Do you ever connect your PowerBook to your television to watch DVDs or downloaded TV programs in VLC Player? I do and the two things that I don’t like about this setup is that: a) I can’t geek out on my PowerBook while watching, and b) I don’t have a remote control. It used to make me crazy because I’d grab my normal TV remote control to pause the program but it wouldn’t work (doh!). I’ve found the perfect solution for my PowerBook media center – Griffin’s AirClick USB. Read More…
Do you ever connect your PowerBook to your television to watch DVDs or downloaded TV programs in VLC Player? I do and the two things that I don’t like about this setup is that: a) I can’t geek out on my PowerBook while watching, and b) I don’t have a remote control. It used to make me crazy because I’d grab my normal TV remote control to pause the program but it wouldn’t work (doh!). I’ve found the perfect solution for my PowerBook media center – Griffin’s AirClick USB.
Available for US$40 from the Griffin Technology Web site, the AirClick USB is a remote control that works with Macs and PCs. The tiny receiver module (pictured) attaches to a USB port and receives signals from the remote from up to 60 feet away. The included remote control is tiny, well designed and has buttons for Play/Pause, skip forward, skip back, volume up and down and a hold switch that prevents errant clicks. The remote also has a handy clip that use to attach it to my shirt – otherwise it’s easy to lose in between the pillows on my couch.
AirClick uses Radio Frequency (RF) signals that travel through walls up to 60 feet away without requiring line-of-sight to the receiver like Infrared (IR) remotes do. AirClick USB comes pre-configured to control DVD Player, iChat, Mail, iPhoto, iTunes, Keynote, Preview, PowerPoint, QuickTime Player, radioSHARK, Safari and VLC. AirClick USB ships with the AirClick remote control, the AirClick receiver dongle, which pivots 90 degrees in either direction; a CD containing AirClick USB software for Mac and Windows; and a 44-inch USB extension cable.
Three versions of the AirClick are available, USB, iPod and iPod mini. The iPod versions include a remote holder with velcro straps so that you can use it as an armband or attach it to a bicycle or steering wheel.
The AirClick USB is such an indispensable part of my PowerBook home theatre that I am awarding it an O’Grady’s PowerPick for 2005. If you connect your PowerBook to a TV or give presentations on your Mac frequently – you need one of these bad boys.
