NewtNews-126-07Jan97 ==================== by Steve Holden . This is a weekly freeware newsletter that focuses on the Apple Newton and related technologies. NewtNews Copyright 1994-97 Steve Holden. All rights reserved. See the Administrivia at end for details and FAQ info. This issue of NewtNews is sponsored in part by: + INFORMED FILLER FOR NEWTON - Custom Electronic Forms Integrated With Your Desktop - Shana Corp - - + PowerMedia presents 'Arcade Game Pack' - Birds With Lances, Rocks In Space, Frogs vs. Cars - US$29.95 - + X-Port, KwikMenu, NewtPaint, Quicknames Pro, proCALC Ex - Newton 2.0 solutions - - + PDA Panache is your single source for stylus solutions - ORDERS: 800.270.7196 - FAX: 516.467.6329 - + WinSlurp from Rare White Tiger Creations - Available via WWW at: . + PDA & HANDHELD DIRECT - Putting Technology in the Palm of Your Hand! 800-279-4PDA 219-882-5228 [F]:219-845-0578 + TeleType GPS and moving map for the Newton - Never get lost again - - + RidgeNet - ARA, SLIP, PPP access to the Internet from Ridgecrest, CA. Table of Contents ----------------- 1. Top News 2. Information from Email 3. Information from the Internet 4. Review of Top Weekly Magazine Headlines 5. Top Weekly Magazine Stories Of Interest 6. Other PDA News 7. Edupage, 30Dec96 thru 05Jan97 8. Other Sources of Information 9. News Agent Summary 10. Advertising Notes 11. Product and Service Information 12. Comments from the Editor 13. Administrivia Top News -------- ** PRE-MACWORLD INFO ** MacWorld Expo will be held at Moscone Center, San Francisco, California >from 07-10Jan97. For more info: . NewtNews will be hanging out at the PDA & Handheld Direct booth (#3373) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon from 5:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. if you would like to stop by and say "Hello!" TeleType GPS will be showcasing their Newton and Macintosh GPS solutions at Booth #3972. Brian Hall reports that he will have a Newton with a Socket Card available for demos of their PageNOW! for Newton at their booth #4176. Catamount Software will be offered a sneak preview of a new Newton solution called MediaBox (organizes your books, CDs, records, tapes, videos, etc...) that enables importing and exporting to Jason Fried's AudioFile program for Macintosh and Windows systems. Casady & Greene will be offering a host of MacWorld Expo specials, including Newton's Reflex (short cut utility) & Silicon Casino for US$30. For more information call: 800.359.4920 or send email to: . MACWORLD Expo and Apple Computer (sponsored by Simply Interactive) will be hosting a MACWORLD Expo Apple Webcast live via the Internet. For more information check out: . This site should have a good run down on what is going on at MacWorld without being at MacWorld. BMUG and MacHome Journal are going to have an informative reception featuring Jef Rasking ("true father of the Macintosh") on Wednesday, 08Jan96 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cartoon Art Museum (814 Mission Street). After this reception, Microsoft will be hosting their Bay Party at the Cartoon Art Museum that will features a FREE CPU raffle. The Annual BMUG Main Meeting at MacWorld will be held on Thursday, 09Jan96. The meeting will be held in Room 304 in Moscone Center starting at 6:30 p.m. ** APPLE'S NEWTON DEAL AT MACWORLD ** Newton Solutions Marketing Group reports that they will be sponsoring two Newton promotions occurring at MacWorld for attendees during the week of 07-10Jan97. Attendees who purchase a MP130 will get a fulfillment coupon for a 'free' Newton keyboard. Current Newton users who purchase two Newton software packages or accessories will get a 'free' copy of Newton Press for Macintosh. Both deals are also available for mail order and catalog purchases as long as a valid receipt is in hand or faxed. Complete details will be circulated via fliers at MacWorld. ** SHIPPING DATE FOR MESSAGEPAD 2000?!? ** Not sure if even Apple knows for sure when the MessagePad 2000 will ship but MacInTouch is reported that they have heard 'rumors' of the MP2000 shipping in April 1997. Other MessagePad 2000 release dates being talked about on the Net include the Mar97 German CeBIT Show where Apple announced the released of the MP130. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ The New WriteRight Screen Enhancements protect your screen from scratches, reduce glare and improve your handwriting recognition by simulating the feel of writing on paper. WriteRights are available for all Newtons in packs of: 4-for $11.95, 8-for $18.95, and 12-for $24.95. Mention NewtNews and receive 10% off our 12-pack. For more info: 415-929-1002 $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ AvailWorks 3.0 - New version adds a text layer with spell-check, find and replace, and support for multiple page documents. AvailWorks integrates text processing, powerful tables, dynamic business charts and graphs, and drawing and page layout tools into one convenient package for the Newton. From PelicanWare at $79.95+S&H. For more info: . To order 800.655.6398 or visit resellers. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Information from Email ---------------------- ** HNUG BECOMES TVNUG ** Cindy Coker reports that the Huntsville Newton Users Group (HNUG) has renamed themselves and registered with Apple as the Tennessee Valley Newton Users Group (TVNUG). This group will accommodate Newton users in North Alabama, and Southern Tennessee. TVNUG meets twice a month in Huntsville AL: -- 3rd Friday's, 11:30 lunch, at Old Country Buffet (University Dr.) -- 1st Tuesday's, 7:00pm, at Barnes & Noble coffeeshop (University Dr.) For more information about this Newton User Group send an email to: or call: 205.544.3541. ** TWO GREAT EMATE ARTICLES ** Bruce Schwartz has a great article called "Cool in school: Apple's new eMate junior laptop could draw on an unfilled niche" published on 02Jan97 via USA Today/The Detroit News. Bruce points out how Apple continues to "innovate" and in the case of the eMate, Apple has done a very good job of packaging the eMate as a real world solution provider for educational systems. Highlighted features: can share data with Mac and Windows systems; wireless infrared port; built-in word processor; built-in keyboard; Internet connectivity; and other built-in goodies. Bruce does suggest a tethered pen for the eMate. Stephen Lynch of Knight-Rider News Service also has a great eMate article that was published on page 11 of the