talkmagic.co.uk

i came across this product when searching through magic websites, and i couldn't find any reviews using search function. has anyone here got this as i would like to know what you think of it.

this is what they say:

This incredible new device will take your mentalism act to a whole new level. Andy Nyman created this product out of pure frustration. He had searched long and hard for a suitable prediction device that actually looked believable, everything just seemed so obvious. As a result of his failed search, Andy created his own version, but just another "peek wallet," would not be enough.
The result is The Profolio, a multi-purpose magic masterpiece. This mild mannered portfolio is actually a fully functional utility device allowing you complete mental mastery over your spectators. Nothing about this portfolio looks suspect, it appears to be a normal leather bound professional portfolio. The portfolio comes complete with a note pad, a calculator, and comprehensive illustrated instructions including 6 fantastic routines.
Dimensions: 9.5" wide by 13" tall

price £136.99

I too am looking for something similar for my professional mentalism routines. I am considering the Pro-Folio but as I always try to research as much as possible before buying, I am having trouble finding reviews for it.

I am particularly interested in whether you get a true impression or mirrored & what the angles, lighting issues are (if any) & battery requirements etc.

Help greatly appreciated,

Russ

I was so unimpressed by this highly over-priced contraption that it basically sat on a shelf collecting dust for some three years. I just recently gave it to a friend here on TM in that he had a niche that it seems to have filled.

I would recommend looking at the new Portfolio design John Rigg's is putting around his Brown Hornet boards. I think the cost is roughly half that of the Nyman systems and the unit, ten times more deceptive (not to mention, easier to use in real time)... sorry, but a blind man could find the gaff on the Nyman system, in under three-minutes time. Maybe I'm just being overly picky, but for the price being asked I would expect something far more professional all the way around.

For what it's worth, I've seen Nyman himself using the Pro-Folio and it's absolutely transparent, even when he does it. It's certainly not anything you couldn't make yourself and frankly, as far as the peek window is concerned, I think an intelligent audience would get the method immediately.

Plus, is there not something achingly suss about asking somebody to write something/pick a card and then put it in a flap in a portfolio that you've brought out? Why wouldn't they just put it in their pocket or something?

As for as the imp device part of the portfolio, it would be very difficult to get the peek using this item "on the fly". Huge angle issues. I have used it, but only for pre-show where I can then retire to another room to get the impressions.

That's a good point actually, if you're after on-the-fly impressions this is probably not the best device.
I don't do pre-show (I'd love to say that it's out of some deep-seated artistic ideal but frankly it's laziness) but I can see how it could be useful in that scenario. Andy Nyman's International Magic lecture is probably a good thing to pick up if you're considering whether or not the Pro-Folio is for you - it's a fraction of the cost, basically shows you how to make one yourself, and features a surprise appearance from one of Andy's lesser-known acquaintances. I'm not all that keen on Nyman's approach to mentalism but he does have some great ideas on this video that you may find useful.