Griffin Powermate Programmable USB Model NA16029

Pros: Very smooth movement. Just adding this as information - this works well with Windows 8 Pro.

Here's a tip though, run the Powermate software in "Administrator" mode. That way, you will not lose focus in other apps, and it will work with full screen apps. This should take away the need to store profiles for every program you use, if you just use this as a volume control knob like I do.

Cons: Sadly, this appears to be discontinued so I don't think we will be seeing any driver updates.

Pros: Griffin website says it is not compatible with Windows 7.
But they are wrong.... Just download this software

PowerMate for Windows, version 2.0.1 for XP & Vista
Download 1.78 MB

You can find it on their website under "support" and "powermate".

Cons: None so far

Other Thoughts: I use this as a volume knob. If you plan to do the same you need to add all the audio programs into the powermate software and run it at all times. Not hard, only took 15 minutes to set up

Pros: I purchased this for the main purpose of controlling a teleprompting software. As long as the software allows keyboard inputs to control the screen, this unit is capable of being programmed, and it works great. Love the blue LED.

Cons: I've also tried using this with media player, and it works okay. If you try to skip to the next song, depending on the sensitivity setting, you may skip over multiple songs. And there's no option (that I could find) to fast forward the song.

Other Thoughts: I use a software called MirrorScript Pro, and I am able to control the scroll speed, the direction, pause, etc. If anyone else is using this software, be aware that only the newer version of the software works on XP. It's odd I know, but the older version 1.0 only works on Windows 7. If you use the older version on XP, it causes lots of glitches, and the software doesn't respond to the Powermate.

Pros: Great weight, doesn't slide and is lots of fun! I love that they included a USB extender cable as the cable connected to the Powermate is rather short. Does work with Windows 7 even though Griffin's site doesn't list it as supported. Just install the Vista software and you should be fine.

Cons: The box this comes in is junk. Makes it a little tough to get out of the package, mine practically shattered due to how poor it was.

Other Thoughts: Be sure you don't have any other audio interfacing applications installed or tuning the volume with this will lag. I had to uninstall Microsoft's intillitype and then volume control worked wonderfully.

Pros: Nice, heavy, Solid feel.
Smooth rotation.

Cons: Occasionally, a Flash update comes along that forces me to focus away from a video to adjust the volume. Adobe usually releases another update that fixes this soon after.

Other Thoughts: I only use it to adjust my volume. It's a small luxury, but I'm glad I have it. Every web video out there plays at a different volume - this makes it so easy to quickly adjust.

Pros: I have used Powermate since '06 for controlling volume in my carputer. Haven't had any problems. Drivers work well on XP and Win7. Sits on my dash in my car so its exposed to wide temperature range and doesn't have any problems. Solid aluminum construction. Best product I have seen for controlling volume reliably. Cool feature is that if you push the knob (instead of rotating it) it mutes or unmutes audio.

Cons: Is a bit big. Probably proper sized for desk use on a desk but in my car it looked too large. Works fine with WinXP and Win7 going into and out of hibernate. Probably had it not turn on with computer less than half a dozen times in 5 years of use. Simply unplugging it from usb port and plugging it back in always solves problem (could even be windows problem and not related to powermate drivers but it happens so infrequently that it is not a nuisance.

Other Thoughts: I made a custom aluminum faceplate for my carputer that has lcd, slot load dvd, buttons usb port etc. To incorporate powermate I made a smaller brass knurled knob that sits on the front of the faceplate that connects though a shaft to the powemate which sits hidden away in the dash behind the faceplate. I just attached the shaft off the knob to the front of the powermate so spinning the knob turns the powermate and changes volume. The top cap of the button is aluminum, if you pull hard you can remove it from the internal plastic rotary knob. I just fabbed up an attachment mechanism for the shaft to mount with a set screw to this plastic rotary knob. I had to mill down the side of base of the powermate to make it fit behind the faceplate, but the solid aluminum construction made it easy to grip in a vice and mill some of the excess aluminum off for clearance. Did the customization a year after I bought it and have had no problems.