San Diego Union-Tribune (31Dec96). Stephen characterizes the eMate as: pioneering, and innovative. He also thinks that Apple should market this device towards sci-fi fans who will 'pound the tables for' them. Benjamin Smith reports that the above article can be found at: ** VOTE FOR THE EMATE! ** Powers Foss had the following blurb posted in Guy Kawasaki's MacWay list: A month or so ago, I posted to Carpe.Diem to go to Popular Science Magazine's web site and vote for their favorite product. The Apple eMate 300 quickly rose to the number one position. But since then, the competition (Dry Cleaning with Liquid CO2) has gotten frightfully close to surpassing the eMate. Please tell the EvangeList to check out Popular Science's site and place their vote! ** FLASHCARD 2.0 BETA RELEASE ** powerPen Software has announced the availability of FlashCard 2.0 beta -- a self-study aid (memorization tool) for Newton. This new version offers: a completely redesigned user interface, two-sided cards, and easier deck navigation. FlashCard is a tool aimed at people in a scholastic environment, particularly people who would like to learn another language or memorize equations, definitions, symbols, or dates. For more information check out the powerPen World Wide Web site at: . ** NEWTON JOBS IN BELGIUM ** Christophe Lenaerts reports that the Newton Source Belgium is looking to hire two or three new sales representatives who live in the Belgium area near their store in Brussels, and can speak French and Dutch. ** INTERNET WORLD AWARDS ** Ethan Simmons reports via Guy Kawasaki's MacWay list that Internet World Magazine his currently accepting nominations for their 4th Annual Industry Awards through 31Jan97 via the following URL: in the following categories: - Outstanding Business Software Product - Outstanding Business Hardware Product - Outstanding Consumer Software Product - Outstanding Consumer Hardware Product - Outstanding Service - Individual Achievement - Best of the Internet ** ANOTHER SOURCE FOR NTK ** Xplain's Developer Depot (publishers of MacTech magazine) have announced that they are now carrying Apple-branded development tools including Apple's Newton Toolkit (NTK). For more information or to place an order please check out: . ** NEWTON TO FILEMAKER PRO? ** Looking to hook your Newton to a FileMaker Pro database? Bert Creighton suggested that those interested in doing this check out Balcones Software's latest version of Leverage. It can synchronize with AppleScript to FileMaker Pro and other databases including a recently posted beta ODBC linkage solution. There are also editions to Leverage on the desktop to link to Windows based Access and Paradox databases. For more information check out: . ** NEW PHONE SOUND UTILITY ** David Pompea <74736.172@compuserve.com> reports that DMP Systems has released of ++Volume for Newton 2.0 (US$10 shareware). When you dial phone numbers this utility kicks in and increases the volume. ++Volume also uses better touch tone sounds for even better recognition. For more information please check out: . ** NEW NEWTON UK WEB SITE ** David Yates reports that a "very simple" and "quick to download" WWW site for the Northern England Newton Users Group (NENUG) can be accessed at: . ** FOUNDATION SYSTEMS UPDATE ** Adam Tow at Foundation Systems reports the following updates and releases - WriteHere 2.0 Public Beta Release 1 - Corrector+ 2.1 - Styles+ 1.0 - AlarmClock 2.2 - nBattleship 2.2 It should be noted that: - Corrector+ 2.1: is a handwriting recognition (HWR) utility that attempts to solve Newton built-in HWR problems when writing connected characters - Styles+: replaces Apple's built-in style palette with support for more styles, larger font sizes, and more fonts. For more information, check out: . ** FONT PACK RELEASED ** Stand Alone Software has announced the release of Font Pack Volume 1 for Newton. Font Pack (US$20) includes the following fonts styles: Avant, Boston, Courier, Funky, Garamond, Helvetica, Jagged, Machine, Round About, Schoolbook, Times, and Type Writer. This package also includes a new styles palette that supports point sizes of: 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 72, as well as multiple styles, including Bold, Italic, Underline, Outline, Super- and Sub-script. You can download a 30-day demo via: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ GET AMIGO NOW! Did you know you can order AMIGO the premier 8000+ word English/Spanish Dictionary Reference Tool and Translation program for the Newton over the Web at: ? Did you know that the price online is $5 less than the snail mail price and it comes with a full year of upgrades? Don't delay, this Fall there will be a new version and a price increase. More info: ACCSYS $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ TeleType GPS is software for the Newton which displays your location while driving or flying. The software includes a moving map which shows you where you are in relation to cities and towns. It is controlled by the Garmin 30 TracPack, a powerful yet small Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. Never get lost again. Email: or WWW to: for more information. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Information from the Internet ----------------------------- ** NEW VERSION OF POCKEYMONEY ** On 29Dec96 Catamount Software posted version 2.03 of PocketMoney -- a 'very popular' shareware (US$30) financial management package for Newton 2.0. Some features in this version: - Quick entering of transactions with PocketButton - Support for the following other Newton packages: MPG, Bills To Pay, ExpensePlus, Register, and CheckPlease - Print transactions sheets - Split transactions - Import into Quicken, MS Money, MacMoney, MYM and other desktop applications with ExCHANGGE/WildCat - Foreign language support for: German, French, Italian, Japanese enabler, and Russian enabler ** ANNOUNCING TRACKIT 1.2 ** Peter Mitchell has released his US$5 shareware application called TrackIt 1.2 which lets a Newton user record and graph any set of numbers. Some new features in this release include: - Ability to "load" a data set from other applications - Ability to add multiple data points before a graph update - Grid lines that can be shown/hidden and scaled - Display of the average for all values in graph For more information: . ** MP2000 U.S. TOUR ** Jeff Wright reports that Apple is planning a United States tour to show off and raise even more interest in the