Leap Motion Conclusion
I'm going to refrain from making recommendations. The Leap Motion is very much a version 1.0 device. At this point, you expect a ton of bugs and weirdness. Honestly, it just isn't there. The Leap Motion, while not the genre-redefining device I had hoped when I pre-ordered it, is certainly solid. I don't know if it will stay in this form (as a standalone device) for very long. I expect to see it integrated into other devices like laptops and perhaps keyboards. There is no reason to think it won't. For the population of people that have disabilities that make using a mouse or trackpad hard, the Leap Motion is surely a Godsend. For the rest of us, it is a fun device that doesn't cost too much but provides a very interesting look into what the future might hold. With a Leap Motion on a table and one elevated and pointed to the side, the Leap Motion could be used as a truly 3D interaction device. Just like you see on such movies as Iron Man. While it isn't there yet, There is no reason to think that the Leap Motion Controller won't someday be the way we interact with computers.
There are reasons that someone might need a Leap Motion but they are fairly specific and, if you are reading this review, probably don't apply to you. I really like it and absolutely think it was worth the $80 asking price. You can buy it from Leap Motion or from other outlets (many of which have free shipping). If you have $80 to burn and don't mind taking a chance on a device, the Leap Motion is certainly worth it. At this size, it would make a great stocking stuffer as well. As there are new updates and new apps released almost daily, I've very hopeful that the Leap Motion will evolve into something essential. As it stands, it is more of a curiosity.
Leap Motion Controller
MSRP: $79.99
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
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About the author:
As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.
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I also found the device gets quite warm, qualifying for ”hot“ at times. It's highly affected by ambient light, even that from your own monitor. They make positioning sound non-critical, but in actuality it's very critical, and doesn't work well at all unless placed correctly.
But I also discovered another problem. I pre-ordered mine months before it was available. I got it in late July, tried it, and decided I had no need to keep it. Returning it was simple, and can be done online. But then the problems began. Actually getting credit back too almost a month, numerous emails (in which Leap Motion insisted they'd refunded me already), calls to the bank, and back to emails. The refund finally came through, but it was anything but timely, and smooth.
This may someday be a great product, but if you're thinking ”iPad control without the touch", forget it. Not even close. The best demo was one where you could influence the direction of a school of fish. The worst was actually trying to use it as a substitute for a track pad or mouse. I would say, not recommended yet. I'll watch for reviews of V 2.0, if it ever gets that far.
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