PowerPoint Tools and Technology

PENTA PRESENTATION POINTER

2008-02-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Click on above photo to watch remote mouse TV commercial

Thanks to YouTube, now you can watch TV commercials on the Internet. Above is a TV commercial for the Penta Sport remote mouse. The video has a nice sound track and I like the camera clicks at the beginning of the video when it shows the Penta Sport black and white diagrams. The second part of the video shows lots of good video footage of the Penta Sport in action. Please feel free to post this video in email, blogs, personal web sites, etc.

Are you in the market for a presentation pointer? If so, you should take a look at the Penta Sport remote mouse. It is more than just a presentation pointer or presentation mouse. It also serves well as a general all purpose remote mouse.

Penta Presentation Pointer - http://www.lasermice.com/

Penta Presentation Mouse - http://www.lasermouse.com/

BLOG.LASERMICE.COM

Uses Standard AAA Batteries

2008-02-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Above is a close up photo of the battery compartment for the Penta Sport Remote Mouse

Penta Sport Uses Standard AAA Batteries

One nice thing about the Penta Sport is that it uses standard AAA batteries that you can find almost anywhere (local grocery store, department store, drug store, etc). This is important in case your batteries run low just before an important presentation.

Please note that when you replace the batteries that one battery goes up and the other battery goes down. Please check the battery diagram printed inside the battery compartment before installing batteries.

Please visit LaserMouse.com for more information

Also see Presentation Remote Designed for PowerPoint

LASER MOUSE BLOG

2008-02-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

LASER MOUSE BLOG

Attention laser mouse (laser mice) blog users. We have changed the web adddress to the blog.

The old address = http://lasermice.blogspot.com/

The new address = http://blog.lasermice.com/

Please note that the old address should still work, but it will show the new address in the "address box" up at the top.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions:

PowerPoint Show or PPS File

2008-02-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Above photo shows a short cut that automatically opens and starts your PowerPoint presentation

MAKE PRESENTATION RUN SMOOTHLY

One of the biggest stumbling blocks preventing you from giving a smooth flowing, professional looking presentation is not being able to quickly find and open/start your PowerPoint presentation. Well, there is a quick and easy fix and it's called creating a PowerPoint Show or PPS file.

Solution: Well there's a really easy solution to this problem and you don't have to purchase anything because it's already built into PowerPoint. What you want to do is create a PowerPoint Show (PPS) file on your desktop or a folder on your desktop. Basically a PPS file is like a PowerPoint file that automatically runs when you double click on it. In addition, you can copy it to your desktop (the background place where your computer wallpaper resides) and have it there ready for easy access. The PPS file also makes it easy to share your PowerPoint files. For example you can create PowerPoint presentation to describe the features of a new product. If you would email the raw PowerPoint file, most people, who are not PowerPoint literate, would not know how to run your presentation. However, if you first save your presentation as a PPS file then all they have to do is double click on the PPS icon and it will start your presentation. As a general rule, I try to keep my computer desktop fairly clean to avoid confusion. You might consider placing the old PPS files into an archive folder or simply deleting them from the desktop. Keep in mind that you should still have the original PowerPoint file saved in the place where you store your PowerPoint files. Procedure: To create a PPS file takes two simple steps. 1. Save your PowerPoint presentation. Click on the icon at the top of the PowerPoint screen that looks like a little "floppy disk". Now your original presentation is saved. 2. Create your PowerPoint Show (PPS) File. Click on the file menu and then click on "Save As". A window will pop up asking where you want to save. a) you want to change the location to "Desktop" b) at the bottom of the pop-up window there is an option labeled "Save as Type". You must change the type of file to "PowerPoint Show (*.pps)". Now go to your desktop (computer wall paper background) and locate the newly created PPS file. Double click on the icon of your PPS file to see if it performs properly. http://blog.lasermice.com/

Search for more PowerPoint Tips

*POWERPOINT IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF MICROSOFT CORPORATION

Laser Mouse Dot Com

2008-01-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

You are looking at an actual screen capture of the LaserMouse.com website.

