Presentation Remote Clickers

To deliver a truly engaging, memorable and effective presentation, not only do you need the right presentation but you also need the right tools of the trade. One of these tools is a wireless presentation remote clicker. We have tried and tested three of those currently on the market. See how our expert rates them. This month’s m62 expert: Richard Newman

Kensington 33062 Wireless Presentation Remote Control

Simple yet very effective, this Kensington remote conveniently has a built-in wireless USB receiver, perfect for giving you control of your presentations, and has a usability range of around 50 feet (15m).

Lightweight, and with only four buttons to choose from, it’s incredibly simple to use. At times when your arms aren’t long enough to reach the screen, it also has a built-in laser pointer to highlight key presentation points, and with over 65,000 separate IDs, the chances of crosstalk – where someone else remote controls your presentation because they have the same remote – are very slim!

Best of all, this is truly ‘plug and play’ – as no drivers / software installation are required. The remote also has a blank screen function to allow you to turn off the screen and enable your audience to focus 100% on you, the presenter.

Weaknesses: Unfortunately you have no idea when the battery might die and changing the battery is a delicate operation, which requires a jeweller’s screwdriver. It doesn’t take standard batteries (AA / AAA) and you can’t turn the remote off to prevent running down the battery’s charge accidentally, when carrying it in your bag.

Overall rating: I have to admit that this is a personal favourite of mine. I’ve been using this remote for over five years and I still love it, despite its minor weaknesses.

Star Rating 4.5 out of 5.

Price Guide £20 / $45

Logitech 2.4 GHz Cordless Presenter

Finishing your presentation on time is critical, especially when you take into account m62’s research on how long your audience will pay attention for. This remote gives you an easy to set LCD timer that gives automatic vibrating warnings when you have five and two minutes remaining.

Again, it has a range of around 50 feet (15m), which is more than sufficient for just about any environment. It includes a storable receiver and carrying case, has a laser pointer and is ‘plug & play’ – connecting to your laptop via USB.

Unlike the Kensington, the Logitech remote allows the user to launch and escape from the slide show (although I’m not quite sure why you would need this!) and has a volume control function. It also benefits from a very useful battery indicator, which will help ensure you don’t run out of power half way through your presentation.

Weakness: The USB receiver can easily be put into the remote the wrong way, which then makes it somewhat difficult to take out again!

Star Rating 4 out of 5.

Price Guide £38 / $50

Keyspan Presentation Remote Pro

The Pro Presenter has a laser, audio controls AND a mouse control that provides cursor control, scrolling and two-button mouse capabilities in one remote. With a claimed range of over 100 feet, it’s perfect for large meeting rooms and lecture halls.

Like the other two, this remote doesn’t require software, just plug the receiver into the USB port on your PC or Mac and it works within seconds. With a ‘hide slide’ feature you can also blank the screen anytime that you want to have the audience focus on you. The receiver is stored inside the remote when not in use and has an on/off switch to ensure that the batteries are not accidentally run down when in your bag. Its AAA batteries are easy to replace when needed.

Weaknesses: The response on the mouse control is good but very sensitive and requires lots of practising in order to use well. The remote will NOT work with Keynote.

Star Rating 4 out of 5.

Price Guide £60 / $60