MessagePad 2000. The tour starts on 21Jan97 in Reston, DC, and ends in Los Angeles one and half months later. Other cities on the tour: Dallas, TX; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; New York City; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; and Santa Monica, CA. [EDITOR: NewtNews is trying to track down a registration phone number and the other dates. We will let you know this information in the next issue of NewtNews.] ** MP2000 VIDEO ** PDA Construction has a completed a 22 minute VHS videotape demo of the MessagePad 2000. You can order the US$10 tape by calling 909.653.5878 or faxing to: 909.653.3454. ** LATEST NEWTON BOOK OF NEWTNEWS ** Don't forget that Rare White Tiger Creations is posting the latest and greatest Newton Book versions of NewtNews via: . ** NEW PDA RESOURCES ** Travis Solin reports that PDA Central is now up and running at: . Jeff Goodman claims to have a "summary view of all the PDA information in the known universe" at the following site: . Yossi HaYored found some reviews of palmtops at: . Chris De Herrera has a Pen Based Computing Web Page available at: . ** NEWTON BOOK SITE ** Rob West reports that his Project Newtonberg site has a new look and redesign. Project Newtonberg is one of the best places to get a Newton Book version of your favorite book. Check it out at: . ** GREAT SOURCE FOR NEWTON ANSWERS ** Looking for Newton answers? Then check out Clay Irving's Newton Reference at: . Clay typically answers a dozen or so posts to the USENET newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc during a week using sources from this site. For instance -- If you are interested in Chinese on your Newton, then check out Comjet Info. Systems Corp. at: . Interested in graphing calculators? Then check out the "Calculator" section of the Newton Reference. Interested in a color Newton? Then check out the "Dreaming" section of Newton Reference. If you need to contact Clay, send email to: . ** LOSING TIME ON YOUR NEWTON?!? ** If your Newton 2.0 device is losing time over a period of a few days, then Ben Gottlieb suggests you check out his freeware utility called "KeepTime" that is suppose to fix this problem. For more information: . ** NIE DEVELOPER INFO?!? ** If you want to know more about developer tools related to Apple's Newton Internet Enabler (NIE), then you should check out the following URL: . [EDITOR: Suggested by Steve Weyer on comp.sys.newton.programmer. Thanks!] ** RESET UTILITY ** Tired of turning your Newton 2.0 device over and opening up the battery bay to reset your Newton? Then you should follow some advice from Alexander Greif who suggests you check out a freeware solution called "Restart" written by Brant Sears . You should be able to download it from: . ** NEWTON SOFTWARE ENGINEERING JOB ** Paul Davison forwarded a job posting to USENET newsgroup comp.sys.newton.programmer with the Subject field equal to "Software Engineer Post at Thames Valley University". If you are a Newton programmer in the UK looking for work you might want to try and track down the post or send an inquiry to: . The closing date on the job is 09Jan97 and the project currently using the Newton is a computer based communication aids system for people who have language disorders. [EDITOR: HotBot seems to have a pretty good search front-end and engine for searching for past USENET news posts.] ** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A BROWSE ** - InfoWizard [Agents]: - Open Agent Architecture [Agents]: - Linux on a Disk [Operating System]: - Live Picture [Imaging]: - Cybergeek [Clothing]: - Tenba [Newton Case]: - SharewareJunkies.com [Software]: - easyBase [Database]: $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $ NS BASIC $ The latest implementation of this cool programming tool has an $ 3.6 $ easy to use graphic screen layout function, plus indexed file $ with $ communications, graphics and more! Program directly on Newton $ Visual $ or with a PC or Mac. Create packages in the Extras drawer and $ Designer! $ much more. 260 pg handbook. Cost is $99+5 S&H for all Newtons. $ $ , , 416.264.5999 $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ PDA & HANDHELD DIRECT - December96 Specials - Cool Stuff for your Newton! - Apple MessagePad 130 $689 (#22003) Free Win2Go Software with Purchase - Type II PCMCIA Flash Memory for all Apple MPs - Mfg Lifetime Guarantee 4MB $128 (#41071) 8MB $224 (#41073) 10MB $274 (#41074) - Revelar Connection Utilities $53.95 - Windows (#10070) Mac OS (#10071) - King James Bible for Newton $34.95 (#10260) Archimedes $39.95 (#62030) - FreeStyle Handwriting Recognition $39.95 (#10151) - MessagePad Wireless Communications Case $73.95 (#31150) To receive special pricing please mention source code [#151] To order call 800-279-4732 or 219-882-5228 or fax 219-845-0578 $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Review of Top Weekly Magazine Headlines --------------------------------------- ** JUST NEWS ** - Year 2000 still a software crisis for many mainframe systems ** MAJOR TRENDS ** - Java Beans and JDK 1.1 maelstrom - Number of company Web sites continues to grow ** MINOR TRENDS ** - Hardware vendors pledge support for Intel's MMX technology - Corporations plan to spend more money on computers in 1997 ** NOISE ** - Oracle plans server Network Computer (NCs) systems by Summer'97 - Database Wars: Informix, Sybase, and Oracle look for each others customers via hardware system alliances ** WEB POINTERS ** - PC Week: - Web Week: - MacWeek: - InfoWorld: - Computer Reseller News: Top Weekly Magazine Stories Of Interest --------------------------------------- ** MOBILE SYSTEM GOES ONLINE ** Racotek has announced that they recently completed work on a major mobile data system for Unisys. The system handles 2000+ mobile field service users in the United States. [Computer Reseller News, 23/30Dec96, page 55] ** NEW MOBILE PHONES ** There will be at least three new 'handheld communicators' either released or demoed at this weeks Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Samsung will have a 800-MHz, CDMA & Short Messaging Service (SMS) savvy phone called the SCH-1011 (6.9 oz., US$199, ship in Apr97). LG Electronics will be shipping their IPC (Intelligent Personal Communicator) 1000 that supports Advanced Mobile Phone Services (AMPS). The IPC-1000 also has built-in pager, and a 4800-bps fax modem. Navitel will 'unveil' their TouchPhone -- a Web savvy phone that can also link via landline