Overview Apple Remote: unpainted aluminum against white plastic

Last year, together with a grand update almost its entire product line, including the MacBook and MacBook Pro, iMac laptops (read our iMac review), TimeCapsule, AirPort, mac Mini and even branded mouse (great review), Apple, and the company introduced a new universal remote control Apple Remote remote control. It would seem that a simple device to control the media player of any notebook and desktop Apple, and so copes with its functionality, why change something that already works well and all arranges? Likely to further whet the public's interest in their products, as well as some money to a season of gift festive madness. In addition, millions of Mac users around the world and believe me, many of them will want to update the outdated plastic gadget is a new stylish little thing. This is especially true owners of the aluminum MacBook / MacBook Pro. Let's try to figure out what is so magic and appeal of Apple Remote sample in 2009 and whether it is required for his money.

Metal candy in plastic wrap

Apple remains true to itself and packs portable gadget in a stylish plastic box. Not spared this trend and the Apple Remote. The remote controller comes in monolithic plastic case, repeating the shape the device itself.

It is packed with a powerful, another word and do not pick up. Once the product has been in my hands, I tried to open the package by pulling the one of the faces upwards, suggesting that as Magic Mouse is pasted over only pieces of adhesive tape on both sides, but no such luck It was. There was a feeling that the remote simply sealed in plastic, in fact, he very carefully sealed with a strip of transparent adhesive tape around the perimeter.

Inside the plastic box he discovered the remote control, the cardboard bottom, the card with the terms of the warranty and the instruction. The last two documents are made not in the form of a folded leaflet, but as a booklet - a trifle, but nice.

Metal vs. plastic

If we compare the gadget plastic remote control, the novelty is thinner (due to narrowed faces seem that much thinner, but in fact the difference is small), slightly narrower, well longer and a little harder. Dimensions new items: 120h30h2-6 mm.

Take in hand a brand new remote control and feel - thing monolith. No joints, no squeak - Solid bar and thin aluminum. However, he drew attention to the lid covering the battery compartment - shake it, of course, does not go, but just moves when pressed. This is probably due to its circular and convex form. During the work with the device, this time not annoying, or rather, did not even notice.

In this case, a plastic remote control reminiscent of the old generation the MacBook White, and aluminum - MacBook Pro Unibody: same shape, same color and design. That's why I drew attention to the owners of MacBook Pro in the beginning of the article - the novelty is perfect for this laptop. Next to the new models of iMac, by the way, Apple Remote looks good, too.

In addition there is a difference of design and layout of controls. It is small, I would say even cosmetic. In particular, there was an additional Select button in the ring - it is also aluminum and is used to confirm the selection. Play / Pause key, formerly it was taken out to the outside. The plastic panel function of these two buttons is united in some way more convenient. In this case, the introduction of new key dictated by the design rather than a necessity. Still, aluminum silver look in the middle of 4-way key prettier than the black button. For the appearance of the new console, you can safely put the highest score in his hand and he is good.

Click on the button

Now is the time to compare these, of course, useful devices. During use, a discernible difference between the gadgets, and not in favor of the newcomer. 4-way key in the plastic panel was easier to control, and it's a little aluminum tugovat. Although, if you have nothing to compare, then at this point the user is unlikely to pay attention. With regard to the removal of Play / Pause button is out, it had no effect on the usability of the device. Central aluminum key, in fact, completely duplicates its function. I want to draw attention to the fact that the concave Menu button and Play / Pause repeats body bending - looks interesting.

The bottom

Summarize. Apple has released again a very interesting, albeit functionally simple product. It looks good, fits the hand well with Apple's other technology, is universal. Apple Remote better to its predecessor? Functionally, there is no externally - definitely better. Plastic device - it's just a remote control, which are many, aluminum - another example of Apple magic.

whether it is worth their money? Certainly worth it, if we are talking about $ 19, for which the product is offered in the US, but when you have to give this toy for $ 30- $ 35, many ponder the advisability of such an acquisition. On the other hand, when using a Mac Mini or MacBook as a home media center, remote control role can not be overestimated. And in general - it's a cool thing, spectacular!

Apple Remote for viewing granted magazine "America", Mr. Chernigov, Ukraine.