireless control appeared I was eager to try it.

The Keyspan Digital Media Remote seemed to fit the bill. It looks very much like the familiar TV remote, only much smaller, about 2 inches wide and 3 inches long and weighs just a few ounces. The suggested retail price is $79. There are four items in the package, a 15-key infrared remote, an infrared receiver unit that connects to the USB port, a USB cable and a CD containing the necessary software (drivers and users manual). The receiver unit sits on a tabletop or on the edge of an open laptop. The operating requirements are: Windows 98 or Mac OS 8.5.1 and of course a USB port.

The hardware installation took less than ten seconds. The software went readily into my laptop running Windows 98. I was up and operating before I knew it. All the hardware fits easily into a pocket and being USB can be connected on-the-fly, which is really great for conference room or desktop presentations. Actually, you install the software first, so that the operating system will recognize the hardware when it is plugged in.

For the Windows 98 platform, the system includes "key maps" for controlling QuickTime, RealPlayer, WinAMP, leading DVD Players (ATI, Mediametrics, RealMagic), Lotus Freelance and Microsoft PowerPoint. On the Macintosh version, it ships with key maps for QuickTime, Apple DVD, CD and audio
players, SoundJam, RealPlayer, PowerPoint, and the Finder. A default key map is available for both platforms for use with applications that do not have a specific map as yet defined. Keyspan and third-party vendors are developing key maps for additional applications to be made available from their website http://www.keyspan.com.

There is a very useful utility included in the software. This will allow you to verify the connection and test each of the remote buttons. The name of the button and its purpose appears on your screen when you press a button. There is also a routine for customizing the key maps.

This device is not all work, since my laptop has a DVD drive that plays movies and connects to my TV; I now have a wireless remote for that fun function.

I now feel much more comfortable giving a presentation as I am no longer tethered to the computer. The specifications say that you can be up to 35 feet away. I tried it from about 20 feet and it worked just fine. The remote is so small that it easily fits into my laptop carrying case, with no measurable added weight. This is a highly recommended accessory for road warriors.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 79