I wasted some time looking around for Powerpoint alternatives. Basically, my conclusion is: don't do that. It's not because Powerpoint is such a great program, but rather because the alternatives have limitations which are more serious than the rightly criticized linearity of Powerpoint.
Anyway, what to expect:
- [Sozi] It's open source and entirely vector based. It would make for a good banner or a graphic scheme you want to discuss focussing on the composing parts. *
- [Vue] The best alternative in my view, which lets you construct different paths over the slides and insert midway overview in the presentation where you can get off road. A good idea, but not very user friendly. ***
- [Prezi] This is very good looking software, but it has some major drawbacks. First of all, it's all flash and therefore heavyweight. Any animations you include need to be flash movies, which are very hard to make. The choice of slide templates is limited and customization options do not really help you out. There is a svg-alternative in the making, but that means it is currently useless. **
- [ahead] As Prezi, but better looking. Spend some time and impress your audience. Not for quick tasks and only online. ****
- [Zoho] As Powerpoint, but online and owned by Google. **