LASERMOUSE.COM

I first learned about the LaserMouse.com web site from the side of a carrying case for the Penta Laser Mouse product. The product has changed and evolved over the years and so has the web site. When talking over the phone to one of the web masters at LaserMouse.com they told me that their web site is a never ending battle between design and function. They think of the web site as a functional piece of artwork. It has to be the gateway for the world to discover the LaserMouse product. It also has to be the front door for existing customers to find crucial information about their product. For example, links to the online User's Guides should be easy to find on the home page and they recently put every critical link they could think of right on the bottom of the LaserMouse.com home page. And they told me that if there's ever a link that a visitor or customer feels needs to be included that all they have to do is send an email via the contact form and they will consider it for placement on the critical link section.

What's New at LaserMouse.com and why should we care?

Well, for starters they gave the home page a clean new look. It's like a cutting edge new dashboard that helps the customer quickly navigate the website. One of the cool new features is that it features a sleek digital clock that displays local time for the LaserMouse.com web store. The local time for LaserMouse.com is Albuquerque Time (Mountain Standard Time Zone).

What's the Latest LaserMouse Product

LaserMouse dot com has always been about remote mice for computer presentations like PowerPoint or Keynote software. The original product was simply called the "LaserMouse" or "Penta Laser Mouse". It was very successful and made a name for itself in the the whole PowerPoint remote or presentation remote market. The latest and greatest Laser Mouse product is called the Penta Sport remote mouse. It offers the same great features of the original, but improved on those features. The features include long range, built-in laser beam pointer, dedicated PowerPoint features, includes all the standard mouse functions, long battery life, exceptional joystick or cursor control, and ergonomic design that feel natural in your hand. Now the Penta Sport improves on every one of these important features. For example, the long range is improved by the use of a higher radio frequency to give the Penta Sport much better reliability at the longer ranges. Another example is the Laser Pointer. The laser beam is bigger and brighter and the "Laser Button" is now located on the bottom of the unit in a trigger style design. All in all, the Penta Sport is probably the best choice for most people when it comes to choosing a remote mouse for your PowerPoint presentations.

The best way to learn more about LaserMouse.com is to visit LaserMouse.com

Laser Mouse Wiki Page at http://aboutus.org/lasermouse.com

And don't forget to visit the Laser Mouse Blog at http://blog.lasermice.com/

Also, please check out this new Technology Review Blog

Remote PowerPoint Presentation Clicker Thingy

2008-01-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

The photo above shows the "trigger style" laser button of the Penta Sport

THEY KNOW WHAT THEY WANT (NEED)
They may not know what it's called, but they sure know what they need. I need a "remote mouse clicker" for my PowerPoint presentation. By the way, what is the correct or official name for such a device? Some popular names are Remote Mouse, Presentation Mouse, Presentation Remote, Presentation Pointer, Penta Remote, Penta Sport, Penta Laser Mouse, Wireless Mouse, Cordless Mouse, Slide Advance, or Remote Clicker (I'm sure I left a few names out). However, from my experience I believe the most commonly used name to describe this type of computer mouse is simply "PowerPoint Remote".

PENTA SPORT REMOTE MOUSE
When I look at the Penta Sport I see the perfect product being released at the perfect time with the perfect technology adapted for the perfect niche market. There are certain requirements that a "PowerPoint Remote" must meet for the typical Professional who gives PowerPoint presentations. 1. It has to be easy to use (Not only is the Penta Sport easy to use, but the button layout makes sense, for example the Laser Button is located below to reduce button clutter on the top) 2. It has to be dependable (Again, the Penta Sport exceeds the requirement by using the same reliable technology used in "cordless phones". It is also designed to work with out the need to install software on Windows XP or Windows Vista) 3. It has to have long battery life (the Penta Sport excels in this area as well. It has special battery saving features that allow the batteries to last longer and it uses standard AAA batteries so that you can easily find replacement batteries when they finally run out) 4. Dedicated Slide Advance Buttons (Not only does the Penta Sport have dedicated slide advance buttons, but it also has a button dedicated to opening your presentation or shutting down your presentation. 5. The Built-In Laser Pointer (Again, the Penta Sport does it better by designing a special "trigger style" laser button. Not only does it reduce button clutter up top, but it also makes it easier to find laser button when you really need it. You'll never fumble in the dark trying to find the laser button again.) In addition to the requirements, the Penta Sport has a beautiful "sporty" design with it's black rubber-like plastic finish and shinny chrome buttons. When you look at the Penta Sport it gives you the feeling of quality and that's important to most people. And lastly, the Penta Sport is so good that it makes a great general all purpose remote mouse that you can use to surf the internet from your sofa or you can use it when you crawl into bed with your laptop computer.

