I've used both this version and the previous version of this device and have found a few significant changes.
First, the laser button also puts Powerpoint into presentation mode, a feature absent on the previous model. However, rather than presenting the current screen in presentation mode, it goes to the first page of the presentation. I could see this being a disadvantage if you want to use your laser pointer while being in the normal view mode. However, others had previous complained that there was not a way of automatically going back into presentation mode if you accidentally exit out of presentation when you're on the last slide -- something that this feature really doesn't fix.
The USB transmitter that plugs into the computer is nearly half the size in the new version, which is nice, given the bulky size of the previous version.
The device now runs on AAA batteries instead of a smaller, disc-type battery. This is nice, since you had to go to a store to pick up replacement batteries for the old version.
The new device is also slightly heavier, but not significantly so.
Otherwise, the device seems the same (color, texture are slightly different) Kensington 33374 Wireless Presenter with Laser Pointer
I love the Kensington presenters. The best aspect of them is the simplicity. If I am running a conference, I can just hand it to speakers (academics mainly) and they can use it right away. So having a new version taking AA batteries was very exciting. It's not that the old disk batteries were that bad: I just never had a small screwdriver to get to them!
This new version has some improvements: the USB thingy now stays in its holder better, so it doesn't fall out in my backpack. The overall feel of the presenter is good. But I need to find a small screwdriver, put in a new disk battery, go back to my old presenter and give this one to someone else. As others have noted, pushing the laser has the side effect of sending an F5 to the system. No problem if in powerpoint, but for any other program, this leads to all sorts of weird behavior. For instance, when I switch from powerpoint to illustrate something in Excel and press the laser, up pops a "Go to" window. Confusing and annoying to all concerned.
The advantage of being able to start a powerpoint presentation (which is what F5 does in powerpoint) is vastly outweighed by the inability to use the laser pointer with any other software.
I've compared about 5 or 6 presenters in actual use for a corporate application. All work well and get the job done. This one worked flawlessly -- plugs in, recognized by pc, and buttons are working immediately. The functionality is limited to 4 buttons though and a laser, which is fine for basic needs. If that's all you need (forward, back, stop, laser), then this is a good choice. I prefer the Logitech for the added convenience of having a volume control and timer, but if those features aren't important, this is an equally good unit.
I bought this item on Amazon several months ago (as an awesome lightning deal nonetheless) and I've been able to use it and test it. I own and primarily use a MacBook Pro (now 1 generation old) running OS X 10.5 Leopard so my main concern in purchasing this item was its compatibility with the Mac OS and IWork '08 version of PowerPoint (namely Keynote). I am happy to say that the item seems to function without any trouble with Keynote! For various reasons, I also run Microsoft Office 2008 Mac - and I'm happy to report that the device also functions with Powerpoint. Perhaps the best thing of all with this wireless presenter is that there is no software to install. Note to Mac users - when you put the receiver into the USB port OS X will prompt you with a wizard thinking that the receiver is actually a keyboard - just close the dialog, no harm no foul. Overall, a great buy, highly recommended!
The Kensington wireless remote with laser pointer works exactly as advertised. Put the USB receiver into a PC's USB port, give it a few seconds to be recognized (we tested this with Windows XP SP2), fire up a PowerPoint presentation (we use PowerPoint 2003), and the buttons move the presentation forward, backward, or hide it. We had no problem using it from the back of our lunchroom, about 50' to the laptop.
Caveat: putting the receiver back in the main unit turns it off, which is good, unless someone wants to use just the laser pointer. The receiver is very small and could get lost easily (even if someone puts it in a pocket, it would be easy to forget). If you pop out the receiver slightly but leave it in the unit, the laser is on but the receiver won't get lost.
The Kensington pointer is half the price of competing units but better designed and functions better than others. The case is sturdy, has a no-slip outer coating, has a comfortable feel in the hand, and even includes a trench that serves as a holder for the receiver when not in use. Placing the receiver in this trench automatically disconnects the laser so that batteries do not have to be removed to prevent the laser turning on when the unit is packed for a trip or placed in one's pocket. And the advance and go-back buttons function all of the time, not just most of the time! The only thing holding this from being a 5 star item is the weak laser pointer. I would be happy to pay an extra $20-$30 dollars to have this same pointer with a bright green laser. Nevertheless, a very well designed, functional unit.
The Kensington 33374 looks very high-tech and is easily installed but lacks in some very important areas. First off, I present to large groups of people and do not like to stand in one spot when I present. The Kensington will not change the slides on the laptop if you are more than 20 feet away or if there is obstructions between myself and the USB plug in. The pointer also projects a very small red dot, which is almost impossible to see from further distances. I recommend the PowerPresenter from StreetSmart. It is a little bit more expensive but has been worth every penny. The slides will change every time whether I am 10 feet away or 110 feet away. - Presenter - Laser Pointer - Powerpoint - Remote'
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