A remote control can set your presentations free!
July 03, 2013
You do not have to use multimedia in a live talk to be successful, but if you do choose to present with the amplifiying power of multimedia, then a small, remote control device is a necessity. Today we still see too many business people, academics, and students, stuck behind lecterns with their eyes fixed on their laptops as they try to make their case, report their findings, or pitch their ideas. If you want to make a connection with the audience and engage them in your content, then you need to remove the physical barriers and move closer to the audience. A good remote allows you to get away from the lectern and your laptop.
A few of my favorite remotes for presentations
In the video below I discuss a relatively new kind of remote, the ring-style remote.
Links to the remotes mentioned in the video
A favorite of mine is the Easy Presenter Presentation Remote by Keyspan. This is a rather old model, but I love it. I like the way it fits in my hand; it's not at all bulky. (alternative link on Amazon). The newer Keyspan PR-PRO3 Presentation Remote Pro is not one I have used, but it also has audio controls, and I've heard good things about it. Another model I have is the Logitech Professional Presenter R800 with Green Laser Pointer. This too is an excellent remote with a built-in timer and a great range, but I simply prefer the lighter feel of the Easy Presenter.
(A) Genius Ring Presenter - Black Finger Mouse with Laser Pointer (Amazon 日本). (B) Genius Wireless Ring Mouse (Amazon 日本). The latest version appears to be the Genius Ring Style Laser Pointer. It's cheaper and has a button that sets the screen black. The mouse funtion is said to be better (more info on this latest model on the Genius homepage). The ring-style remotes are great, but the range is only about 10 meters or so, significantly less than the others mentioned above, but for most people 10 meters (or 30 feet or so) is good enough. In the video above, the MacBook was about 9-10 feet away (about 3 meters). The minor difficulties I had with the slide not advancing in the video was not a range issue but a matter of me not hitting the button solid enough.
A few of my favorite remotes for presentations
In the video below I discuss a relatively new kind of remote, the ring-style remote.
Links to the remotes mentioned in the video
A favorite of mine is the Easy Presenter Presentation Remote by Keyspan. This is a rather old model, but I love it. I like the way it fits in my hand; it's not at all bulky. (alternative link on Amazon). The newer Keyspan PR-PRO3 Presentation Remote Pro is not one I have used, but it also has audio controls, and I've heard good things about it. Another model I have is the Logitech Professional Presenter R800 with Green Laser Pointer. This too is an excellent remote with a built-in timer and a great range, but I simply prefer the lighter feel of the Easy Presenter.
(A) Genius Ring Presenter - Black Finger Mouse with Laser Pointer (Amazon 日本). (B) Genius Wireless Ring Mouse (Amazon 日本). The latest version appears to be the Genius Ring Style Laser Pointer. It's cheaper and has a button that sets the screen black. The mouse funtion is said to be better (more info on this latest model on the Genius homepage). The ring-style remotes are great, but the range is only about 10 meters or so, significantly less than the others mentioned above, but for most people 10 meters (or 30 feet or so) is good enough. In the video above, the MacBook was about 9-10 feet away (about 3 meters). The minor difficulties I had with the slide not advancing in the video was not a range issue but a matter of me not hitting the button solid enough.
I have a 10 year old Keyspan PR-US2 type remote. It's not Keyspan, but its the same hardware. I like it, particularly for the mouse control. However, it doesn't have useful features like blanking the screen. Sometimes, you want people to look at you, not the funny picture you just showed.
The PR-PRO3 is my targeted replacement device. But the Genius ring presenter might win out. Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Dagwinn | July 03, 2013 at 01:38 AM
Thanks for the introduction to the Genius Ring. I'l try it out. I've used the Keyspan Easy Presenter. I like the volume control feature, but it has always felt a bit odd in my hand. My favorite is the SMK Link Wireless Presenter. It doesn't have a volume control. For me the ultimate control would have forward and back controls, a black screen key, volume control, and no laser pointer. Here a link to my video review of the Keyspan Easy Presenter and the Wireless Presenter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPjIgQ0b-5E
Posted by: Charles Greene | July 03, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Thanks, guys. And yes, Charles, the black screen and audio controls are very important. I think the newer ring type has at least a black screen control. Great video - thanks for the video link. Cheers! g
Posted by: garr | July 03, 2013 at 05:57 PM
Thanks for the post Garr. Interesting timing as a friend who is a university researcher has recently had some issues with clickers that don't reliably advance. She was looking for a recommendation of a more professional clicker for larger venues where it absolutely has to work.
We've used the Dsan clickers reliably at TEDx events for the last 4 years with very good results. Unless you're on tour, you'd probably rent these from a production company for those big, important events.
http://www.dsan.com/CueLights/PerfectCueMini.asp
http://www.dsan.com/CueLights/CueLights.asp
Perhaps others might find it useful to know this higher end alternative exists.
Posted by: Jason | July 03, 2013 at 10:02 PM