geekhack

geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: Pacifist on Sat, 04 January 2014, 21:31:32

Title: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Pacifist on Sat, 04 January 2014, 21:31:32
How good is the powermate?
I can get it for $32 on either ebay or amazon. Is it worth the price?
And are there alternatives to it that anybody here uses?
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Sat, 04 January 2014, 21:42:35
worth it's price. it's going to be 2 years now that i've owned it (jan 9 according to amazon)

mine

(http://i.imgur.com/e02UJRJ.jpg)

i lost the usb extension so that's why it's there.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: LONGZILLA on Sat, 04 January 2014, 21:47:01
worth it's price. it's going to be 2 years now that i've owned it (jan 9 according to amazon)

What do you generally use it for? Griffon marketing video mention controlling volume and video editing.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Sat, 04 January 2014, 21:48:57
volume/track skip/website scrolling/pausing

i dont edit video so yeah.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 04 January 2014, 22:03:29
Mine is used for a physical volume control. I HATE fumbling for a mouse and trying to hit a specific icon to change volume quickly. So, yeah, totally worth $32.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Melvang on Sat, 04 January 2014, 22:25:30
For what its worth the drivers for it have not been updated since Win XP days and I couldn't get mine to work with Win 7 or 8.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Sat, 04 January 2014, 22:31:52
mine works perfectly fine with win 7 ftr
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: ricercar on Sun, 05 January 2014, 13:29:37
Drivers work in Win7 OK for me.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 05 January 2014, 16:47:06
Ripster likes his a lot. I've heard a lot a good things about it.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: terrpn on Sun, 05 January 2014, 18:36:14
gotta get one.....
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: evolveS on Sun, 05 January 2014, 19:06:36
If you can hold off until summer, there's a new version coming for $60. (http://gizmodo.com/griffins-powermate-knob-controller-finally-goes-wirele-1492325889)
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: LONGZILLA on Sun, 05 January 2014, 19:08:30
If you can hold off until summer, there's a new version coming for $60. (http://gizmodo.com/griffins-powermate-knob-controller-finally-goes-wirele-1492325889)

Slick
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: neunelfer on Sun, 05 January 2014, 20:18:39
Represent demik

(http://i.imgur.com/3OMYaAe.jpg)

I like mine a lot, haven't had any issues with it in Windows 7. One thing is that the blue LED pulsing during sleep is intermittent - sometimes it works and others it doesn't, but it's not really a big deal. It's really useful for volume control and I also use it to adjust sliders in Lightroom.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Sun, 05 January 2014, 20:30:37
Represent demik

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3OMYaAe.jpg)


I like mine a lot, haven't had any issues with it in Windows 7. One thing is that the blue LED pulsing during sleep is intermittent - sometimes it works and others it doesn't, but it's not really a big deal. It's really useful for volume control and I also use it to adjust sliders in Lightroom.

That's a mighty nice set up you have there!
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: terrpn on Sun, 05 January 2014, 20:31:14
If you can hold off until summer, there's a new version coming for $60. (http://gizmodo.com/griffins-powermate-knob-controller-finally-goes-wirele-1492325889)

thanks............

i can do that
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: neunelfer on Sun, 05 January 2014, 20:54:30
Represent demik

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3OMYaAe.jpg)


I like mine a lot, haven't had any issues with it in Windows 7. One thing is that the blue LED pulsing during sleep is intermittent - sometimes it works and others it doesn't, but it's not really a big deal. It's really useful for volume control and I also use it to adjust sliders in Lightroom.

That's a mighty nice set up you have there!

Thanks man.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 05 January 2014, 22:06:04
If you can hold off until summer, there's a new version coming for $60. (http://gizmodo.com/griffins-powermate-knob-controller-finally-goes-wirele-1492325889)

So two knobs instead of one?
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: evolveS on Sun, 05 January 2014, 22:15:08
If you can hold off until summer, there's a new version coming for $60. (http://gizmodo.com/griffins-powermate-knob-controller-finally-goes-wirele-1492325889)

So two knobs instead of one?