connections. [Mark Moore, PC Week, 23/30Dec96, page 7] ** CORDLESS MODEM ** IBM Research and Matsushita are reportedly working on a 'cordless modem' system -- a device connects to ThinkPads via serial port and communicates over 900-MHz radio frequency to wall jack device. Speeds should be in the 28.8-Kbps range. IBM Research is also working on a new 157-dpi flat-panel display technology that should ship in products by mid-1997. [Mark Moore, PC Week, 23/30Dec96, page 19] ** SPRINT PCS STARTS UP ** Sprint PCS has recently begun CDMA based PCS services in: San Diego, CA; Kansas City, MO; Fresno, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Portland, OR; and Spokane, WA. Sprint expects to have PCS services in 65 markets by mid-1997. Currently Sprint PCS is using phones built by Qualcomm/Sony and Samsung. [Mark Moore, PC Week, 23/30Dec96, page 40] $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ WinSlurp! - Rare White Tiger Creations provides Newton Book publishing services and is NOW offering WinSlurp. A windows front-end to Slurpee which supports transferring notes back and forth between the Newton notepad and the PC desktop. Available for downloading from this URL: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ PowerMedia is your source for all the latest cutting edge Newton apps: + Super NotePad: Quick access arrows, encryption, tags, filters, etc. + DateMan 3.0: Complete agenda and contact management. + Stationary Construction Kit: Build your very own custom stationary. Commercially available at your favorite Newton retailer. Or check out online demos via the following site: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Other PDA News -------------- [EDITOR: News collected via snail mail, major publications, USENET newsgroups, email, and the WWW.] ** PSION ** Marcel Uithoof reports that their are more than 200 Psion links and over 450 Psion Software links on the following site: . Neil Bee has two new programs: Moon97.agn (1997 none phases) and Astro97.agn (eclipses, planetary data, meteor shower dates, etc. ...) for the Psion. You should be able to download them from: . Richard Schmidt has posted the following freeware Psion Series 3a/3c applications: Calc3a, WorkLog3a, Trips3a and JumpWeek on the following site: . Teddy Brown is offering businesses the opportunity to lease a Psion or Windows CE HPC plus software. The minimum lease amount is US$1000 though. Send him email for more information. [EDITOR: I attempted to contact Teddy about this deal but have not heard back before we went to press.] Klaus Stahl has posted several German savvy Macros with Tom Dolbilin's MacSys 2.0 for the German PSION 3a. If you are interested in them, please send Klaus an email requesting more information. Klaus Stahl also recently posted to USENET newsgroup comp.binaries.psion a voice-alarm utility called "WeckAnsg V.1.0G." Bjrn Ekstrm has created a new Windows based freeware software installation solution for Psion Series 3x and Siena users. More info: . Xavier Galante has released version 1.45 of his Psion48 advanced scientific calculator for the Psion S3a via: . ** ZAURUS ** Thomas Jones recently posted to comp.sys.handheld that he feels after trying out both the NEC and the Casio Windows CE HPC that the Zaurus 5800 is still a better PDA/HPC. Ann Harrell suggests that those interested in the Sharp Zaurus check out: . Lee Hantelman has awarded the Sharp's Zaurus with an Imaging Magazine Editor's Choice Award in 1996 in Imaging Magazine published in Dec96 on page 93. Then in the issue published on Jan96, Imaging Magazine awarded the Zaurus with a 1996 Product of the Year Award on page 76. Interested in a 'color Zaurus' review? Then check out via Hotbot a post to USENET newsgroup comp.sys.palmtops called "Color Zaurus quick review" written by "Mitch Bunnell ". A.R. Pointer has a pointer to another Zaurus WWW page at: . ** PILOT ** Mark Young has awarded the U.S. Robotics' Pilot with an Imaging Magazine Editor's Choice Award in 1996 in the Dec96 issue of Imaging Magazine on page 93. Then in the issue published on Jan96, Imaging Magazine awarded the Pilot with a 1996 Product of the Year Award on page 76. Joe Zemel is guessing that U.S. Robotics will show off their new Pilot in public at this years Demo 1997 that starts on 09Feb97. Last years Demo 96 was where U.S. Robotics announced the original Pilot. If you are interested in a review of the Pilot Covertec Belt Case and Panache Pilot Stylus then check out HotBot for a recent post from -- "Doug White " with the title: "Product Reviews: Pilot Covertec Belt Case & Panache Stylus". [EDITOR: The review is very detailed and is not appropriate to post here.] Ron Nicholson reports that those interested in reading the U.S. Robotics' Pilot FAQ check out the following World Wide Web site at: . Bill Roy reports the new release by Palmeta Software, version 1.5 beta 3, of their Palmeta Mail for Pilot. This version includes support for Netscape Mail. The software costs US$39.95 and can be ordered via: . Questions should be directed to: . ** WINDOWS CE ** Robert X. Cringely in his "Notes From the Field" column (page 78) in InfoWorld published on 23/30Dec96 has a Casio Cassiopeia mention. Robert notes that it is highly recommended to use either full batteries or the AC adapter when checking your email with the Cassiopeia because PC Cards in the Cassiopeia seem to suck power very fast. Casio is also reportedly in very short supply of Cassiopeias. Customer service representatives are telling callers to not expect product for at least 6-8 weeks. Dwight Silverman at the Houston Chronicle has an article called "New hand-held PCs do well by not overreaching" that has several WinCE mentions. He found the Compaq PC Companion to be "easy to use" and "very useful." Dwight points out the Newton as an example of everything wrong with PDAs specifically "handwriting recognition mangles." Dwight also attributes the Newton with being "responsible" for the "overall lack of enthusiasm by hardware manufactures" for building PDAs in the past. [ComputerLink published by the San Diego Union-Tribune, 24Dec96, page 10] Robert Wilson has reported on the USENET newsgroup comp.sys.palmtops successful cellular wireless connectivity using a Cassiopeia, Motorola Flip Phone, and a Motorola Montana PC Card & a Piiceon PC Card modem. For more information check out: . Tim Lockwood pointed out on USENET newsgroup comp.sys.handhelds that the Philips Velo-1 Windows CE HPC doesn't use