When is the risk worth the reward?

How do you decide when to not use PowerPoint in your presentation? What criteria do you use?

No doubt about it. You run the risk of having technology problems when you present with PowerPoint that you would not have if you presented without PowerPoint. Some risks are that your projector is not compatible with your laptop, your projector breaks during your presentation and your images do not project the same as they look on your computer screen. These are real risks that can inconvenience your presentation.

We know that the power of presenting with PowerPoint is that "A picture is worth a thousand words". But what is the tipping point? I don't have an answer, and am pondering this question. Please post your comments on the issue?

When deciding to use or to skip PowerPoint in a presentation, I take into consideration:
1. Have I presented at this location before, and do I know that the equipment works?
2. How good is the lighting in the location?
3. What other unknowns can I run into in this presentation?

I will post comments and the results of my research when available.