It's still one knob, but the report says you can connect several together wirelessly if you're knob-crazy (the best kind of crazy).
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: LONGZILLA on Sun, 05 January 2014, 22:15:55
If you can hold off until summer, there's a new version coming for $60. (http://gizmodo.com/griffins-powermate-knob-controller-finally-goes-wirele-1492325889)

So two knobs instead of one?

Exactly just an extra knob... disregarding a complete redesign... disregarding bluetooth...
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: HPE1000 on Sun, 05 January 2014, 22:21:58
It's something that I have not used and don't need but I guess it's cool. Since I only use headphones and they are hooked up to an amp with a knob I don't need it for that and I have foobar2000 shortcuts on my keyboard(Ctrl+Q=Play/Pause, Ctrl+W=Back Track, Ctrl+E=Next Track, Ctrl+R=Random/Shuffle).

What all can it do? Because it seems most people use it for volume and play/pause.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: bueller on Sun, 05 January 2014, 22:26:18
Oh sweet, I've wanted one if these for ages! Bluetooth is probably the push I need to actually order one.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: HPE1000 on Sun, 05 January 2014, 22:36:12
RGB led with software control would have been nice for the v2.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: atlas3686 on Mon, 06 January 2014, 01:06:36
I'm actually looking for one of these, they want like $75 shipped here so trying to get it cheaper then that. I see a new bluetooth one was just released but only for mac.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: IPT on Mon, 06 January 2014, 01:36:23
It's something that I have not used and don't need but I guess it's cool. Since I only use headphones and they are hooked up to an amp with a knob I don't need it for that and I have foobar2000 shortcuts on my keyboard(Ctrl+Q=Play/Pause, Ctrl+W=Back Track, Ctrl+E=Next Track, Ctrl+R=Random/Shuffle).

What all can it do? Because it seems most people use it for volume and play/pause.

most people is volume and play/pause
but for those who do video/audio editing use it as a Jog/Shuttle wheel.

its also really used in conjunction with mac's video suite like imovie and final cut pro with drivers updated on mac OS more than windows.

I myself bought one for $17 dollars and use it as a shiny volume nob lool.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: N080D7 on Fri, 17 January 2014, 22:36:13
PowerMate is pretty sweet to use across multiple applications for all different functions (which can be improved with Autohotkey scripts), but I would definitely wait until the Bluetooth version is released, especially since it will hopefully have newer software to go with it.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: neunelfer on Thu, 23 January 2014, 20:49:58
PowerMate is pretty sweet to use across multiple applications for all different functions (which can be improved with Autohotkey scripts)

What do you mean by this? Can you use modifiers like CTRL + Powermate?
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Coreda on Fri, 24 January 2014, 00:48:32
The original looks like a giant, glowing stethoscope. Wonder what the battery life of the bluetooth version will be.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: neun_sechs_zwei on Sun, 02 February 2014, 22:11:55
Had mine 11 years now! Still on my desk at work through a few jobs. Every now and then I remember to use it.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: evolveS on Mon, 17 March 2014, 20:40:47
Griffin is having a 20% off sale with code GREEN20.

The Powermate Bluetooth is only compatible with Mac at this time though afaik.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: blackbox on Tue, 18 March 2014, 01:59:50
It's something that I have not used and don't need but I guess it's cool. Since I only use headphones and they are hooked up to an amp with a knob I don't need it for that and I have foobar2000 shortcuts on my keyboard(Ctrl+Q=Play/Pause, Ctrl+W=Back Track, Ctrl+E=Next Track, Ctrl+R=Random/Shuffle).

What all can it do? Because it seems most people use it for volume and play/pause.

I do agree. I have also an separate headphone amplifier with volumecontrol. I do like the concept of having a physical object to controll the sound with. If it is just for controling sound it is possible to just order a keyboard with media control buttons(Not an option for everybody).
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: mashby on Tue, 18 March 2014, 08:14:40
They also just came out with a wireless bluetooth version (http://store.griffintechnology.com/powermate-bluetooth) for $60.

