ShowMate comes with two editions: Impatica for PowerPoint BlackBerry Edition and Impatica for BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The former converts presentations on your computer and then loads them on the BlackBerry (You can grab the presentation from your desktop or email.). The Enterprise edition is installed on the server and configured to work with your organization's mail server. Before using it, install the software onto the BlackBerry. Then just connect the included cable to the BlackBerry and into any standard VGA input and you're good to go.
The BlackBerry acts like a remote control and lets you move your presentation forward or back. ShowMate transition effects and animation. The presentation also appears on the BlackBerry's screen, so you don't have to turn around to see what's on the projector. You can also view the speaker's notes on the BlackBerry. If your BlackBerry has Bluetooth technology, you can give presentations wirelessly. ShowMate does not support sound due to issues related to the BlackBerry when using PowerPoint.
The Enterprise Edition has a few more features not found on the desktop edition. Instead of viewing presentations in plain text, the user can view the graphics, charts, bullets, rich text, images, animation, slide transition effects and design templates.
Included in the box:
The device comes with one 10' USB cable, QuickStart Guide and a CD with documentation and Impatica to PowerPoint BlackBerry Edition software for Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP. The ShowMate gets its power from the BlackBerry power charger.
System requirements:
The Java-based BlackBerry needs to have version 3.8 software or later. You can find out which software version by reviewing this model numbers and supported versions from RIM. You may have upgraded your software since purchasing the device. If so, here are instructions for looking up the current version of BlackBerry software (scroll to the bottom).
For the Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000 server or later is required as well as a Pentium 4 or later and 1 GB of RAM.
View a video tutorial that includes captions (subtitles) and a product overview audio presentation that comes with slides. The tutorial shows how the ShowMate works, how to use it with the BlackBerry, how to install it, and how to project the presentation.
You can read the Impatica ShowMate user guides for more details. The company also sends Impatica Tips emails. However, the archives stop in May 2005.
A free evaluation is available so you can try it before you buy.
Price:
The Impatica for PowerPoint BlackBerry Edition software comes with the Impatica ShowMate hardware and the total package is $199.95 USD, plus shipping.
If you're interested in the Enterprise Server Edition, contact the company for pricing.
A Mac version is coming soon.
