Non-Apple remote control for MBP

[PaperQueen]

I’m about to pull my hair out.

As a professional speaker, I often travel with my MBP, opting to use that with Keynote rather than frustrate myself with PowerPoint and someone else’s PC. I’ve been using the remote control that came with the laptop, but for some inexplicable reason, half the time, I find my slides have jumped several slides ahead...or worse, all the way to the end. It’s as if the remote goes into hyperdrive when I touch the buttons.

Of course, I look like an idiot in front of the audience when it happens.

I’ve pretty much concluded this is a result of the tiny round button being too sensitive, and am willing to buy a third party remote to resolve the problem. Anyone have suggestions?

Thanks in advance, folks. Much appreciated!

 

[waw74]

Have you tried remote buddy?
It will let you remap the keys. might help with the jumping.
It also has a remote that runs via HTTP, so if you have an iphone/ipod touch. you can set up a wi-fi connection between the phone and your laptop and use it as a remote. You don't get the benefit of a hard button so it might be a bit harder to find, unless the phone is sitting on the podium in front of you.

it comes with a free 30 day trial

http://www.iospirit.com/index.php?mode=view&obj_type=infogroup&obj_id=24&sid=7524733Gd6f20de4dd411010

 

[Vaphoron]

You sure your remote isn't just broken?

 

[brand]

You could use Remote Buddy software along with a Wii Remote connected through bluetooth.

 

[PaperQueen]

Have you tried remote buddy?
It will let you remap the keys. might help with the jumping.

I don’t think that will help, since the < and > keys are already on opposite sides of the remote. My guess is it’s either too (blasted) sensitive, or there’s something hinky going on with it.

Using my iPod Touch as a replacement would be worse, with no raised buttons to feel. Need to make the fact I’m using a remote at all as invisible as possible.

You sure your remote isn't just broken?

Could be, although it works fine with both my iPods and the white Apple “boom box” (can’t recall what it’s official name is).

I’m willing to buy a third party solution, as long as it works and has raised controls so I don’t have to look down each time a slide needs to change.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

I use Keyspan's Presentation Remote, great value and added functions compared to the Apple Remote. Site:
http://www.keyspan.com/products/homepage.2.productList.Remotes.spml

 

[rjphoto]

I use the Targus and Kensington clickers.

I like both for different reasons.

The Kensington for simplicity. Forward, Reverese, Black-Out and Laser.
http://us.kensington.com/html/11190.html

The Targus for functionality. All of the above but flip a switch and you have a full function joystick style mouse.
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AMP02US

Both have a USB receiver that is specific to each transmitter. We actually use 2 of the Kensingtons on the same laptop for a meeting each week so that we don't have to pass the clicker around the room.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

The Kensington for simplicity. Forward, Reverese, Black-Out and Laser.
http://us.kensington.com/html/11190.html

The Targus for functionality. All of the above but flip a switch and you have a full function joystick style mouse.
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AMP02US

The Kensington Presentation Remote has this too!

 

[PaperQueen]

You folks ROCK. All options were good ones; decided on the Keyspan because of the long range and audio control. Definitely two pluses.

Thank you so, so, so much for helping out. Can’t imagine how much I appreciate it...and how anxious I am for the UPS man to get here with my new toy.