Penta Sport Remote Mouse

Learn more about the Penta Sport at: LaserMouse.com

Penta Sport TV Commercial

Who Needs A PowerPoint Remote?

2008-01-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Above is a Penta Sport and it's a good example of the latest generation of PowerPoint remotes.

What is a PowerPoint remote and who needs one?

POINT # 1

The first reason to get a PowerPoint remote is the same reason that slide projectors back in the old days used to come with a little remote slide clicker (it was usually connected with a cord). And that reason was to put an end to the BACK AND FORTH AND BACK AND FORTH to the slide projector. With PowerPoint a remote mouse will, of course, put an end to the BACK AND FORTH to the laptop or desktop computer. However, the latest generation of PowerPoint remotes now feature a range of 50 feet or greater which allows the presenter to roam around the room freely even if that room is a large auditorium.

POINT # 2

The next reason to get a PowerPoint remote is for the "ease of use". Many of the new generation remote mice come with buttons that are dedicated to PowerPoint. For example, the Penta Sport remote has 3 buttons that are dedicated to PowerPoint functions. It even has a button that allows you to get the "ball rolling" at the touch of a single button. This button automatically launches your PowerPoint presentation when you press the "function key" and if you double click on this key it will close your presentation. The point is that "ease of use" allows your presentation to flow more smoothly and, therefore, make you look more professional.

POINT #3

Another reason to get a PowerPoint remote is that it gives you more tools. For example, the Penta Sport comes with a built-in Laser Beam Pointer that allows you to point at any charts, graphs, photos that are not on the computer screen. The nice thing about the Penta Sport is that the button that activates the laser pointer is located on the bottom of the unit in a trigger like fashion. It's the only button down there, so it makes it very easy to find. In addition, since it's not next to all the other buttons on top, then you won't accidentally fire the laser beam when you are pressing the regular mouse buttons. If you're in the market for a PowerPoint remote mouse with built-in laser pointer, I highly recommend that you get one with the laser button located underneath with a trigger style button.

POINT #4

Makes you look more professional. Who are we kidding, when we get in front of a group of people we want to look are best and we want to look professional. When you look at all the other reasons to get a PowerPoint remote they all add up to making you look more professional. For example, when you point at that chart with that glowing red dot it makes an impression. Now the audience can see exactly what part of the chart you are talking about. Or how about when the PowerPoint presentation begins seamlessly from start to finish. Chances are they won't even think about the PowerPoint aspect. No, they will probably only remember your ideas and the content of the presentation.

POINT #5

The last point has nothing to do with PowerPoint. It has to do with the side benefit from having a long range remote mouse at your disposal. Now you can surf the Internet from your living room sofa. Or how about when you take your laptop computer to bed? Now you don't have to keep your hand on top of the laptop in an awkward position. With the remote mouse you could put your hand in any comfortable position.

PowerPoint Remote

Also see LaserMouse.com

A Remote Mouse with a Powerful Receiver

2008-01-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Above is a photo of the tiny but powerful receiver. It's about the size of a pack of chewing gum.

A Remote Mouse with a Powerful Receiver
If fact, when you first plug the receiver into your computer, the operating system (Windows XP or Windows Vista) will display, "Powerful Receiver Detected". This powerful receiver comes with the Penta Sport long range remote mouse. One of the reasons the receiver is so powerful is that it uses the same 2.4 GHz wireless technology that most modern day cordless phones use. This makes the Penta Sport receiver more reliable, because it's less susceptible to interference.

Looks like a thumb drive
Yes, it's the same size as a typical USB thumb drive. The reasons they made it so small is to allow you to pack it in the Penta Sport carrying case (included) along with the remote mouse. The receiver plugs into any available USB port on your desktop, laptop, or notebook computer. It works with most computers that have USB capability, but it was designed to work best with Windows XP or Windows Vista.

PowerPoint Remote Mouse

Official Product Web Sites:
LaserMouse.com or LaserMice.com

3 Buttons Dedicated to PowerPoint

2008-01-18T10:56:00.001-07:00

Look at the photo and notice that you've got a big silver disk (mini joystick) in the middle. Above the silver disk is a button bar that is your standard "Left" and "Right" mouse buttons. Below the silver disk are 3 little circular buttons arranged in a triangular fashion.

