Compare TakeMote: Best Alternatives and PricingTakeMote is a compact wireless presentation remote designed to help presenters control slides, highlight content, and interact with their audience without being anchored to a laptop. Below I compare TakeMote to leading alternatives, outline strengths and weaknesses, and break down pricing and value to help you choose the best device for your needs.
What TakeMote offers
- Portable design with a small transmitter and a remote unit that fits comfortably in hand.
- Core controls: forward/back slide navigation, laser pointer, and often a volume button.
- Plug-and-play operation via a USB receiver (some models use Bluetooth).
- Battery life varies by model; many use AA/AAA or built-in rechargeable cells.
- Affordable price point aimed at students, teachers, and casual presenters.
Key alternatives to TakeMote
Below are widely used alternatives across different price points and feature sets.
| Device | Best for | Key features | Price range (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech Spotlight | Professional presenters, keynote-style control | Advanced pointer modes, timer & haptics, Bluetooth + USB receiver, app customization | \(90–\)130 |
| Logitech R400 / R800 | Budget-conscious presenters | Basic slide navigation, laser pointer, USB receiver; R800 adds range & vibration alerts | \(20–\)60 |
| Kensington Expert Presenter | Business users | Wireless dongle or Bluetooth, green laser option, programmable buttons | \(60–\)120 |
| Satechi Bluetooth Presentation Remote | Mac users, minimalists | Slim design, Bluetooth-only, simple controls, rechargeable | \(25–\)50 |
| tchibo / generic pocket remotes | Very low budget, occasional use | Basic forward/back and laser, limited range, variable quality | \(5–\)25 |
Feature comparison and what matters most
- Controls & ergonomics: If you do long presentations, physical button feel and layout matter. Logitech Spotlight is widely praised for ergonomics.
- Pointer type: Red lasers are common and inexpensive; green lasers are brighter and visible on larger screens but cost more and may require safety considerations.
- Connectivity: USB receiver (2.4 GHz) tends to be more plug-and-play and lower-latency; Bluetooth avoids a dongle and pairs with tablets/phones but can be slightly trickier to pair.
- Customization & advanced features: Timer/vibration alerts, app-driven pointer modes, and programmable buttons are premium features (Logitech Spotlight, some Kensington models).
- Battery & recharge: Rechargeable remotes avoid frequent battery swaps; disposable battery remotes are cheaper up front.
- Range: Typical 10–30 meter ranges; confirm if you present in large halls.
Pricing breakdown and value
- Budget (\(5–\)30): Basic remotes (including many TakeMote variants) — good for classrooms or small meetings. Expect limited range, basic laser, and simple controls.
- Mid-range (\(30–\)80): Better build quality, rechargeable batteries, improved range, and occasionally Bluetooth. Good value for frequent presenters.
- Premium ($80+): Advanced features like gesture-based pointing, app integrations, countdown timers, and multi-device pairing. Best for professionals, trainers, and frequent conference speakers.
TakeMote typically sits in the budget to mid-range category depending on the model and seller. If you need only basic slide control and a laser pointer, TakeMote often represents strong value. If you need advanced timing features, multi-device pairing, or professional-grade pointing modes, consider upgrading to a Logitech Spotlight or Kensington model.
Recommendations by user type
- Student / casual presenter: Choose TakeMote or a basic Logitech R400 for reliability at low cost.
- Business presenter / trainer: Mid-range rechargeable remotes with good ergonomics (Satechi, higher-end Logitech models).
- Conference speaker / keynote: Logitech Spotlight for advanced pointer modes, timer, and professional polish.
- Mac/iPad user: Bluetooth-only remotes (Satechi or higher-end models) to avoid USB dongles.
Quick buying checklist
- Do you need Bluetooth (tablet support) or is a USB receiver fine?
- Will you present in large halls (long range) or small rooms?
- Do you want a rechargeable battery or disposable cells?
- Is a bright green laser necessary for your venues?
- Do you need advanced features: timer, vibration, app customization?
TakeMote is a solid pick for most everyday presenters thanks to its low cost and core feature set. Evaluate your presentation frequency, venue size, and need for advanced features; upgrade to mid-range or premium models only if those extras will be used regularly.
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