© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
The wearing of a ring often times is considered a symbol of control.
The RING PRESENTER is just such a ring in that it not only functions as
a laser pointer, but also as a Bluetooth mouse.
The RING PRESENTER, by Genius, is a dual platform device that interfaces
with your computer via a mini Bluetooth pico receiver that plugs into the USB
port of a Mac, works well in the keyboard USB port, or PC. A rechargeable
battery powers the ring. Charging takes place by connection of a supplied
custom cable to the computer’s USB port or a USB charger and the ring. A blue
LED serves as a power-on/off and when blinking, low power indicator. Once charged
operation is quite simple. A three-position selector switch allows selection of
mouse/pointer, off, or pointer only operation. A CD is provided as driver for
those computers that require it. While the Mac had no problem recognizing the
ring without the software installed, an upgrade from the Genius website was
necessary to smooth out the mouse’s functions.
The ring is worn on the index finger of either hand. I’m right-handed
and found the left index finger to work best. This allows my right hand the
freedom of other unrelated tasks since the thumb of the hand wearing the ring
interacts with the ring.
The ring has two control, top-side, locations, a center button and a
surrounding faceplate. The center button is used for tracking the cursor and
clicking the enter function. The faceplate has four switches each located in
opposite positions of the square faceplate. They serve to activate all the
normal functions of a mouse. When used as a pointer the bottom button serves to
illuminate the pointer while depressed. Positioning your index finger at a
right angle points the laser beam in the direction of what you’re pointing to.
(TIP: Operation is
typically performed with the thumb of the hand wearing the ring on the index
finger. Naturally, it is possible to activate these buttons with the opposite
hand’s fingers, but you’ll probably find that the thumb method works best.
Never look at the laser beam directly as severe eye damage or blindness can
occur.)
The RING PRESENTER is
an interesting gadget for those who do presentations, but can be used for
normal computer use as well. Since your pointer and mouse are incorporated in
one device located on a finger it’s easy to walk around the room and not carry
two controls. It does take a bit of practice, however. If you’re one that
shakes a lot the fact that you can easily steady your hand while operating the
controls of the pointer could be a plus. The instruction book is minimal and
hard to read due to an extremely small typeface. There’s what’s listed as a Window’s
downloadable manual available on the web site that really works for Mac’s too
since it refers to general functions.
MSRP: $69.99
GADGETEER’S
RATING: ***
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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