Knock 'em Dead with Your Next Keynote Presentation
Posted 09/23/2008 at 3:13am
| by David Biedny
Now Showing: The Gear You Need To Make An Impact
Keynote ’08 is the only presentation app you need to create amazing slideshows and multimedia presentations. But there are some software and hardware add-ons that can go the extra mile so you can give your audience a show they won’t soon forget.—Mac|Life staff
Keynote Theme Park

More than just a collection of supercool Keynote themes, Keynote Theme Park collections greatly expand what you can do visually.
Keynote Theme Park($19.95 per theme, www.keynotethemepark.com) is a collection of standard (4:3 aspect ratio) and widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) themes and effects for Keynote, including Spotlight, which features the eponymous spotlight effect and a variety of transitions. Plus, each theme comes with a .key presentation file that includes tips, instructions, and supplemental graphic elements that can round out the theme—and your presentations.
Epson Powerlite 1705C Multimedia Projector

Buit-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for a spaghetti plate of cables.
($1,149, www.epson.com) weighs just under 4 pounds and has 802.11a/b/n wireless connectivity built-in, so you can forgo the part of your presentation where you struggle with a snarl of cables before getting started.
Kensington's Wireless Presenter with Laser Pointer

Give your slideshow from anywhere in the room—no need to be in arm’s reach of your Mac.
($59.95, www.kensington.com) gives you an instant way to control your Keynote slideshows from wherever you are in the room—the device uses the 2.4GHz wireless frequency and works from up to 60 feet away. The buttons let you accomplish key tasks.
JBL Duet 200 Stereo Loudspeaker

If music or sound effects are an important part of your Keynote presentations, bring the ($119.95, www.jbl.com) as your date to your next show. You’ll get big, full sound from this compact speaker, and at 1.5 pounds, it won’t add much in extra weight to your bag o’ gear.