The wired version is now on Amazon for $35 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWU2WA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VWU2WA&linkCode=as2&tag=mashbycom-20)
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: blackbox on Tue, 18 March 2014, 08:50:40
They also just came out with a wireless bluetooth version (http://store.griffintechnology.com/powermate-bluetooth) for $60.

The wired version is now on Amazon for $35 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWU2WA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VWU2WA&linkCode=as2&tag=mashbycom-20)

It is a bluetooth 4.0 device so it should be pretty energy effecient. In the compabillity ist it just mentions mac os x :(
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: dbme on Tue, 18 March 2014, 11:44:39
Unfortunately - even with a PC USB Bluetooth adapter - the new version will be OSX only. Confirmed last month.

Palettegear.com (http://Palettegear.com) is not cheap (and is wired), but does offer some versatility...
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 18 March 2014, 12:02:58
So sad to hear the new Powermate is going to be OSX only. Seems like a silly and arbitrary way to limit the appeal of the product. I don't know too many Mac owners who would be considered power users anymore.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: mashby on Tue, 18 March 2014, 12:32:57
So sad to hear the new Powermate is going to be OSX only. Seems like a silly and arbitrary way to limit the appeal of the product. I don't know too many Mac owners who would be considered power users anymore.

(http://i.imgur.com/JolxCAB.gif)


We are legion!!!!!! (http://5by5.tv/mpu/182)   :))
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: blackbox on Tue, 18 March 2014, 14:22:16
I hope someone will make a 3rd party driver/software.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 18 March 2014, 14:45:43
We can only hope...
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: blackbox on Tue, 18 March 2014, 14:59:17
We can only hope...

Thats right. It would have been cool to use with a android device. Play the music of the phone(connected to speakers) and adjust the volume/play/pause without opening the lockscreen.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: katushkin on Tue, 18 March 2014, 15:54:18
WHAT??

So NO Windows support AT ALL?

That is ****ing ridiculous. Why would you make it so niche? The low profile is so nice on the new one. The blue light would go so well with my new build as well.

I might have to buy the wired one because **** Apple.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: blackbox on Tue, 18 March 2014, 16:07:39
WHAT??

So NO Windows support AT ALL?

That is ****ing ridiculous. Why would you make it so niche? The low profile is so nice on the new one. The blue light would go so well with my new build as well.

I might have to buy the wired one because **** Apple.

Well you are not the only person that complaints about lack of crossplatform support. I hope Griffin will notice and do something about that.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: MsYutai on Tue, 18 March 2014, 17:52:40
Just saw this thread-- how do you guys always make me want things I don't need?!

Also, very sad that the bluetooth version isn't compatible with Windows.... there goes ~80% of your market.. >_>
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: jacobolus on Tue, 18 March 2014, 18:52:07
Griffin makes Mac accessories, and has for 15 years. Griffin’s customer base, and all of their sales/support/development expertise is focused on the Mac (and later iOS) ecosystem. It’s possible they could also market devices to Windows users, but it would take a lot of extra work on their part: market research to figure out what products Windows users would buy, lots of development effort including hiring Windows developers to write new device drivers, setting up new sales channels, retraining all their support staff.

Saying “there goes 80% of your market” is a completely uninformed statement, and all the folks in here pretending that it would be trivial for them to add Windows support are just delusional.

Plenty of other companies make hardware accessories for Windows computers, many of which have been Windows-only for decades.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 18 March 2014, 19:00:08
Griffin makes Mac accessories, and has for 15 years. Griffin’s customer base, and all of their sales/support/development expertise is focused on the Mac (and later iOS) ecosystem. It’s possible they could also market devices to Windows users, but it would take a lot of extra work on their part: market research to figure out what products Windows users would buy, lots of development effort including hiring Windows developers to write new device drivers, setting up new sales channels, retraining all their support staff.

Saying “there goes 80% of your market” is a completely uninformed statement, and all the folks in here pretending that it would be trivial for them to add Windows support are just delusional.

Plenty of other companies make hardware accessories for Windows computers, many of which have been Windows-only for decades.

Yea, it doesn't look like they will make it for windows. If they planned to do so, they would have already made it.

