While working on a Power Point presentation for a conference last week, I spotted a neat gadget in Harvey Norman. This gadget allowed the presenter to remote control their laptop or desktop, freeing them to walk around the room to do their presentation. I thought to myself this would be excellent, as I wouldn't be tied to my computer to change slides etc... For the price tag, I decided to search around for Pocket PC software, and discovered Amorphous Media Design and their latest version of PPC Tablet.
Below is the description as it appears on the Amorphous Media Design Website:
We have just released our latest version of PPC Tablet Remote Control Suite -- v3.0. We added support for many new devices running Windows Mobile 5, support for VGA screens, and support for both portrait and landscape modes. In addition, there are many new features and enhancements in the server and client modules. See the Change Log for a list of the new changes.
PPC Tablet is a "human interface" platform which implements input functionality through plug-ins (called "layout profiles"). These plug-ins come from our in-house development or contributions from our user community. PPC Tablet 3.0 currently provide the following plug-ins (more to come):
- Default Devices: This plug-in contains a touchpad, a tablet and a numeric keypad.
- iTunes: A plug-in designed for controlling iTunes.
- Winamp: A plug-in designed for controlling Winamp.
- Windows Media Player: A plug-in designed for controlling Windows Media Player.
- Media Center PC: A plug-in designed for controlling Media Center PC. (This plug-in is an extra download available here.)
- PowerPoint Presentation: A plug-in designed for controlling PowerPoint.
- Internet Explorer: A plug-in designed for navigating Internet Explorer web browser.
- Firefox: A plug-in designed for navigating Firefox web browser.
- WinTV: This plug-in provides a remote-control pad for WinTV and other programs.
- Personal Data: This plug-in allows you to save personal data (like name, e-mail, phone, address) in the profile and replay it in other applications.
- OneNote: A convenient plug-in to control Microsoft OneNote. (This plug-in is an extra download available here.)
- Document Viewer: This plug-in is designed for viewing documents.
The Test Drive
After installing PPC Tablet on my Laptop and Pocket PC, I first connected through the USB Sync cable with success. I did configure the PPC Tablet Server on my laptop to allow unsecured connection. I concentrated on the Power Point plugin, as I had a presentation to prepare for, and found the slide show controls excellent. Changing to the tablet desktop gave me remote control of the mouse, which was very smooth and reliable.
A wired connection via USB Sync cable would not be practicle, so decided to install my Belkin Bluetooth dongle and drivers. After successfull pairing and ActiveSync connection with my XDA Atom, I could control my presentation with ease, anywhere in my house! When my laptop is connected to the large projector, there will be no problems controlling my presentation in the lecture theatre.
Alternatively, PPC Tablet can control your computer through your existing wireless network. Having tried this just now, connection is established first time, without a problem. In a conference room, without an existing wireless network, the wireless adapters on both Laptop and Pocket PC could be configured for an Adhoc network, if Bluetooth is not available.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a very nifty method to remote control your laptop or desktop, whether it be for a professional presentation or just to control Windows Media Player, download the free trial and see for yourself. PPC Tablet is definitely an application all professionals should have.
PPC Tablet is available from Handango and PocketGear for $14.99 USD. Please visit the Amorphous Media Design Website for download and purchasing links.
| Amorphous Media Design's PPC Tablet Deserves 9.5 / 10 |