a hardware modem, it does all modem connectivity in software. It turns out that in Windows CE it is not possible to do a text search in the Calendar or in the Task built-in applications. Clark Germann and Nelson Tom both report that the latest PC Magazine has a comparison of three shipping Windows CE units. For more information check out: . The review reported found the Philips Velo the better Windows CE HPC. Several folks have reported successful USENET News posting capabilities using the new Windows CE Mobile News application using various modems and HPCs. ** MAGIC CAP ** Allen Nakagawa suggests that those folks interested in Magic Cap products check out: - - - If your are interested in running Magic Cap for Windows 95 then you can check out what things look like at: . If you want to download a demo check out the following download page: . Looking for a cheap Sony PIC-1000 that runs Magic Cap OS? Jacqueline Curry reports that PC Zone catalog is selling reconditioned units for US$100 each. ** OTHER ** Hans Walter reported an interesting Web link on the USENET newsgroup comp.sys.handhelds to SSV's English website for their handheld computers. You can check it out at: . CARILEIGH had a post on comp.sys.pen entitled "PATENT TO LICENSE" that outlines a device patented by them that "instantaneously [recognizes] input hand formed data as it is being formed." Now that the patent is in hand, they are looking for suggestions on how to find a licensee/manufacturer for this pen/mouse/digitizer device. Interested in developing for GEOS? Then check out the GEOS developer pages at: . The SDK is only US$99. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ This space for rent. For more info: . Thanks. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Edupage, 30Dec96 thru 05Jan97 ----------------------------- ** ENCRYPTION EXPORT POLICY TAKES EFFECT, REMAINS CONTROVERSIAL ** The Commerce Department has put into effect the new rules it devised to relax the restrictions on exportation of encryption software, but the computer industry says the rules are still too restrictive and will inhibit effective competition with foreign manufacturers with powerful offerings, and a lawyer for the non-profit Electronic Privacy Information Center describes the government's strategy as a "shell game," because there's "very little functional difference" between the new rules and the old ones, which had been rejected in part by a U.S. district judge in San Francisco. "They've just moved the pea under a different shell, but the rules are the same." (Washington Post 31 Dec 96) ** SOFTWARE PIRATES MAKE OUT LIKE BANDITS ** Data gathered by the Business Software Alliance and the Software Publishers Association indicates that the retail value of pirated software last year was $13.2 billion, up 8% from 1994. In comparison, software vendors received $15.5 billion in revenue in 1995. U.S.-based pirates accounted for the largest monetary value of illegally acquired software -- $2.9 billion -- but had the lowest piracy rate -- 26% -- of any country. Highest was Vietnam with 99%. (Information Week 23 Dec 96 p26) ** A BROWN-OUT FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONICS ** Suffering from weak consumer electronic sales this year, the Tandy Corporation is closing all of its Incredible Universe stores and 19 of 108 of its Computer City stores. The Incredible Universe stores were about five times the size of most electronics stores. Tandy's rivals are also experiencing slow-downs, and one industry analyst described the current environment as "terrible" for consumer electronics, because "they're all banging heads selling similar products." (USA Today 30 Dec 96) ** IBM DEVELOPS HEFTY HARD DRIVE ** IBM has developed a computer hard-disk drive capable of storing five billion bits per square inch, or three times as much as the most advanced systems it currently sells. The new drives won't reach the consumer market for several years. IBM expects that it will reach the 10-billion bits per square inch level by the end of the decade. (New York Times 31 Dec 96 C4) ** PROGRESS NOTES ON APPLE'S RECOVERY ** Apple says its revenue for the three-month period that ended Dec. 27th will be 10% lower than the previous quarter, resulting in an operating loss of up to $150 million, due mainly to weak demand for its Performa consumer line of products. Chief executive Gil Amelio says the company, which he has already lead through a major reorganization, may now have to take additional restructuring steps. Amelio's plans call for Apple to return to profitability in the second quarter of this year. (AP 3 Jan 97) ** PACKARD BELL PC AIMS FOR THE MASSES ** Packard Bell is now offering a Pentium-based personal computer, with color monitor, for $999. "Our vision is to make a personal computer affordable for every home,'' said Packard Bell chief executive Beny Alagem. (San Jose Mercury News Center 4 Jan 97) ** "WE'VE BEEN BEAMED TO MSN, SCOTTIE!" ** Viacom, which owns the copyright to "Star Trek" products, is ordering Web sites to remove any Star Trek artistic renderings, sound files, video clips, and book excerpts they are now presenting. There is an official Stark Trek site available on the Microsoft Network, available only to MSN subscribers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 3 Jan 97 F3) $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ NEED A NEWTON PROGRAMMER? NewtNews has a list of over 40 Internet based Newton programmers who are interested in working on vertical or horizontal market solutions. Please send email to: if you would like the list or would like to be added to the list. