The remote control itself is not a plasticy piece of rubbish like you might expect. The only other PC remote control with this kind of functionality I have used extensively is the ATi Remote Wonder, which is of pretty poor quality. The iMON features multi-function buttons in its top section, an analogue thumb pad for mouse control in the middle and multimedia controls at the bottom. The whole unit is well weighted, and the thumb pad reminds me of the kind you find on game console joy pads.
The external receiver is an attractive little sphere slightly larger than a golf ball. It has a shimmering serpentine USB lead out the back of it which is long enough to be mounted as far as 1.5m from the USB slot. A small plastic stand with a self-adhesive pad keeps the iMON receiver from rolling around, but unfortunately the connection between with the base is just too loose. I found myself having to situate the lead just right to prevent the receiver from turning around whilst sitting on the base. This is nothing a small pad of double-sided tape wouldn’t solve so it certainly isn’t any kind of deal breaker.
Once you have installed the iMON software, a small unobtrusive iMON icon pops up at the bottom right corner of the screen, and illuminates when you press a button or move the mouse. This is a reassuring addition as it makes it plain to see when you are in range of the receiver. Speaking of range, it is exceptional. I can still move the mouse around the screen with full control from the other end of a large room, at least 10m away. iMON quote a maximum range of 15m, which is a realistic range rather than the optimistic ones you often see printed in television and DVD player specs.
