iPad Pro Questions about the iPad Pro as a presentation device:

[hkim1983]

Good Evening Macrumors,

I am considering purchasing a new 2021 iPad Pro, and one of the things I want to try with it that I have never done before is to use it for presentations (historically I just used my laptop). I apologize for asking what may seem like basic questions, but I figured I would tap into the wide range of experiences on this forum to answer a few questions I have about this. Note: Whether or not the iPad Pro is able to fulfill these needs will not change whether I purchase it or not.

1. I have read through some of the threads already and have noticed an overwhelming bias towards Keynote as their application of choice for presenting on an iPad. Let's set that aside for a moment, how is PowerPoint on an iPad? Outside of quick edits, I am planning on actually putting together the presentation on my MacBook, are there any issues with this? How is the presentation experience with PowerPoint? Any technical issues you've run into (if so, how did you overcome them if there's a solution at all?) Is Keynote just an overall superior experience? I have no qualms with using Keynote, but it would be more convenient if I could use PowerPoint as an option.
2. I am planning on connecting my iPad directly to the projector for my presentations. The projectors (two different ones) accept VGA and HDMI. Are there any issues with this? Am I losing anything by not using an Apple TV?
3. Is Keynote the only application that will allow me to use my iPhone as a clicker?
4. For either Keynote or PowerPoint, and by directly connecting to the projector, would I still be able to present in Presenter's View where I can see my notes and have a timer?
5. I can't imagine this is the case, but I figured I would ask anyway. My presentations can sometimes be large in file size (sometimes a few GBs) because of the embedded media. Is this a problem on an iPad?

Thanks for any help you guys are able to provide!

 

[AutomaticApple]

I have read through some of the threads already and have noticed an overwhelming bias towards Keynote as their application of choice for presenting on an iPad. Let's set that aside for a moment, how is PowerPoint on an iPad? Outside of quick edits, I am planning on actually putting together the presentation on my MacBook, are there any issues with this? How is the presentation experience with PowerPoint? Any technical issues you've run into (if so, how did you overcome them if there's a solution at all?) Is Keynote just an overall superior experience? I have no qualms with using Keynote, but it would be more convenient if I could use PowerPoint as an option.

PowerPoint is usable on an iPad, but it simply doesn't provide the same intertwined experience as Keynote on the iPad/MacBook.

 

[Slartibart]

There are not problems connecting to HDMI or VGA using Apple’s or third party adapters.

you have the moderator interface when you show your presentation with a second monitor connected (cable adaptor or via Airplay).

For managing files you should additionally consider buying a hub like this one from Uni allowing you to connect additional peripherals while charging the iPP.

 

[sracer]

Good Evening Macrumors,

I am considering purchasing a new 2021 iPad Pro, and one of the things I want to try with it that I have never done before is to use it for presentations (historically I just used my laptop). I apologize for asking what may seem like basic questions, but I figured I would tap into the wide range of experiences on this forum to answer a few questions I have about this. Note: Whether or not the iPad Pro is able to fulfill these needs will not change whether I purchase it or not.

1. I have read through some of the threads already and have noticed an overwhelming bias towards Keynote as their application of choice for presenting on an iPad. Let's set that aside for a moment, how is PowerPoint on an iPad? Outside of quick edits, I am planning on actually putting together the presentation on my MacBook, are there any issues with this? How is the presentation experience with PowerPoint? Any technical issues you've run into (if so, how did you overcome them if there's a solution at all?) Is Keynote just an overall superior experience? I have no qualms with using Keynote, but it would be more convenient if I could use PowerPoint as an option.
2. I am planning on connecting my iPad directly to the projector for my presentations. The projectors (two different ones) accept VGA and HDMI. Are there any issues with this? Am I losing anything by not using an Apple TV?
3. Is Keynote the only application that will allow me to use my iPhone as a clicker?
4. For either Keynote or PowerPoint, and by directly connecting to the projector, would I still be able to present in Presenter's View where I can see my notes and have a timer?
5. I can't imagine this is the case, but I figured I would ask anyway. My presentations can sometimes be large in file size (sometimes a few GBs) because of the embedded media. Is this a problem on an iPad?

Thanks for any help you guys are able to provide!

Whether or not the iPad Pro will offer a good experience for you for presentations greatly depends upon how you present and the particular setup for the presentation venue.

1. You shouldn't have any problems using PowerPoint.
2. No, no issues with either connection.
3. I don't know
4. Yes, presenter view will be visible on the iPad
5. I haven't encountered any problems with large presentations that have embedded video clips.

For me, the iPad Pro is not a very good device for presentation. I prefer to use a presentation remote control with physical buttons. The iPads don't support that. I find using an iPod Touch or iPhone as a presentation remote to be cumbersome because of the touchscreen and lack of physical buttons.

But given your description of how you plan on using it, the iPad Pro should be fine.

 

[tgara]

My iPad Pro is my portable device and I routinely give presentations on it. It works great, especially if you have a couple important accessories I describe below, and use a cloud service to sync content between the iPad and other devices.

I use the MS Office suite of products (subscription) on my iPad, including PowerPoint. Like you, I find it easier to develop presentations on my iMac, then sync them through OneDrive to my iPad, where they are transported and presented.. All the edits, artwork, fonts, pagination, etc, sync just fine. File size should not be a problem either as long as your iPad has enough free storage space.

As for connecting to a projector, I use Apple’s USB-C to HDMI dongle to connect to either a large flatscreen monitor on the wall, or a ceiling-mounted projector.

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac to a HDMI display, standard USB device, and charging cable. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

By plugging in the adapter into the iPad, you essentially project whatever is on the iPad screen onto the flatscreen or projector. You won’t need an Apple TV if you connect this way.

As for a clicker, I highly recommend the Satechi Bluetooth wireless presenter.

https://satechi.net/products/satechi-aluminum-wireless-presenter?variant=27128706953

I use this, and it works great with PowerPoint, plus it is rechargeable and has a laser pointer built in. Connect it to your iPad via Bluetooth, start your slideshow on your iPad, and click the presenter to move slides, all remotely. Really slick.

Hope this helps.

 

[marmiteturkey]

Yes, it’s great - I present from PowerPoint on an iPad, and I also facilitate from it. Presenter view works well. With the pencil, screen annotations are very good indeed - makes it a better presentation companion even than a laptop.

 

[nicho]

I can't imagine this is the case, but I figured I would ask anyway. My presentations can sometimes be large in file size (sometimes a few GBs) because of the embedded media. Is this a problem on an iPad?

How do you plan to store/access these presentations?