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Other Sources of Information ---------------------------- ** TRY A NEWTON -- SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS ** Kristin Hansen a Network and Applications Specialist at the University of Minnesota has a Newton mention in a Letter to the Editor note published in Information Week (06Jan97) in response to a previous Windows CE article. Kristin suggests that the author of the article "Does CE = Close Enough?" Lawrence Magid try out a Newton because: "We use the Newton MessagePad 130, which is fax and E-mail capable, has excellent handwriting-recognition skills for taking notes, operates on four AA batteries or an AC adaptor, and has excellent software developed by third parties. Finally, the Newton has been designed to work on Macintosh and PC platforms." ** PDAS START TO SHINE ** The Sacramento Bee published an Associated Press article on 01Jan97 with the title ""Business PDAs Go From 'Flop' to 'Must-Have.' The article's Newton mention is in the 'flop' category unfortunately. There is no real mention of a 'must-have' PDA, but the article does mention that "sales" are going up, and that more and more of the general public is purchasing PDA technologies. The future of PDAs will be determined, according to the article, is how well in the future they seamlessly communicate. ** NEWTON IS GOOD FUTURE TECHNOLOGY ** Bill Husted at Atlanta Journal and Constitution has a '1997 technology prediction column' in the Business Personal Technology section published on 22Dec96. Bill reports that making predictions is very hard and uses the Newton as an example. When the Newton was released everyone thought it was going to change the world. Then it was apparent it wasn't going to. But then, two years later, the new Newtons from Apple (MP2000 and eMate) are starting to making them attractive again. The article on the PDA front also mentions: Windows CE, and Motorola's PageWriter. Some other technologies that you should look out for in 1997 according to Bill is: Windows 97, Cable Modems, Satellite TV, and Pentium Pro. ** "PDAS ARE STILL DUMB" ** This is the one of the opinions in Robert Hawkins' end-of-the-year editor column in ComputerLink published on 24Dec96 that examines a host of technologies. Robert's main PDA comments are directed at using "a mediocre version of Windows" on "crummy" screens with "tiny little" keyboards. Robert also isn't impressed with: Netscape vs. Explorer wars. He has a wait and see attitude on: Java, and the future versatility of the Internet. But at the same time thinks that WebTV is "the gift of the season" because it is "less complicated" then a VCR. In 1997, Robert is looking for a good, inexpensive home server solution. You can contact Bob via email at: . ** FUTURE HANDHELD CONFERENCES ** World Market Strategies/PDA Inc. reports the following conferences coming up: - The Forum for Hand-Held Computing in Healthcare, Boston, MA, 28-30May97 - The Utility Industry Hand-Held & PDA Forum 1997, St. Louis, MO, Aug97 - Hand-Held & PDA Expo and Forum, San Francisco, CA, Jan98 If you missed the Dec96 Hand-Held & PDA Expo and Forum there are conference audio cassettes available for purchase. Call: 510.633.2475 or send email to: for more information. ** NEW ADDRESS ** Starting on 30Dec96, the new address for Cain Communications is 307 Orchard City Drive, Suite 102, Campbell, CA 95008. Their phone number is now: 408.341.8960, and the fax is now: 408.341.8970. ** HOT MAC PORTABLE ** MacUser (Feb97) has an article about a hybrid, custom Mac OS PowerBook built by Assistive Technology . The main audience for this rather expensive system (US$5000) is those with specific disabilities who can't use standard input devices. The system is called 'Freestyle' and can also be used as a Telecummications Device for the Deaf (TDD). Freestyle also comes with some custom software from Apple called Knowledge Navigator that enables customization of the Finder that is well suited for those with learning disabilities. [Page 24] ** FORBES FOLLOWUP ** The 13Jan97 edition of Forbes has a good deal of commentary about the Apple CEO Gil Amelio piece published in the 16Dec96 issue. The comments start on page 14 and continue on page 74. There is also some good information starting on page 14 about wireless cable companies. The big news is how badly many of the top players (American Telecasting, CAI Wireless, Heartland Wireless Comm, People's Choice, and Wireless One) have been doing on the stock market. The %change in current stock prices and Mar96 prices have some of the companies off at least 45%. ** SCULLEY ON LIVE PICTURE -- "NOT ANOTHER NEWTON" ** Digital images is the topic, and the focus of the "The Big Picture" article on pages 36 through 39 in the Jan97 edition of The Red Herring. The article has a lot of references to John Sculley's Live Picture company. Mr. Sculley also made it on the cover. The author of the article is Andrew Madden and this article, like all articles that focuses on Mr. Sculley, has a passing mention of the Newton in it. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ To much info in NewtNews for you? Does all the Macintosh information make you want to puke? Then maybe you should check out NewtNews-Savvy. For $20 you get 52 issues of just lean and mean Newton/PDA/Wireless information directly to your inbox of choice. Send an email message with the subject containing 'NewtNews-Savvy' to and you'll get a sample issue and an order form. Thanks for reading! $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ If you are too cheap to pay $20 for weekly Newton/PDA/Wireless info, then check out the freeware-monthly-Acrobat-savvy-version of NewtNews called NewtNews Pro at: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ News Agent Summary ------------------ For more info about [Farcast] check out: . For more info about [iNews] contact INDIVIDUAL, Inc. at 800.414.1000. ** HANDHELD ** Nikkei English news reports that "a group of six companies" have agreed on a 'new' standard for infrared beam communications "between cellular phones and personal digital assistants, including notebook personal computers." [iNEWS] Sanyo plans to start shipping in Feb97 their new Mobile Data Station that is being billed as a "business portable terminal for sales professionals." It has been announced that Inax Corporation has already agreed to equip over 950 of their salespeople by 1998. [iNEWS] ** MOBILE ** Nippon Telegraph and Telephone's (NTT) Personal Handyphone System (PHS) is expected to get new international dialing features by Fall 1997. [Farcast] Motorola's pager information service 'Embarc' is reportedly planning to offer more information sources beyond their current CNBC's Street Line and ESPNet To Go in the near future. For more info check out: . [Farcast] The number of cellular users in India is expected to grow very rapidly according to analysts. They see some 2 million users by the year 2000, and 6.5 million by the year 2005. [Farcast] You can now get Inmarsat 3 service across 95% of the earth's land masses thanks to a recently launched Inmarsat 3 satellite that occupies "157 degrees east." Typically service includes 4800-bps voice and 2400-bps data. [Farcast] Proximus GSM has begun creating in-building wireless networks in Brussels, Belgium