Wireless Control for Presentations?

Bifurcati asks: "I recently bought a Bluetooth enabled Powerbook G4 laptop, which comes with a trackpad. I often give Powerpoint presentations, so I'm interested in getting a wireless controller, to flip back and forward through slides without touching the laptop. Google turns up many options, e.g., Honeywell's, Beamplus and this doohickey. Another option is a combined mouse-controller, throwing an external mouse into the bargain. There are wireless mice (e.g., Logitech's) which need a USB plug-in, but are short range. Or there are Bluetooth mice, like the X-Wing, which are neat and have a 10m range, but seem to be a pain with battery life/charging. Another option is Logitech's Bluetooth Presenter, which is a mouse, PP controller and laserpointer in one (but costs $200!). So many choices! So I'm turning to good old Slashdot. All of you presenters out there, do have favourite remote control devices? What are your experiences with using them? What type of connectivity is the best (wireless, Bluetooth, something else?!) And what about devices that double as an external mouse, or even as a controller for movies, iTunes, etc?"

Comments

Use your bluetooth phone or pda as a remote

[phildog]

Salling Clicker might do the trick.

Disclaimer: I've never tried this software as I don't have a mac.

What, you bought that shiny G4 and don't have $ left over for a BT phone/pda? Cry elsewhere you insensitive clod :-)

Re:Use your bluetooth phone or pda as a remote

[-=[Dr. AJAX]=-]

Invest in a PDA or phone that has built in bluetooth and use Clicker. From personal experience, it is the best. I have the Sony Ericsson Z600. Not only can I control keynote or powerpoint via the phone, but the notes portion of each slide shows up in the display of the phone. An added bonus is the ability to sync the phone and my powerbook. Clicker does have many other features, though. I have yet to use the proximity controls, but the first time that an incoming call on my cell phone muted iTunes and brought up the caller id information I just about... well.. erhem... I'll leave this clean....

Use a friend.

[keoghp]

Personally, I use a friend.
Faster response time, Batteries don't go down on you! and cheap to run (a beer or two).

Has the added advantage that if the audience doesn't turn up, you have someone to talk to.