How does it work?
The first step is the software installation. After running the CD, two plug-ins will be installed in the desktop and two applications in the handheld. The first plug-in is a new PowerPoint button that, once pressed, will convert the presentation you're working on to the Presenter-to-Go format and start the process of synchronizing it to the handheld. The other plug-in is a printer driver also called Presenter-to-Go. This means that almost any software with a "Print" option can be converted and synchronized t o the handheld. All you need to do is press "Print" and select Presenter-to-Go as your printer. A Microsoft Word document or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, for example, can be converted to one or more slides and be synchronized to the handheld. I tried a lot of formats, including an email message from Microsoft Outlook, and they all worked fine.

The two applications installed in the handheld are the Presenter-to-Go application, which will be used to run the presentation, and Margi Mirror that can be used to show to the audience the handheld screens and applications. Every move you make will go through the projector or VGA display. Margi Mirror is perfect for demonstration of corporate applications or even for teaching PDA lessons. It's very nice software!

In terms of hardware, the Presenter-to-Go kit is composed of two cables (one for the VGA display and another for the projector), a remote control, a media card based connection to the handheld, and an AC adapter (not available for Pocket PC handhelds). All you have to do is connect the cable and media card combo to the handheld and to the projector or VGA display, start the software in the handheld, and use the hard buttons, touch screen, or remote control to run the presentation. Yes, it's that simple.

The projection resolution can go up to 1024x768 and, in most cases, users can preview the slides on the handheld screen. Although it's not possible to edit slides on the handheld, you'll be able to reorder or exclude slides from the presentation list.

The 14-button remote control is very nice; it works with the handheld infrared port. With the remote you'll be able to go through the slides using the REV, FWD, RETURN, or 1 to 0 buttons. During the tests that I did, it worked fine at 16 feet away. Of course, this will depend on the remote battery, handheld infrared power, and the conditions of the room. It's also possible to start the auto run function using the remote.

I've been using Presenter-to-Go for some months now, and I have to admit that I don't miss my notebook at all. I use Presenter-to-Go for conferences and for business meetings. Since the very beginning, I brought my Palm handheld along with me during small business trips to use it not only as an organizer, but also as an email tool. When the first keyboards were released, I also got one. This was followed by lots of other accessories. But Presenter-to-Go was the missing piece I was looking for, since I'm always involved with presentations and conferences. Now I can tell you that my handheld has really replaced notebook.

Sam Kleinman is a writer; he makes his home in St. Louis Missouri and is interested in speculative fiction, cyber culture, and mobile technology. Sam is part of the content team for a promenade mobile tech Web site and also works on maintaining http://www.collectivearts.net, a Web site bringing together a group of skilled artists. You can reach Sam with any questions or comments by email at sam@collectivearts.net.