using Motorola's new digital microcellular system. This enables GSM users to use their GSM phones in buildings and in "patchy" coverage areas. [Farcast] Ericsson recently won a contract from three Brazilian Telebras to install infrastructure equipment worth US$345 million. Currently only 10% of the population in Brazil has telephones, with this upgrade, the phone companies can service up to 24% of the population. Ericsson also recently won a similar contract worth US$100 million for GSM expansion in Greece. [Farcast] Toshiba plans to sell by Jun97 a Yen$200 smart card that offers up to 128 bytes of on-board RAM. The card is called the CZ-3018 and includes an 8-bit CPU and 6-kilobytes of read-only memory. [Farcast] Hi-Security has a new intruder alarm system called the 'Guardian' that uses GSM communication for monitoring and detection. [Farcast] ** APPLE ** Apple Japan is planning to launch several high-performance Mac OS systems in 1997. [iNEWS] Apple is reportedly heavily marketing their empty circuit-board manufacturing plant in the Sacramento area that was closed during the Summer of 1996. [iNEWS] Apple and NeXT executive spent most of last week trying to assure users of Macintosh systems that they will not be abandoned. The Apple and NeXT new operating system is not expected to ship until 1998. [iNEWS] Apple Japan and Silicon Graphics Japan have announced agreements to work together in spreading the use of VRML in Japan. [iNEWS] On 20Dec96, Apple presented the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) with less that glowing financial reports that are a direct reflection of their decreasing marketshare. [iNEWS] Apple reportedly paid Apple's current CEO Gil Amelio US$3 million in fiscal year 1996. Apple's past CEO, Michael Spindler, received more than US$4.66 million in fiscal year 1996. [iNEWS] Future Tense will be showing off their Mac OS savvy Web publishing tool called Texture 1.1 at MacWorld SF 1997 at the invitation of Apple Computer. [Farcast] ** INTERNET ** In 1997, expect several new "push technologies" on the Internet -- broadcasting customized news to your computer. [iNEWS] Sun is now shipping a beta version of their JavaBeans SDK that should make it easier for developers to 'build Java based components.' For more information check out: . Sun also recently announced the release of Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.1 with its new version of Java Virtual Machine. [Farcast] Fujitsu has just put online a Java based 'Wild Bird Internet mapping service' that has detailed maps of Tokyo, Yokoham, and Kawasaki. You can check out a demo at: . [Farcast] A worldwide research and consulting firm called 'Input' is publishing a report that states that the worldwide corporate Internet appliance market could be worth US$12.5 billion by the year 2001. [Farcast] ** OTHER ** Nintendo is reporting that they reached their goal of selling 1.6 million Nintendo 64 games systems in the United States from their launch date of 29Sep96 through 25Dec96. The N64 was also recently awarded Time Magazines "1996 Machine of the Year." [Farcast] The largest U.S. investor in the new Asia Pacific Cable Network (APCN) serve is MCI. [iNEWS] Ellipsis Products has reportedly sold, for an undisclosed amount, their SQL Toolkit for LabVIEW to National Instruments. [iNEWS] Silicon Graphics has turned to Logitech to provide their O2 workstation line with digital color video cameras. [iNEWS] It is looking like NEC will standardize on using HP's RISC chips in all their future Unix servers. In the past, NEC has also used Mips Technologies processors. [iNEWS] Tandy has announced plans to sell their complete line of Incredible Universe stores and close 19 Computer City stores. [iNEWS] RSA has plans to launch the "RSA DES Challenge" with prices worth US$50,000 in the hopes of illustrating the strength of their crypto-algorithms. [Farcast] Codar Technology's NAI Technologies subsidiary has a new 16-inch SXGA LCD ruggedized SPARC workstation system that will fit into a standard 19" RETMA rack. For more information check out: . [Farcast] Advertising Notes ----------------- If you are interested in advertising in NewtNews please send email to: . NewtNews is freeware because of the advertisers that support this effort, and we appreciate their support. When you purchase products from NewtNews vendors please mention that you heard about their product in NewtNews. Product and Service Information ------------------------------- * INFORMED FILLER FOR NEWTON is your mobile data collection solution for Inspection forms, Health Care forms ... in fact, for any forms you use! Design custom forms on your Macintosh with Informed Designer (included). Then, fill out your forms on the Newton quickly and accurately using automatic defaults, choice lists, calculations and signatures. Finally, send completed forms directly to Informed Manager on your desktop for further processing. For a limited time when you mention this ad, you'll receive both Informed Filler for Newton AND Informed Manager (for desktop integration) for $99US (SRP $390US). Contact Shana Corp. at: 800.386.7244, email: or WWW: * Equate 2.0 -- New Version! Spreadsheet designed to work on Newton 2.0 and earlier Newton models. Now with landscape mode, workbooks, conditional expressions, fill, fonts, lookup functions, and direct exchange to Excel using Equate Connect - the optional import/export utility. Equate $69.95, Equate Connect $29.95 (coming soon). Upgrade >from 1.0 for $29.95 includes both. Contact Holosoft at 408.748.9648, or for more info. or ordering. Credit cards accepted. * MoreInfo 4.0 - This new version adds even more useful features to this already essential product. Version 4.0 now allows you to link together any number of names, meetings, events, to dos, notes or calls all through a single screen. A powerful new "At a Glance" screen makes managing your schedule effortless. From SilverWARE at $69.95+S&H. For more info: 508.521.5262 * SOLUTIONS FROM LANDWARE. All work in the Newton 2.0 OS. - PROCALC EX: Programmable calc. w/ SAN & RPN, includes: proCALC 12c. - QUICKNAMES PRO: Rapid access to names and much more. - X-PORT: The 2.0 connection utility. Send/receive notes, contacts... - KWIKMENU: the Newton dashboard, includes GestureLaunch Lite. - NEWTPAINT: "MacPaint" on your Newton, w/zoom-in and screen shot. - SYNC+: Dates to Schedule+ 1.0 or 7.0 LandWare, 201-347-0031, , * Frustrated by the amount of time required to input long