Review: BlackBerry Presenter
[Rating:9]
Website: www.blackberry.com/presenter
Price: $199.99
RIM unveiled their BlackBerry presenter at CES this year & we got to see a demo & they also offered a review unit to us. If you never heard of it before what this device does is extend the capabilities of the BB to use PowerPoint. The BB uses an application to feed the PowerPoint via Bluetooth to the Presenter which hooks to a projector, PC monitor or DHTV via S-Video.
I have prepared a video, my first attempt to a video review enjoy, ignore the accent 🙂 FYI my BlackBerry has a mirror screen protector that is the reason it look blurry on the video.
Video Link for Mobile viewing: BB Presenter Video
Package: In the box you get a CD with information about the device, Micro USB, Wall charger, and the BB presenter.
Devices Specifications:
- Physical Dimensions (LxWxH): 3.4 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches (86 x 60 x 23 mm)
- Weight: Unit – 0.56kg Master carton – 6.26 kg PUB – 0.14kg
- Languages Supported: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish
- Video Formats Supported: NTSC, PAL
- Video Cable Support: S-Video, VGA
- Power Connection: Micro USB, S-Video, VGA port, NTSC/PAL Support
- Display Resolution 640×480 (VGA), 800×600 Support: (SVGA), or 1024×768 (XGA)
- Bluetooth: Version 2.0 + EDR, Class 1.5
- Carrying Case: Synthetic Leather 65mm x 97mm x 42mm 2.56” x 3.819” x 1.65”
- I could go on about the details but to learn more about it visit this link .
Compatible Devices & System Requirements: To connect the device you need the following need a video output device (Monitor, or Projector) a VGAcable or an S-Video cable. This device is not supported by the 83xx, 82xx, 81xx 8350I series Berry’s or older models.
Setup: The device is easy to set up if you ever connected a PC monitor, projector & paired a Bluetooth with a phone then you should have no trouble getting this hooked up. First the devices has a predetermined Bluetooth access code so you will need this, plug the device via USB or a Wall charger and then hook up the device to a monitor or projector. Once it is turned on it will display the Bluetooth access code & simply pair the device with you BB via Bluetooth. Next you need to download the BB application by going to this link. Once you have this done you are good to go simply open the application & load any PowerPoint you would like to present. From the desktop software you can also change the name of the device in case you happen to have more than one.
Application: The application is really easy to use, if you ever used a power point the options are similar. What I really like about this application is the fact that you can blank out the screen so that the audience can pay more attention to you. Some of the options in the BB include viewing speaker notes, pause the slide show while you jump to another page. You can also wipe the presenter if you have saved a presentation to the memory on it.
To download the app to your BB go to www.blackberry.com/presenter
Presenting a PowerPoint: The first time you load a PowerPoint it may take a few seconds, after that it loads much faster. You can control the slides by either using the menu button or the trackball, track pad, Space & Enter keys. It has the same options as you would on a computer keyboard.
Pros:
· Control the PowerPoint Using your BB
· You don’t have to drag a laptop with you
· Perfect for those who travel a lot & do PP presentations or in some cases for Students
· Easy to Use & Set up took me less than a minute to have it connected & Running
· You can save a PP to the device not just your BB if you do the same presentation more than once.
· You can edit PowerPoint’s on your BB if needed with Docstogo (Both Free & Premium versions available)
. Different LED lights indicate the status of the device.
You want to purchase one? It is not available for purchase at this moment but it will be available soon to get information or to be notify when it is available to the public visit this link. The price is $199.99.
Cons:
· The presenter only works with newer devices meaning it is not compatible with the 83xx series, or the 82xx, 81xx, Flip BB or any older devices.
· The price for consumer is too high I see it being use more by corporate clients & Students who do a lot of presentations.
· If your BB freezes your stuck, or a bit slow if you have too many application like me.
Conclusion: I really like the idea of this device and the only thing is that is not something I see my self using personal use but for work I will definitely be use it. This would really be nice if rim integrates a projector into the presenter itself, now that would be really cool don’t you agree?
Luis Merlos ( View Profile) - Posts: