VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Presenter-to-Go Woes (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=24759)

Presenter-to-Go Woes

I noticed that Margi had newer versions of the Presenter-to-Go software for other PDA's that provides slide preview. Two months ago I asked why the Visor software did not do slide preview. I was told by their tech help that the Visor resolution was too low. I argued that Documents-to-Go does slide preview just fine so why can't Presenter-to-Go? I explained that I would really like to keep just one copy of my presentation on my Prism. Instead, I have one copy to view in Documents-to-Go so I can practice my presentation and a second copy to show in Presenter-to-Go. I was then directed to write an email to [email protected]. I have sent three emails over the past two months and have not received a reply.

Now I see that the new Palm SD version of Presenter-to-Go provides slide preview capabilities. Well the last I heard, the Palms have the same resolution screen as Visors. I guess either Visors make up an insignificant portion of their sales or Margi foresees the demise of the Visor. Either way, it seems that we don't matter to them anymore.

hold on...

Wait a second, it looks like they just need better Web quality control. The version 2.0 update under the PPC section may contain a Visor version. Why they did not put that in the Visor section I do not know. I will give it a try and let you know what happens.

Update: version 2.0 did not have firmware updates for the presenter to go module. Version 2.0 converted presentations do not work with version 1.25 firmware so I had to uninstall the PC software and reinstall the earlier version.

Thanks for the news. I'll also write an email since I would definitely like to keep this expensive module up to date and as fully functional as possible.

Replies from Margi and Handspring

I got a reply from Margi about why no upgrade is forthcoming. I asked Handspring if this reply made any sense to them. Here are the emails (they are in reverse order to to "reply"ing)...


Dear Ralph Hinde,

Thank you for contacting our Technical Support. We are not aware of any of
this information that is provided to you by Margi Systems. Our resolution
may be different than the Palm devices. Our screen specifications for the
Visor Prism is: Color Active Matrix LCD screen, 160X160 pixels, 16-bit
(65,536 colors) display, far superior to 8-bit (256 color) handhelds. There
is a possibility this may be true what Margi Systems told you.


If you ever have any questions or issues in the future, please do not
hesitate to email us again, quoting case number 3233977. This will assist us
in tracking your case history, and for further troubleshooting.


If you would like the latest updates or latest news concerning our products,
please sign up for our free enewsletter at www.handspring.com .


FAQ's and downloads can be accessed from www.handspring.com/helpme .


Thank You,
Mala
Handspring Technical Support




=============================
Dear Handspring -


I asked Margi Systems why there has been no upgrade to the Presenter-to-Go
module that allows slide-preview capability. The sent me the answer below.
Do you buy this? Is your resolution scaling design inferior to Palm's? I
own a Visor Prism.


Thanks,


- Chip




Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 09:24:53 -0700
From: Vince Llanes <[email protected]>
Subject: Screen Preview Questions
To: Chip Hinde
Organization: Margi Systems Inc
X-Mailer: GoldMine [5.50.10424]


Chip,


Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I spoke to several people in our
Engineering Department. Here is the explanation they gave me:


The Handspring line of PDAs use a resolution scaling design that is not as
superior as Palm or Pocket PC. After file compression with the
Presenter-to-Go application preview quality would be very low.


I hope this helps. Let me know.


Regards,


Vince Llanes
Account Executive Corporate/Education Sales
MARGI Systems, Inc
510-657-4435 x238 (direct)
510-657-4430 (fax)
408-867-4620 (mobile)
[email protected]
www.margi.com

I noticed today that there is an upgrade for the Presenter to Go visor software dated 7/15/02, after HindR's initial download but before the email from Margi. I wonder what that means? I will install and play with it later and let everyone know.

__________________
Donate Blood!!!
Visit here to see how: America's Blood Centers

Okay, I had a chance to play with it. The new version of the desktop application is 2.19.1432. This version DOES work with the current firmware of the module. The update DOES NOT update the firmware. We are not given the ability to view the presentation on the handheld.

New features in the update include a list of "Advanced options" when creating a presentation. Most of these options are available only for pocket PC. Those that are available for "Palm OS Compatible" devices include the ability to dither and the ability to select a resolution. Available resolutions are: 1024x768, 800x600, 320x240, and 160x120. In playing around with some presentations, the new ability to dither does improve the projected images, especially if the slide includes gradations in color. You no longer see stripes in the colors (for example, the background that I use is graded from a dark blue to a lighter blue. This would appear as stripes of the different colors when projected. With dither on, it is a smooth transition).

I had hoped for more with the update but the dithering is at least some improvement.

__________________
Donate Blood!!!
Visit here to see how: America's Blood Centers

Thanks!

Thank you Pathdoc, I will give it a try.

I noticed today that a new version of the Presenter-to-Go software for the Visor is available at Margi's website. The version number is 1.7 and it is dated 9/10/2002. The website doesn't say what changes have been made and I am in the process of downloading it. Just thought that I would let people know.

__________________
Donate Blood!!!
Visit here to see how: America's Blood Centers