notes? Looking for a faster method? GESTURE MOSAIC is a hybrid keyboard/recognition system which enables the rapid (30-40+wpm) pen-based entry of text. Now updated for OS2.0, you can use it to quickly input text anywhere in your Newton. FREEWARE versions are available at: For more information contact: or call: 800-696-6724. * ChessPad 2.0 turns the Newton into a digital chess book and a portable chess set. It contains 28 fully-annotated games played by the greatest players of all time, 100 brilliant winning combinations by Morphy, Tal, Fischer, and Kasparov, and 100 chess problems. ChessPad can also import games in Portable Game Notation format. Only $39.95. Clear Lake Research 713.663.7513 * STAND ALONE offers a variety of Newton applications for Newton 2.0: - PACKAGE POPUP: instant access to all your packages, launch with a tap, automatically thaw and re-freeze. $15. - SECURE-A-NEWT: Password protect folders in your NotePad, Names, and Extras Drawer. Protect your info from prying eyes. $20. - KEYMAN: Adds function keys, a multi-function calculator, and a new keyboard designed for one-fingered typing. $20. - NOTEMAN: Instant access to the NotePad from any package. $10. - BACKGAMMON: The classic board game, brought to Newton. $20. - SUPER SORTER: Fast, Usable list management, featuring fully expandable and customizable list creation and editing. $20 For information about any of these or other Stand Alone products, contact us at: , or (312) 262-5150. Also check out our Web site at: . * NEW! 7th Volume of the Totally Incomplete PDA CD-ROM for Newton! This CD-ROM from AMUG CD, Inc. contains over 1800 packages, and 590 megs in Mac and PC format. 2.0 & 1.x Packages can be downloaded directly from the CD to your MessagePad. Maximize your Newton experience! $29 + S/H. Call AMUG 602.497-2244, or email to order! See our Newton CD web page at . * BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY PACKAGES FROM PELICANWARE All packages for Newton 2.0 OS - Upgrades also available. - QUICKFIGURE PRO 3.0: Spreadsheet application $59.95 - NEWTCASE 3.0: The Ultimate Utility Suite $49.95 - NOTION 1.5: High Performance List Manager $59.95 - AVAILWORKS 2.0: Text, spreadsheets, drawing, and graphing $79.95. All from PELICANWARE. For more details email: , vox: 503-221-1148, fax: 503-221-8709, or . * Create Newton books with text, graphics, tables, links and forms from HTML with Newt's Cape. Browse web pages via NIE or email. Customize with embedded NewtonScript. View GIF graphics on your Newton or convert on desktop (Mac/Win). Save books as packages on your Newton. For software and info: or . Shareware: $35. * CATAMOUNT SOFTWARE offers the following: - POCKETMONEY assists you in balancing your checking, savings, credit card and loan accounts. Export and import transactions to Quicken, MYM and other desktop based program. - NAMIGATOR gives rapid access to Names. I know, I have over 3000. - MPG helps you keep your vehicle records in order. Track fuel economy, record mileage for tax purposes, schedule repeating vehicle maintenance items for multiple vehicles. - SILK makes your MP130 GLOW. Floating silk screen palette so the built-in buttons can be seen in the dark. For more information call 802-863-5256, email , or visit our web site . * NEW BILLS TO PAY PRO 3.5 Rated 4.5 by Gecko Magazine! Now available in German! For NOS 2.0. Includes support for stationery, enhanced overview, and new printing options! Easily track bills and expenses; create budget projections; and set alarms to remind you of bills coming due. Send bill info to Pocket Quicken or Pocket Money. $39.95+S&H MAR Software at: or . * Newt. Learn object-oriented programming with NewtonScript, develop applications and save packages directly on your Newton with the Newt Development Environment. Registered users receive support, tutorials, beta versions, 200+ source examples, tools, plug-ins, 80+ pp. manual. Shareware: $49.50. For software, FAQ and registration info: or * PDA Panache is your single source for stylus solutions. Our stylus upgrades for your MessagePad are the ultimate in writing comfort and control. Screen-safe writing tip guaranteed for life. - Telescoping styli for all Newtons in Black-Chrome, Gold & Sterling. - The "Duo" multi-function stylus/ball pen or pencil combo. With "EasyView" orange tip. - The "Beacon" LED lighted-tip stylus. Functional, slim and elegant. - Low-cost Stick Styli. Custom Stylus Solutions for VARs/OEMs. More info or Visa/MasterCard orders at: 800.270.7196, FAX: 516.467.6329, Int'l: 516.467.4042, or visit our Web site: Comments from the Editor ------------------------ ** OOPS TO BUSY TO THINK ** Sorry, but no glowing opinions this week. I have been extremely under the gun of late, and I'd rather get NewtNews out on time then to slow it down while I waste some brain cells. Next week will have my thoughts about MacWorld 1997 SF. Administrivia ------------- NewtNews Copyright 1994-97 Steve Holden. All rights reserved. Non-profit, non-commercial publications may reprint articles if full credit is given. Others please contact me. NewtNews doesn't guarantee accuracy of articles. NewtNews does not express or imply any endorsement of any businesses participating in this publication. My personal comments may be included in articles NewtNews reports by highlighting them as -- [SDH: Comments]. Official NewtNews Editor's comments are highlighted as -- [Editor: Comments]. Publication, product, and company names may be registered trademarks of their companies. All trademarks used in this publication are for informational purposes only and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringing on that trademark. Send contributions and comments to Steve Holden, Editor and Publisher at: . Other important NewtNews players include: - Reviews Editor: Bob Torres - Newton Book: Mark Heringer <4535904@mcimail.com> - NewtNews Pro: Dave Hina - FTP site & email list admin: Bob Torres - NewtNews Travel Guide: Andrew Wong SUBSCRIPTIONS: email with 'subscribe newt_news' as the body of your message (no quotes) UNSUBSCRIBE: email with 'unsubscribe newt_news' WWW: FTP: NEWTON REFERENCE: NEWTON CLASSIFIEDS: This edition of NewtNews was written with the help of: Lamb's Players "Festival of Christmas" (Once Upon a Time ...); SAIC Holiday Party at Barry O'Malley's house; and some good playoff football games. Disclaimer: I am doing this on my own time, and on my own hardware *********** and software not the government's or my employer's.