Installation:

  The very first thing I personally did was plug it directly into my computers USB port to see what, if anything, would happen. Well, nothing happened except it lite up.

  So the next thing I did was threw the included driver CD in. It started it's install shield jumbo and then it asked me if I would like to check for newer software before I installed the CD software. So I did. There was in fact a newer version (1.5.3) available from the internet, so I grabbed that and just closed the CD driver window. Once that was downloaded I ran the software. Immediately the PowerMate came to life and was already controlling my volume settings along with "Back" on the browser and scrolling up and down in web pages.

Software:

  Included below are some options and screenshots from the 1.5.3 software. It only took a second to install and it's pretty much one window with some dropdown options by default.

  You can add, edit and delete programs in the software. The options are simple by default including only Global Settings, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Media Player. However you can add as many new programs to control as you'd like.

   Also, any programs you're currently running when you click the "ADD" button, you'll see on the screen to customize controls for it using the PowerMate. That's pretty handy.

Default Global Settings:

  The Global settings shown above are the default installation. However you can customize it in any number of ways.

Internet Explorer & Media Player:

  Above are once again the default solutions for your PowerMate. Use your imagination and there is few limits for this product.

Note Worthy:

  One thing I'd like to mention is the superb blue LED glow that comes from underneath the PowerMate. Not only can it be set to stay solid, but it can also be set to pulse like a heartbeat in both super slow and super fast setups. If you notice the screenshots of the installation & setup software above, you may notice the Pulse settings for the LED. So, not only can you fully customize and program the Dial itself, but also the LED glow!

   Unlike most blue LED products on the market today, the configuration of this makes it perfect by NOT blinding you. Since the LED is facing down, all you see is the glow that leaks out thru the semi-transparent bottom edges. So no worries, this item won't be blaring into your eyes when in use.

Conclusion:

  I have to say even at default settings it's a neat product. It automatically controls the volume thru the initial default setup with the turn of a dial. A quick push on the top of the PowerMate mutes all volume immediately.

  Another neat feature I found is that it will scroll long web pages with the twist of the wrist. Again, also by default. So fear not if you're a novice, you will still have some neat features available to you while you familiarize yourself with the product.

  For the advanced users out there, such as audio/video editors, this will be a very handy tool to have to speed up your work.

  The only drawback for the product in my eyes is the fairly steep price at a little over $45. It tends to bring it more into the category of the professional and not the average joe. However this is one product that I can't say the quality doesn't live up to the price, because it certainly looks, feels, and works like it's worth every penny.

  If you've got every trinket for your PC already and are looking for that something else to play with, this would be a good choice. And if you're the professional out there looking for an edge to speed up your work, this is also a good choice for that.

  Even with the price being slightly high in my eyes, and the cord layout could be better, I can still recommend this product for it's fantastic quality, programmability, and conversation starting good looks.

  I'd like to thank Griffin Technology for their quick work to get me a review unit. Check them out for lots of neat gadgets.