Get "Remote Buddy" for the mac, and use your otherwise useless IR remote to control everything on your mac, including Keynote in a nice way. It's well worth the $30 or so.
Try a Wiimote. Using the Darwiin Remote program, you can program ALL of the Wiimote keys to operate specific key presses or mouse clicks. Put a couple IR lights on your projected surface, and you've even got a pointer that can interact with the on-screen display. Wiimotes run about $35-40, depending on where you buy them, run off two AA batteries, and operate as a Class II BlueTooth device (though not officially classified as one). You'll be shocked by the battery life, and as far as geeky/nerdy things go, there's nothing better than invisibly hacking your presentation tools. And it doesn't look half bad either.
One thing to worry about though: Darwiin remote has some stability issues when playing around with things like sleep mode. However, if you get everything set up, and run Keynote, then don't mess with much else (IE: start playing WoW, play around with all your system settings, etc.) you should be pretty safe.
7 comments so far
Try using the apple remote if one came with your mac...it works great.
2 years, 3 months ago by smurph
not sure if it works with a Mac, but I have the Logitech presenter http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/business/mobility/meetings_presentations/devices/175&cl=us,en
It has a timer, laser pointer and black out button. It's been great for me! You can find them cheap on eBay too.
innrgeek
2 years, 3 months ago by innrgeek
@smurph: Yeah, but that's inferred. I was thinking maybe Bluetooth or RF...
@innrgeek: Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like it may only be for windows though...
2 years, 3 months ago by mcconnell
It's not infra-red: Storable 2.4 GHz wireless receiver: 50-foot operating range lets you roam freely during the presentation
I've wandered all around the room. It's probably a lot better range than a Bluetooth one would be also.
2 years, 3 months ago by innrgeek
oops, disregard, got my replies mixed up - sorry
2 years, 3 months ago by innrgeek
Get "Remote Buddy" for the mac, and use your otherwise useless IR remote to control everything on your mac, including Keynote in a nice way. It's well worth the $30 or so.
2 years, 3 months ago by merlyn
Try a Wiimote. Using the Darwiin Remote program, you can program ALL of the Wiimote keys to operate specific key presses or mouse clicks. Put a couple IR lights on your projected surface, and you've even got a pointer that can interact with the on-screen display. Wiimotes run about $35-40, depending on where you buy them, run off two AA batteries, and operate as a Class II BlueTooth device (though not officially classified as one). You'll be shocked by the battery life, and as far as geeky/nerdy things go, there's nothing better than invisibly hacking your presentation tools. And it doesn't look half bad either.
One thing to worry about though: Darwiin remote has some stability issues when playing around with things like sleep mode. However, if you get everything set up, and run Keynote, then don't mess with much else (IE: start playing WoW, play around with all your system settings, etc.) you should be pretty safe.
2 years, 3 months ago by Kichigai