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.

While I only use the PowerMate as a volume control, it performs that task perfectly. I also really like the mute button aspect of it and the quality of this product is first rate. It is silky smooth to operate, looks awesome and is child-simple to operate. My only criticism is the packaging, which is horrible. You'll need a knife or scissors to open it up and remove the PowerMate from the plastic cocoon it's encased in.I'm running the PowerMate from a Windows 7 Pro 64-bit installation. First --- do NOT plug in the device until AFTER you've installed the driver. I downloaded the Vista driver from Griffin's website, installed it without issue, and THEN plugged in the PowerMate. It was identified correctly by Win7 and worked immediately. No reboots were required. I'm using the 'Global' profile, by the way.I'm using the PowerMate in conjunction with my ASUS Xonar U7 USB audio card. While the U7 has its own volume control (both hardware and software), I prefer to keep it AWAY from the immediate area around my mouse and keyboard, simply because of all the cables running in and out of it. With the PowerMate, it takes up less than half the space a mouse consumes and there's just ONE (USB) cable to deal with, instead of the FIVE cables attached to the U7.In short, the PowerMate is one of those so-simple-you-can't-believe-it devices that's intuitively obvious to use. Aside from the packaging, it's an impressively engineered device, works flawlessly and is exactly what I was looking for; a large volume control. Good stuff.

This thing has matured a great deal since I first bought one 12 or so years ago. Back then all it did was control volume and mute. I was unimpressed with such an expensive paperweight. Now, on OS X, the sky seems to be the limit with it! I am very happy with its capabilities on the mac. It crashes from time to time, but unplugging and plugging back in fixes it. My only real gripe is that it isnt Win 7,8, or 10 compatible. This makes no sense. Its such a great little device and has been around so long, why stop support on such a common operating system. I bought this with the intent for multiple uses on the mac, and for volume control and Mic muting on the PC. My Win 8.1 doesn’t even see it! Poop.8 MONTHS LATER: I hate this thing. It started crashing a lot after a couple of months. To the point where it just stopped working after a few moments of being reattached. It sits on my desk gathering dust. When I do try to use it, it rarely works. When I try to quit the program, it just crashes. I have to go into activity monitor to force quit it. The software also interferes with other devices and peripherals that actually do work.I saw today that they come out with new colors for this thing. But still havent updated this crappy software (last update was in 2009). I'm done with Griffin.14 MONTHS LATER: So I installed a Sierra and thought I'd give this another try. A few of my past problems have gone away, but new ones have popped up, btw- they STILL havent updated the software for this thing!. My current (major) problem with this thing is now when the software is running, neither my screen or my machine will go to sleep. I have my monitor set to sleep after 5 minutes. And my computer set to sleep after 45 mins. Neither work. If I quit out of the powermate software all is well. All I can say is: These guys suck.16 THOUSAND YEARS LATER: So at some point I was informed in a private message from Griffin that they had indeed updated their software and give me a link. Turns out they have been updating the software, but incorporated it into the Bluetooth version's software. You think they would have said something. Nowhere on any site does it say this. Anyhoo, I gave it a try. And guess what? IT STILL SUCKS! From what I remember, it didn't crash my machine and the software didn't lock up anymore, BUT, the sleep issue persists, and I couldn't actually program it to do what I wanted anymore. Ugh. I don't know why I keep trying with this piece of crap.HEY GRIFFIN, STOP MAKING THESE STUPID THINGS AND STICK TO TOASTERS :P