Looking throught their website and how its pretty much 100% apple geared, its no suprise that they made it mac only

at least now the bluetooth isn't tempting me
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Tue, 18 March 2014, 22:55:36
Switched to a mac mini recently and put my powermate away due to lack of usb ports.. but this being bluetooth is tempting.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: blackbox on Wed, 19 March 2014, 04:04:40
Switched to a mac mini recently and put my powermate away due to lack of usb ports.. but this being bluetooth is tempting.

why no usb hub?
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Wed, 19 March 2014, 12:59:09
Switched to a mac mini recently and put my powermate away due to lack of usb ports.. but this being bluetooth is tempting.

why no usb hub?

Trying to keep the wires as few as possible
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: blackbox on Wed, 19 March 2014, 13:39:41
Switched to a mac mini recently and put my powermate away due to lack of usb ports.. but this being bluetooth is tempting.

why no usb hub?

Trying to keep the wires as few as possible

even if it is  very tiny?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GWC-HU2024-USB-2-0-2-Port-Hub-bus-power-ultra-slim-INVENTORY-CLEARANCE-/281243083361?pt=US_USB_Cables_Hubs_Adapters&hash=item417b64e261 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GWC-HU2024-USB-2-0-2-Port-Hub-bus-power-ultra-slim-INVENTORY-CLEARANCE-/281243083361?pt=US_USB_Cables_Hubs_Adapters&hash=item417b64e261)
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Wed, 19 March 2014, 13:45:20
Its not the hub that bothers me. Its all the crap that will be connected to it. Right now it is just my dac and hhkb and thats enough wires
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: IPT on Wed, 19 March 2014, 15:48:44
btw what are you guys gonna use this for?
I personally only use my powermate for volume control lol.
I'm 99% sure the people who use it on the mac and invest in this thing is using it as a 3D Wheel for graphic design or something.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: mashby on Wed, 19 March 2014, 16:09:31
btw what are you guys gonna use this for?
I personally only use my powermate for volume control lol.
I'm 99% sure the people who use it on the mac and invest in this thing is using it as a 3D Wheel for graphic design or something.

I used mine primarily for a volume knob. Made it easy to mute, or adjust volume when a phone call came in. I also used it as a cough button when I did a podcast.

My windows buddy used his as a volume knob as well.  However, we've both since given them away.  :-[

I gave mine away when I was cutting cords and going with a wireless keyboard.  Now that I'm back with mechanical keyboards, I don't mind the wires as much and I miss it.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: demik on Wed, 19 March 2014, 17:20:48
btw what are you guys gonna use this for?
I personally only use my powermate for volume control lol.
I'm 99% sure the people who use it on the mac and invest in this thing is using it as a 3D Wheel for graphic design or something.

Page scrolling. Used it for volume control but now that i got my amp i dont need it.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Nixietube on Wed, 26 March 2014, 13:26:56
i like the idea of the power mate, i am just wondering if the price is really worth it. would you guys buy it again and how much do you use it?
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: atlas3686 on Wed, 26 March 2014, 13:56:46
I'm really keen on one but they not available here and it's like $60 through an importer so just not worth it.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: kittykatmax on Wed, 26 March 2014, 14:20:22
I've had my PowerMate for several years.  Sucker still looks brand new, and works as fine as something can with ancient drivers - Griffin sadly offers what I can only describe as craptastic driver support.  Mine is working in Windows 8 64-bit for the most part, but flickers erratically.  If I had epiliepsy, I'd be afraid to use it for fear of it triggering episodes (seriously). 

I tend to use it as a quickie volume up/down/mute button, but also for page scrolling in Chrome and controlling music in iTunes.  I really need to get off my buns and do more "per app" configurations because it really is a handy device.  If Griffin weren't so bad with driver updates, I'd have one at every PC.  I sent an e-mail in asking about future support for Windows on the new version, as well as any future Windows upgrades for the old version.  If they respond, I'll update.  If they add Windows support to the BT model, I'm planning to buy one.

