I bought this device to use as part of a home automation project. It's connected to an OS X server, and it works quite well. I've explored the features of the software, and it's quite nice. You can do a lot of things with it, but the main idea is that you can program actions on the PowerMate (any or all of the six possibilities: press, long press, turn left, turn right, press and turn left, press and turn right--or any of these plus modifier keys like Shift or Control, so you actually have many more possibilities) to do just about anything: press a keystroke (possibly the most common use), adjust something like volume or do a play/pause, or even launch an AppleScript. (The last one is quite handy for my purposes--controlling Philips Hue via a Python script I wrote that I launch with appropriate parameters via an AppleScript--but the possibilities are just about endless.) You can configure different sets of actions depending on the active application (so maybe pressing the button in iTunes does a play/pause, but pressing in Word does a paste action), and you can also configure "global" actions that aren't tied to a specific application.
Some other nice things: the software can control more than one PowerMate. I have two, one for two different rooms, and you can choose which action sets go with which device. With the software, you can also control the blue LED. I found the default of full brightness a bit too much, so I turned it down. You can also make it pulse, but you can only control the rate (it still pulses from dim to full brightness, which I don't like) or tie the brightness of the LED to something on the system like volume level or CPU load. The bottom of the PowerMate has a non-slip silicone pad that makes it good for sitting on desks without moving around during use. In case anyone is interested, however, I wall-mounted mine and can say that this peels off easily if needed (but not so easily that it didn't take me days to figure out that this was even a possibility).
Now the bad news: for a while after the release of Mavericks, the PowerMate was not compatible. Actually, it mostly worked, but it registered presses and turns as mouse events (clicks and left/right cursor movements, respectively), make it occasionally unusable. While never to my knowledge documented as a problem, the long press feature also stopped working for me on Mavericks. Griffin has since updated the PowerMate software to fix this issue, and indeed the problems with presses and turns are fixed, but for me, long press still fails about 75% of the time I try to use it, no matter what settings I try. I know it's not my PowerMate because, like I said, I have two, and they both do it. I know there have been at least a couple different hardware revisions (not really noticeable) to the PowerMate and I know at least one of mine is a bit older, so maybe this doesn't affect the new ones, but as far as Griffin has documented, everything "should" work with all of them. In any case, I was surprised that such a Mac-friendly company took so long to offer support for the latest OS. I hope they do better going forward.
Some of you may also be interested to know that Griffin has announced a Bluetooth version of PowerMate that should ship later in 2014. I wish this was around before I bought mine because I had to figure out a way to get USB into the next room for my project! Hopefully the same software is compatible with both the wired and wireless versions and they maintain a commitment to keeping it updated.
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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.
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 8, 2012
Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
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:
iTunes
Mouse
Open File
Power
Scrolling
Send Keys
Volume
They 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 off
CONS:
* 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 questionable
OTHER 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.
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:
iTunes
Mouse
Open File
Power
Scrolling
Send Keys
Volume
They 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 off
CONS:
* 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 questionable
OTHER 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.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Mr. A. W. Leather
I had been using a desktop USB sound card with a built in volume dial but the sound quality wasn't great and was looking at more
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 4, 2015Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
Mr. A. W. Leather
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 4, 2015
I had been using a desktop USB sound card with a built in volume dial but the sound quality wasn't great and was looking at more expensive options but to get anything better I'd be looking at £100 or more. I then upgraded my PC with an Asus Maximus Impact motherboard which has very good on-board audio and decided to ditch an external sound card altogether. Pretty much the only option for volume control was the PowerMate, which I'd actually been aware of for some time.
It is pricey, and in all honesty I'd be happy with just a basic volume control dial with mute button if Griffin did decided to make a cheaper model as that's all I use it for However, it's exactly the device I've been looking for. It's well made, looks great and I like the blue light that changes brightness depending on the volume level too. It's weighty and grippy so has clearly been thought-through design wise. My only issues really are the high price and also that it's disconnected itself sometimes, usually when my PC resumes from sleep, that kind of thing, and required unplugging and reconnecting again. Part of this seemed to be down to the fact I was using a USB 3 powered hub - since I moved it to a USB port directly on the motherboard, it's only done it once in the last few weeks. I'm using Windows 8.1 too but can't comment on any of the other features but if you're looking for a USB volume control dial, while it's pretty much your only option, the PowerMate is pretty much perfect.
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T PARRISH
Works with Windows 7 64bit
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 11, 2014Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
Jonathan Lord
Life changing!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 26, 2018Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
Tacsweb
A short Review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 19, 2016Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
iainboyd
Useless - if only they would update the software
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 10, 2017Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
