Satechi Bluetooth Multi-Media Remote

If you're the type that keeps your Apple devices docked or connected to external speakers and monitors, the Satechi Bluetooth Multi-Media Remote ($39.99 direct) could help make your life a little easier. It's reasonably priced, portable, and capable of controlling a number of features for your iOS devices and Mac computers. While media playback and presentation controls are its core functions, it can also control Siri-enabled devices, making it a good choice for fans of Apple's virtual assistant as well.

The Satechi Bluetooth Multi-Media Remote is thin and light, measuring 3.6 by 1.4 by 0.4 inches (HWD) and weighing 1 ounce. Its all-black plastic body feels flimsy, and its glossy plastic buttons have a disconcerting rattle to them, giving the remote a cheap feel. You'll find standard media playback controls, including Pause, Play, Forward, Backward, and a pair of Volume buttons, as well as a Keyboard and Home button. Below the buttons is a sliding door that reveals a tiny number pad, a Wireless Pairing button, and an Enter button. There's an On/Off switch on the left edge, while another sliding door on the back reveals two CR-2025 coin cell batteries, which Satechi claims will last for six months of use.

The remote is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled Apple devices, including the iPhone 3GS or later, all iPads, third-generation iPods or later, and MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Minis. Setup is simple, but I found I had to use my fingernails to accurately press the tiny number keys when entering the PIN required for pairing.

The media playback controls work as advertised, and you can pair both the remote and a Bluetooth speaker with your device at the same time. When using Keynote on Mac computers, the number pad lets you skip to specific slides, but the tiny buttons make this feature less convenient. The remote also works with Microsoft PowerPoint, but you can only advance single slides forward by pressing the Enter button.

The Volume Up button also serves as the camera shutter for iOS 5 devices, which makes it easier to take group shots and self portraits, or eliminate blur from pressing the on-screen shutter. Holding down the Home button activates Siri for the iPhone 4S, but the remote doesn't have a built-in mic, so you'll have to stay within speaking range of your iPhone. In my tests, I found that it still worked in a quiet room from about 10 feet away without shouting. Some may find this helpful while driving, but I'm not completely sold on the usefulness of Siri to begin with, much less a remote to activate it.

Despite its minor flaws, the Satechi Bluetooth Multi-Media Remote is a surprisingly versatile companion for your iOS devices and Mac computers. It's reasonably priced and offers an easy way to add wireless control for media playback, presentations, taking pictures, and activating Siri.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/LG2BUGKA4WA/0,2817,2407937,00.asp

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