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Introduction
 Computer
systems these days aren't the draconian boxes they once were in the late
80s and early 90s. The true "multimedia" feel came in the form
of CD-Rom drives and speakers with sound cards. Now, people use their
computer systems to view web content of all types, such as music and movies,
as well as use their computer system as a true "entertainment center"
that also serves as a stereo system and movie home theater. One of the
leaders in innovative technology, ATI, has recognized this and invented
one slick device in their Remote Wonder. This wireless radio
frequency remote control eliminates the need to aim so you can now operate
your PC from another room, even through walls. The device is simply installed
using your USB port, and everything you need to get rolling (batteries
even) is included in the box.
Specs & Info
The specifications and highlights of the device ...
- Wireless remote control for your PC
- Works through walls using RF technology even when not
aimed at the receiver
- Easy to install to an available USB port
- Integrates perfectly with all Radeon graphics products
- Wireless remote that operates using Radio Frequency,
eliminating the need to point the remote at the receiver
- Works through walls, enabling you to roam the room, house,
stage, or classroom
- Easy set up of receiver as it simply plugs into any available
USB port in your PC
- Quick installation with automatic driver detection
- Compatible with all Radeon graphics products
- Offers mouse and application control, no matter what
graphics are on-board
- Controls your mouse pointer and cursor movements easily
with its large thumb pad
- Provides full control of your PC mouse pointer and ATI
MULTIMEDIA CENTER, included with the wireless remote
- One button access to launch your web browser, media library,
TV and DVD features
- Program a zoom in button, still capture button or a favorite
TV channel with one of the six programmable alpha keys provided for
custom configuration
- Easy to use with superior remote features including volume,
mute, numeric selection, channel up/down keys, fast forward and reverse
buttons
- REMOTE WONDER provides you the freedom to remotely move
PowerPoint presentations forward or backward, launch your multimedia
demonstrations and web browser. Interact with your audience not your
PC
- Control your PC CD player or MP3 music collection from
anywhere in the house
- Fast forward to select sections of your favorite DVDs
and CDs
- Operate your ALL IN WONDER TV features from the comfort
of your couch instead of sitting in front of your PC
Performance
What a fantastic device.
Ever want to control your movies from your bed as you watch them on your
PC? Ever want to control your MP3s playing on your system while doing
homework across the hall? Ever want to control your laptop and simply
push a tiny button to go to the next powerpoint slide while looking extremely
cool while doing it? I could probably come up with a thousand great uses
for this product - and it performs as advertised (how often can you say
that nowadays?).
You can program six of the buttons to do anything you want
them to do - so if you want to check the web, turn on the DVD player ...
whatever, you can do it with the push of a button from the comfort of
... well, anywhere! The software included is a fantastic multimedia center
that will allow you total configuration and control of the Remote Wonder
device. All that you need is a working IQ over 70 to get it rolling it
seems - it's incredibly easy to use, and easy to install.
Value and Usefulness
How much would a device be worth to you that you could use to enable you
to roam the boardroom during a presentation, or to use in a classroom
setting that allows you control of a computer system without wires? Certainly
more than the $49.99 price tag associated with this great piece of equipment.
When testing this unit out, we were able to control the
computer the Remote Wonder was hooked up to from the bathroom down the
hall and we were still able to access the computer. The unit was also
able to be configured just the way we wanted it by using the software
included. The amount of uses associated with the product are just about
endless, but I could imagine this best being used in multimedia, business,
or classroom settings. For $49.99 it's definitely a bargain.
Overall Impressions
I was quite curious to see just how well this device performed, and why
someone would use it. Now that it's hooked up and we've had a go with
it, we love it. It's an invaluable device that we've found three significant
uses for:
- Using it as a multimedia controller for playing MP3s and
DVDs
- Being lazy and starting things up from your bed
- Classroom / Business presentations
Undoubtedly, these are really great things. When thinking
about small multimedia type mini-computers that are now being put in living
rooms to control stereo systems and play movies, this device is an absolute
must buy and should be bundled (ideally) with such systems. Business people
and teachers alike will find this device a tremendous tool in presentations.
The cost is reasonable, the Remote Wonder performs as advertised, making
the product from ATI a fantastic value. The usefulness is obvious, and
since it has a USB interface, it should last consumers well into the next
generation of computers.
Kudos go out to the people at ATI for creating a nice, affordable,
and easy to use tool that a wide variety of people can use for many different
purposes. An Editor's Choice product for it's innovation and usefulness!
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10 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
96%
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10 / 10 |
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10 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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9.6 / 10 |
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