|
Xara ScreenMaker
3D
Reviewed
by: Lianne
Reitter, send
e-mail
Published
by: Xara, go
to the web site
Requires: Windows
98/Me/2000/NT4/XP machines, with at least 32MB RAM and
running a Pentium (or faster) processor
MSRP: $14.95
 Xara
ScreenMaker 3D is a screensaver creator that allows you
to use your own photos and text in a 3D environment. OK,
I know what you're thinking, “Ooooh, aaaah, a new
screensaver. Big deal.” Well read on, because the
beauty of this screensaver is that it's not only really
cool, but used creatively by many different businesses
and schools, could help make some money.
The first
type of screensaver that can be created is a picture cube
which rotates around your screen when activated. Xara ScreenMaker
3D has a very simple interface allowing you to easily pick
the number and size of your cubes and the speed at which
they rotate on the desktop. Six individual file folder
icons represent the six pictures that you want to show
on each cube. Just click on each file folder icon and a
simple file menu allows you to browse your hard drive for
just the right shots. Xara ScreenMaker 3D supports a large
variety of image file formats, and even allows you to load
up your cube with AVI movie files. You can preview your
creation and immediately install it as your regular screensaver
or save it out as a separate .scr file for later use. Saving
them out in this way allows you to make screensavers for
your family and friends as well. They need only copy the
.scr file to their Windows system folder and select it
as their screensaver from the Display Properties dialog.
The truth is that it's a rare monitor these days that
needs a screensaver, and even if you did want to use one
why bother paying for it when there are so many to be had
for free. Well, never mind the free ones, they are usually
garbage, gum up your system and install a dozen other files
on your computer such as spyware and the like (and we can
all do with a lot less of that). But more important, you
have just got to see the 3D text feature of Xara ScreenMaker
3D.
From pulsating and undulating, rocking and wobbling there
are as many as 33 different styles for your 3D text, and
you can have as many as three lines to write your thoughts
on. The quality of the 3D text and effects are spectacular,
with smooth graphics, superb designs and punchy colors
making every single 3D style an eye-catcher. Now I'm not
thinking about text use by your typical cubicle 'droid
(sorry if I offend, but as a 'droid myself, I feel emboldened)
that wants to have his favorite Star Wars quote tumbling
across his monitor, or the office Don Juan who needs to
impress his latest conquest with her name scrolling across
his workstation. No, I'm thinking bigger. I'm thinking
advertising.
If you run small
shop, a great display can be set up using any of the
3D text styles Xara ScreenMaker 3D offers. How
about you trade show booth operators who need that little
extra punch to catch the eyes of the roaming crowds? Office
receptionists could have the company name, and a "Back
in 5 minutes!" for those times when someone arrives
only to find the front desk abandoned for the inevitable
bathroom break. You might even have standalone touch screen
kiosks in a book store that could be running advertising
for the latest bestsellers. Maybe even the not-so-best
sellers could get a bigger push out the door with a little
help from this screensaver.
Xara ScreenMaker 3D and a little imagination could make
the initial pain of having to pay for a screensaver go
away in no time. Highly recommended.
Letters to the Editor are welcome and occasionally abused in public. Send e-mail to: whine@kickstartnews.com
|
