A Broader Point of View

One of the amusing contradictions of the emerging mobile platform is the user tolerance of a teeny tiny screen. Cell phones with early web capabilities were fascinating to early adapters, but today these mini-screens label you as a techno-troll. The iPad’s screen size is positively luxurious with its enormous 10” x 8” (roughly) viewing area. The small screen was an easy concession to the life altering, release from one’s laptop and desktop computer, but the screen size imposes a feeling of tunnel vision for anything more than an audience of one. That’s where the underused VGA out port can really come in handy.

VGA Output for All

If you’ve ever given a public address with your “old fashioned” computer, then you’re already familiar with the VGA output. This links what you see on your computer to what you show through the projector. Memories of early presentations still give me cold sweats. Today’s set-up is fairly simple. Plug your computer into your projector - with the proper VGA cord, of course - adjust a few settings and BINGO, you’re on your way to another flawless presentation…hopefully. There are still too many occasions when a speaker and her projector have “irreconcilable differences,” but the process is generally getting easier.

Built In Support for Apps on a Video Screen

The VGA output on your iPad is the same 30-pin plug you use for recharging your battery and synching your iPad with your other devices. So, all you need to connect your iPad to a projector or another video screen is an iPad VGA adapter. Apple sells these for around $30, and you can find them for less with a little shopping. There is an important thing to understand though before you waltz into your classroom with your iPad and an eager audience, waiting for you to dazzle them. All apps are not built to support VGA out.

Apps must be explicitly written to support external displays. That includes projectors. The iPad will support some standard functions such video playback. So, you can watch those old episodes of “Lost” that you’ve been meaning to catch-up on. But unless your app is specifically written to support VGA out, you’re limited in how it appears on the external display. This can result in a small picture of the app on the big screen.

Better Control of Your Therapy Setting

SLP Minimal Pairs supports VGA out. So, if you want to show the app to a small group of kids, or if you have a student who wants to touch everything on your iPad, or you have a student who is visually impaired and needs a BIGGER screen view, you can accommodate these needs by turning ON the VGA out in the SESSIONS SETTINGS. You can adjust the VGA out setting to fit your screen as you choose, giving the SLP full control of the therapy setting. Well, at least as far as the app is concerned. Emergency potty breaks are another issue altogether.