As a speaker, I have a love hate relationship with Powerpoint. On the one hand it is a great way to get your point across and show facts, figures, and pictures of an event or project. Unfortunately, it can also be a huge distraction, with all sorts of technical glitches causing you to lose focus and cause massive embarrassment.
After having numerous presentation problems recently in meeting rooms, I decided that I would look into creating my own portable projection system that I could take along with me, that would work under the most demanding conditions.
Here is a description of my dream machine.
The ultimate presenter would be a small battery powered projector that would interface with my iPad 2 or laptop. It would be bright enough to be used in a well lit room and the battery would last at least two hours. It would need a wireless interface from the iPad so it could be used with AirPlay mirroring, to present the slides from the iPad screen to the audience. A small and discrete hand held remote would need to be added that would allow you to change slides without distraction.
Using this device would be easy. You would set the projector on a small tray and aim it at a screen or wall. Since it is battery operated it would be easy to use it in rooms without an accessible power source. Using an iPad wirelessly would allow you to position your iPad so you could see the screen as a presenter as you faced the audience. This would allow you to build rapport with your audience and cut down on distractions of turning your back to see the screen.
Since the iPad would not be connected with wires, its placement and the placement of the projector would be very flexible, working well in almost any room. Having a small wireless remote in your hand would complete the equation.
You could also use the Ipad by holding it in your hand, and changing slides that way. The iPad has a built in laser pointer feature that adds addition flexibility. Since Airplay allows you to project anything on the iPad screen, this would be a great solution for educators and trainers.
Currently you can build this device, but it requires external power.
Here are the components needed
- Projector with HDMI interface
- Apple TV
- Wireless router with 5ghz band
- iPad 2 with Keynote presentation software
- Wireless Remote
You could easily make a mounting for the Projector and house the wireless router and AppleTV below it. It would be portable, but require a power source. This may be a great solution for many meeting rooms.
The technical hurdles that need to be overcome to make it completely portable…
1. Battery Operated Projector. Currently there are battery powered projectors, but they aren’t bright enough for a well lit room.
2. Apple TV and Wireless Routers require external power.
The ultimate solution…
Apple needs to build iProjector
A wireless, battery operated projector that is portable and interfaces with an iPad or MacBook and bright enough to be seen in most meeting rooms. Speakers, teachers, and trainers would eat this up. Hopefully Apple has something like this up their sleeves…
Question: What would you like to see in the ultimate Powerpoint Device?