Logitech 2.4 GHz Cordless Presenter (Black)

I have been using the Logitech Cordless 2.4 GHz Presenter for about three weeks. During that time I have used it in 18 one hour lectures. The presenter does everything it was designed to do effortlessly. I decided on the Logitech Presenter for a two reasons. First, it installs with no software. Just plug the USB radio transmitter/receiver into the back of your computer and it is ready to go. During my initial installation Windows XP said there was a problem, but everything operated just fine. Second, this presenter has a limited number of functions. It was my view that when giving a lecture the last thing you need is to have to hunt among a dozen or so buttons to do something. Also, more buttons increases the likelihood of hitting the wrong one. On the top the Logitech Presenter has 5 buttons: 1) forward, 2) back, 3) laser pointer which is between the forward and back, 4) F5/ESC which starts PowerPoint at the first slide or returns to the work view and 5) black the screen. All of the buttons are conveniently placed, work as promised and are easy to find without looking at them. On the left side is the on/off switch and volume control and on the right side is the button to set the countdown timer. The timer starts vibrating at set intervals 5 minutes before it reaches 0. It appears to use batteries sparingly. After about 18 hours of use the battery meter has yet to move.There are two possible negatives to the Logitech Cordless 2.4 GHz Presenter. First, it has no mouse (I actually consider this a positive). So if you need to use a mouse in your presentations this is not the presenter to get. Second, it only appears to work with PowerPoint. It may work with other programs, but I have found no mention of it.Based on the above review and the fact that the machine does exactly what it was designed to do, I give the presenter 5 stars. However, before purchasing one you need to decide if you really need its capabilities. If you regularly teach/make presentations in a large room it no doubt is handy. As Logitech advertises, the range is at least 50 feet. If you always present in a small room, the Logitech Cordless 2.4 GHz Presenter is really of little advantage. Nevertheless, it is cool to be able to change slides away from the projector. Perhaps the determining factor should be who is making the purchase. If your employer is springing for one, get it. If it is coming out of your pocket, consider carefully.

Would give 5 stars, but the first one I bought from Amazon was defective. The second one was good, and it works perfectly with powerpoint. I used it to give a presentation and it allowed me to focus on the slides rather than run back and forth to my computer like a headless chicken!Unlike other presenter remotes, this one does NOT need drivers.The unit is EASY to hold and EASY to use. You NEVER have to look down to the remote to see what you're pressing, allowing you to focus on the presentation and audience. The plastic is covered with some sorta easy to grip stuff. I don't even know what it's called, but it's nice. It doesn't seem like the rubber coating will come off, either. :)There is NO DELAY between your button press and your compter's reaction, which is GOOD! You can flip through multiple slides with ease. (Although if your computer is really really slow it might have some delay)The 2.4Ghz band MIGHT have interference. My buttons wouldn't work if I was too CLOSE to the laptop, which I thought was odd.The included timer only works in 5 minute intervals, and the vibrating alert is too soft - you have to have it firmly in your hand to notice it.The laser pointer is the standard red dot. Very good. Just make sure you don't press the laser button while you're facing the audience. -- Although only an idiot would mistake the laser button with the "next slide" button, we all know how nervous and absent minded we can get during presentations. If you're scared, just cover the laser hole with masking tape.The batter life seems good too, and the batteries are AAA and very easy to replace. Logitech actually included Duracell batteries! Nice!The included case is neoprene, and fits the unit nicely.Unit is light and doens't add to travel weight! :)Just beware of Logitech products in general, cause their quality control sucks. MAKE SURE YOU BUY IT FROM A PLACE THAT HAS A GOOD RETURN/REPLACEMENT POLICY because their customer service sucks too. Out of 5 random logitech products I bought, 2 were defective!