3 PowerPoint Buttons

These are the 3 little buttons located right below the mini joystick. The upper 2 buttons are the "Slide Advance" buttons, which allow you to go forward or reverse through your PowerPoint slides. This is really handy, because it lets you got backup the presentation at any moment without having to end the presentation and start over.

The third button is labeled "FN" for function key. If you single click on the "FN" key it will start your PowerPoint presentation. If you double click on the "FN" key it will end your PowerPoint presentation. Have you ever opened PowerPoint and found it hard to get your presentation started? It can be confusing for many people, because you have to click on a tiny little icon and you have to remember which icon to click on, but now with Penta Sport you don't have to remember which icon to click. All you have to do is click on the "FN" key and your presentation will pop up on the screen.

Penta Sport Long Range Remote Mouse

LaserMouse.com or LaserMice.com

PROJECT PENTA SPORT

2008-01-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

NEW FOR 2008: PROJECT: PENTA SPORT - Make no mistake, this is the Penta Sport remote mouse. The "General" needs a new type of remote mouse. He has an important presentation coming up in front of the United Nations and the rest of the planet and he needs a better way to control his computer. He calls on his assistant who notifies him that there is already a project underway code named PENTA SPORT. The Penta Sport features the latest technology to perform what was impossible 20 years ago. I have said enough about the video. Now I suggest you grab a bag of popcorn or a plate of cookies and sit yourself down in a comfortable chair and watch this short movie video. Make no mistake, this is the Penta Sport remote mouse.

Ps: Was that the International Space Station in the background?

PROJECT PENTA SPORT

MAKE NO MISTAKE

2008 Penta Sport Remote Mouse

2007-12-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is the new Penta Sport Remote Mouse. Yes, it's true it was designed for PowerPoint presentations, however, the joystick is so versitile that the Penta Sport can be used a general all-purpose remote mouse.

Penta Sport Remote Mouse

Penta Sport Remixed

2007-11-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is the remixed version of the Penta Sport promotion trailer video. The new remix features more music and high resolution photos. It's better than the previous version.

Penta Sport Reloaded

2007-11-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Released just in time for the holiday season. It's the newly remixed and reloaded Penta Sport youtube video. It has an all new sound track with new music and high tech sound effects! In addition, it features some of the same photos found on the Official Penta Sport web site (LaserMice.com)

Penta Sport Photo Page

2007-10-14T09:21:00.000-06:00

This is really cool. The folks at LaserMouse.com have a special page dedicated to photos of the new Penta Sport remote mouse. If you do PowerPoint, the Penta Sport is the most awesome presentation mouse. It has 3 different ways to advance the PowerPoint slides.

1. It's got the standard mouse buttons on top (The left mouse button lets you advance the slides).

2. It's got special Slide Advance buttons below (These buttons allows you to go forward or reverse through your PowerPoint slides).

3. And last but not least there is a Mouse Clicker built-in to the mini-joystick (This is again like the left mouse button and it allows you to advance the slides).

Click here to visit Penta Sport Photo Page

2008 LaserMice.com

New Penta Sport Remote Mouse

2007-10-13T22:46:00.000-06:00

Designed For PowerPoint
Make no mistake, the Penta Sport was designed for PowerPoint*. Our engineers set out to create a no nonsense, high performance, simple to use, long range, remote mouse for presentation applications like PowerPoint, Keynote, or any other type of presentation software. They did such a good job on the "mini joystick" that the Penta Sport is suitable for more than just PowerPoint. Heck, it makes a great general purpose remote mouse whether you need the long range or not.

Why is it called the Sport?
Good Question. We called it the Sport because of its black sporty styling and the rubber like plastic finish. The finish looks and even feels like rubber, but it's just a special process that they apply to the plastic. When most people think of a "sport" model they tend to think that it is water proof. However, the Penta Sport is NOT water proof or water resistant or anything like that. The Penta Sport is sporty in many respects like the stylish appearance, the ergonomic design, and the high performance receiver, but just remember it's not water proof.

How does it compare with the original?
The Penta Laser Mouse has been around since 2002 and during that time it evolved a little, but always kept the same ergonomic design. The new Penta Sport is about the same size, but has a different shape. Is it still ergonomic? The answer is yes, it is still very ergonomic. It feels as natural in your hand as the original. The most interesting improvement is that the Laser Button is now located on the bottom side like a trigger. This makes finding the Laser Button easy even in dark rooms. The bottom line is that if you liked the original Penta Laser Mouse then you're going to love the new Sport!