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Keyspan Digital Media Remote

Keyspan

SRP:	$79.95
System Requirements:	Mac OS 8.5.1 or higher, available USB port
What's Hot:	Compact, works well, un-tethers presenters from their PowerBooks
What's Not:	Won't work with PowerBook IR port

I know, I know, the Keyspan Digital Media Remote (DMR) is nearly a year old and we're just now reviewing it. Why do this? Simply put: the DMR is too important not to review. This tiny device has freed me from my PowerBook umbilical cord during presentations. It has allowed me to do the one thing I need to do during occasions such as this: roam while presenting. Who wants to stand behind a podium during a presentation, just out of "pointing distance" to the projection screen? Not me, not ever again. As one who frequently presents at unfamiliar colleges, at equally unfamiliar conferences, the DMR has been nothing short of a godsend.

The DMR comes shrinkwrapped in clear plastic, along with the installation CD. The drivers included (v1.2) are current with those posted on the Keyspan site. Although there is no hardcopy manual or instructions of any kind, detailed PDF and HTML information is included on the CD.

There are two parts to the DMR: the base unit (with included USB cable) and the remote. The base unit, which is slightly larger than a golf ball, contains the IR port. It is also grooved to hold the remote when not in use. The credit card-sized remote has over a dozen mappable buttons on it, most of which are pre-configured based on the application used.

Installation is straightforward: run the installer (which installs one control panel and three extensions), connect the DMR, and go. Personally, the three extensions are somewhat of a concern. It seems like more and more programs are getting "extension happy", rather than trying to figure out ways to make their products work without resorting to System Folder Invasion. Then again, since the DMR basically acts as a remote keyboard by mapping key functions, I suppose three extensions isn't that bad. It could be worse, actually. I've lost track of how many extensions Office 98 has covertly jammed into my PowerBook.

The list of supported Apple-created applications includes the CD Audio Player, QuickTime Player, DVD Player and, though deselected by default, the Finder. Currently supported third-party applications include PowerPoint (and PowerPoint Player), SoundJam MP, and RealPlayer. Additional applications can be mapped in the Keyspan DMR Manager.

The DMR performed flawlessly when tested at ranges of 5-7 yards, though Keyspan's documentation states that the DMR actually has a range up to thirty-five feet. I tested it using both the built-in USB ports of a Lombard, and using a Macally CardBus USB PC card on a Wallstreet PowerBook. I played, paused, forwarded, and rewound a variety of different PowerPoint presentations, CDs, and MP3 files (legal versions, of course). Without any additional mapping, I even used it to scroll up and down web pages in Internet Explorer 5. Repeated plugging and unplugging of the DMR produced no errors or glitches. On the Wallstreet PowerBook, I ejected the Macally card with the DMR connected, waited a moment, then reinserted the card. Still no problems.

A particularly nice feature of the DMR is the application-switching capability. By default, the asterisk button is mapped to the Cmd-Tab keyboard shortcut. If you're doing a presentation that involves repeated program-switching, it's only a * away.

In theory, since all the DMR does is trick programs into thinking keys are being pressed on the keyboard, it could probably be used as a basic remote-controlled gamepad, too. All that would need to be done is to map the relevant key commands to the relevant game, I think. Cool stuff, in any event.

Admittedly, $80 is somewhat expensive for this device. It is, afterall, just a remote control. However, it's a great remote control. Plus, the average street price runs about $10 - $15 less, which makes it fairly reasonable.

It would be nice if the DMR worked in conjunction with PowerBook IR ports, but it doesn't. It would be even nicer if all PowerBooks came with an Apple co-branded DMR device, but they don't. What professional PowerBook user wouldn't want a remote for their laptop? According to Keyspan, however, neither scenario is likely to happen. Maybe Apple will surprise us with a remote-equipped PowerBook some year.

The DMR meets an immediate need for many road warriors that's basically gone neglected for some time now. It has emancipated me from the podium, stage, and PowerBook when I present. It has allowed me to roam around and interact with an audience while presenting to them. It has given me the flexibility of moving to and from the projection screen instead of relying on cheesy pointers. If you use your PowerBook to present, get the Keyspan Digital Media Remote today.

Editor's Note: Keyspan is expected to be updating its DMR software at MWNY this week. Stay tuned for more details...