Strange metallic Volume control thing??

[JW8725]

Hi i've seen on most computer set ups this strange metallic volume control nob thing. Sometimes even with a blue light under it? What is the purpose of this? Also what the heck is it? And where can i get one from??

 

[Applespider]

It's the Griffin Powermate - a snip at £44.95 from Apple UK (look under Cool Stuff on the Apple UK Store). Here's the more info that explains exactly what it does since it's not just a volume controller.

Made of high-quality machined aluminum, PowerMate feels like a solid volume knob pulled right off the front of a world-class stereo. Its heavy weight and tactile feel is a welcome departure from typical plastic USB peripherals. PowerMate functions beautifully as a convenient volume knob and mute button for music listening on your Mac. But that's just the beginning of PowerMate's possibilities.

Edit movies just like the pros with PowerMate functioning as your very own Jog/Shuttle wheel. Spin PowerMate to scroll through footage and push the integrated button to edit points or cut out unwanted pieces. PowerMate makes editing home movies a breeze and it comes preset to work with iMovie and FinalCut Pro right out of the box.

But the real power of PowerMate is that it's programmable. Program PowerMate to scroll through long Microsoft Word files and save your document when you push its button. Set PowerMate to scrub through songs in sequencers and music apps. PowerMate can be programmed to do any key command - in any application. Save as many unique settings as you want, PowerMate will remember them all.

 

[JW8725]

Nice one thanks mate!