It's really a solidly built, attractive piece of hardware that offers some nice functionality if you don't mind the price.  I would buy it again and use mine every day.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: mashby on Wed, 26 March 2014, 16:24:11
I'm really keen on one but they not available here and it's like $60 through an importer so just not worth it.

I'm actually sorry I got rid of mine. It was extremely well made and now that they have a wireless version, I'm itching to get one. I just have to stop buying keyboards then maybe I'll get another one. :p
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 26 March 2014, 16:25:49
I'm really keen on one but they not available here and it's like $60 through an importer so just not worth it.
I just have to stop buying keyboards then maybe I'll get another one. :p

Like that is every going to happen :D
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate? Response from Griffin!
Post by: kittykatmax on Wed, 26 March 2014, 17:24:14
Response from Griffin below.  If enough people contact them and request current driver support for the USB  Powermate, and/or Windows drivers for the new BT PowerMate, they'll apparently make it happen.   I don't think Griffin considers how many sales are lost because of the obviously ancient drivers for the USB PowerMate.  I also don't think they're taking into account how many Mac users also run Bootcamp  (Windows) on their machines.  A lot of Windows developers actually buy high end MacBooks and toss Bootcamp/Windows VMs on them as opposed to buying Windows hardware, so they are in particular a market that will likely pass on a Mac only PowerMate.   

These days I'm predominantly a Windows/Android user (Apple does a lousy job of supporting gamers with their hardware, which ultimately cost them my business), but I have a four year-old 27"iMac and a two year-old MacBook Air, and the ability for my  Mac accessories to also work in Bootcamp has always been important to me.  Speaking from personal experience, buying an accessory that becomes a paperweight when you swap over to Bootcamp is less than desirable, to the point that I, for one, will skip the purchase.

I'm tempted to start a Change.org petition or something....

=========

Thank you for the email and your interest in Griffin products.
1. The Powermate bluetooth is not currently slated to be compatible with windows based computers and will only work with those Macs that have Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.

2. There are no current plans to update the drivers for the existing powermate to be compatible with Windows 8.

On both fronts, a compatible versions for windows is possible and I will definitely pass your feedback along

Sorry I didn't have better news
Jitin

Griffin Technology
Customer Support
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: evolveS on Thu, 27 March 2014, 22:22:43
I just sent an email to their customer service as well, let's put the ball in their court!
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: atlas3686 on Fri, 23 October 2015, 05:20:08
Necro-ing this thread but has anyone managed to get this working on win10 64bit? Have the opportunity to get one at a better price then before and I would love one but if I go to all the effort of importing it for it to not work on my PC, I will be quite bleak.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: atlas3686 on Mon, 26 October 2015, 04:29:58
No one using them anymore?
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: CaplockJack on Mon, 26 October 2015, 11:08:59
Still no Windows support for BT.

 :(
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 26 October 2015, 11:18:44
The last time mine worked was on xp.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: atlas3686 on Tue, 27 October 2015, 07:00:05
Oh damn, that is not good news. So I shouldn't bother anymore I guess :( Can't believe how poor Griffin's driver support is. Seriously why would they not fix that and sell more of these.....
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: heedpantsnow on Tue, 27 October 2015, 12:13:23
My usb Powermate works with 2x W8.1 Pro computers and 1x W7 computer.  All are x64 OS's.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: fliptrik on Tue, 27 October 2015, 12:17:56
Necro-ing this thread but has anyone managed to get this working on win10 64bit? Have the opportunity to get one at a better price then before and I would love one but if I go to all the effort of importing it for it to not work on my PC, I will be quite bleak.

Mine works just fine on Windows 10 x64. I use it as a volume knob daily.
Title: Re: Griffin Powermate?
Post by: atlas3686 on Tue, 27 October 2015, 12:39:32

Necro-ing this thread but has anyone managed to get this working on win10 64bit? Have the opportunity to get one at a better price then before and I would love one but if I go to all the effort of importing it for it to not work on my PC, I will be quite bleak.

Mine works just fine on Windows 10 x64. I use it as a volume knob daily.

Just using the vista drivers? If you don't mind me asking what's your systems specs?