NewtNews-137-22Apr97

====================



by Steve Holden <newtnews@pobox.com>.  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:



 + PowerMedia presents 'Arcade Game Pack' - Birds With Lances, Rocks

   In Space, Frogs vs. Cars - US$29.95 - <http://www.powermedia.com/~pmi>



 + VITAMIN A MENU EDITOR - Stand Alone has released it's custom and caret

   menu editor and creator! - Demo at: <http://www.standalone.com/newton>



 + X-Port, KwikMenu, NewtPaint, Quicknames Pro, proCALC Ex - Newton 2.0

   solutions - <sales@landware.com> - <http://www.landware.com>



 + WinSlurp from Rare White Tiger Creations - Available via WWW at:

   <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/heringermr/winslurp.htm>.



 + PowerTrans 3.0 - Multilingual Customizable Translator and Vocabulary

   Trainer - Speech on MP2K, eMate - Demo at: <http://www.travel-cs.com>



 + PDA & HANDHELD DIRECT - Putting Technology in the Palm of Your Hand!

   800-279-4PDA 219-882-5228 [F]:219-845-0578 <http://www.pdadirect.com>



 + QuickFigure Pro v.3.1 - New version of the spreadsheet solution from

   PelicanWare! - <sales@pelicanware.com> - <http://www.pelicanware.com>



 + TeleType GPS and moving map for the Newton - Never get lost again -

   <http://www.teletype.com/gps/> - <TeleTypeGPS@teletype.com>



 + MORGAN - Organize your books, CDs, tapes, records, videos and other

   collections! - <products@catamount.com> - <http://www.catamount.com>



 + INFORMED FILLER FOR NEWTON - Custom Electronic Forms Integrated With

   Your Desktop - Shana Corp - <info@shana.com> - <http://www.shana.com>



 + RidgeNet - ARA, SLIP, PPP access to the Internet from Ridgecrest, CA.

   <http://owens.ridgecrest.ca.us/RidgeNET/RidgeNETWelcome.html>





Table of Contents

-----------------



 1. Top News

 2. Comments from the Editor

 3. Information from Email

 4. Information from the Internet

 5. Top Print Sources Of Interest

 6. NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton

 7. Other Related Technology

 8. Edupage, 14Apr97 thru 20Apr97

 9. INNOVATION, 14Apr97

10. Dear Newton Developer

11. Other Tidbits of Information

12. Advertising Notes

13. Product and Service Information

14. Guest Opinions

15. Administrivia





Top News

--------



** BOOMING SALES?!? **



Apple sent out a press release on Friday afternoon, 18Apr97, at 5:03 P.M

(EDT) that reports that since the MessagePad 2000's introduction on

24Mar97 that it is "selling briskly at both the corporate and retail

levels."  No hard data was available to back-up the 'booming sales'

headline, but sources close to the 'real' numbers say that all 10,000 or

so first run MP2Ks have been sold to Apple's retail channels.  The only

real hint of real information was the phrase "our bookings rates are

running five times as high as they were a year ago."  The only other new

piece of information was -- Steve Elms at Newton Source was quoted as

saying that 60% of MP2K purchasers at Newton Source are Windows users,

and 40% are Macintosh users.  For more information check out:

<http://www.newton.apple.com>.



** NATIONAL NEWTON ASSOCIATION CREATED **



Steve Kramer <stevenkr@xnet.com> reports the creation of the National

Newton Association -- a non-profit Association of Newton User Groups in

the United States that's has been formed to create a closer relationship

between Apple Computer (or any computer company that purchases the

Newton) and the respective Newton User Groups.  The relationship will

provide Newton User Groups with more immediate support and dialog with

the Newton System Group.  As well as provide Newton User Groups with

accreditation programs and evangelizing materials for supporting the

Newton.  For more information send Steve an email message to the address

listed above.



** DIGITAL CAMERA AND NEWTON MAKE TRIP DOCUMENTATION POSSIBLE **



Brian Adair <adairb@gatwick.geco-prakla.slb.com> and MacCentral WWW site

<http://www.maccentral.com> bring NewtNews readers news of a new Newton

to digital camera transmission solution.  The test environment appears to

be an expedition in Tibet by Sir Chris Bonington, and will include an

AFGA digital camera <http://www.afgahome.com/ephoto> and a MP130 using a

network connection and custom Newton software developed/engineered by

Logica.  For more info: <http://www.bonington.com/sepuweb/sepuhow.html>.



** INTERNET CONFERENCING ON A MP2K?!? **



Michael Walsh <walsh@cs.odu.edu> reports that you can learn more info

about an innovative VisualPhone being developed by a Russian company via:

<http://paragon.mda.de/video.htm>.  This MP2K system is being developed

specifically to help deaf people communicate better between each other

when separated by long distance.





$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

  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 <Info@ConceptKitchen.com> <http://www.ConceptKitchen.com>

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$



$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

  NewtCase 3.0 - The Ultimate Newton Utility Suite. A powerful suite of

  utilities designed for Newton 2.0.  Customize your Newton and get more

  power and control over packages.  Includes: Package Manager, Extensions

  Manager, NewtInfo, SleepAid, GestureLaunch, Desktop, and SoupKitchen.

  From PelicanWare at $49.95+S&H (Upgrades $20+S&H). For more info:

  <info@pelicanware.com>. To order 800.655.6398 or visit resellers.

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Comments from the Editor

------------------------



** GOOD REVIEW OF CURRENT APPLE PRESS **



Edupage did a great job of highlighting the latest and greatest important

Apple and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison news.  Check out the blurbs below if

you are interested.



The Newton System Group to be sold rumors continue to stream in -- Sun

Microsystems is still a favorite, but two new names cropped up last week

via email: Samsung and Texas Instruments.  The rumors of the sale of the

NSG is really making the rounds -- NewtNews even caught a mention on the

Xinhua English Newswire.



** NEWTON RUMORS **



Heard anything new about the eMate 1000?  This Newton is suppose to be

'ideal' for the serious business executive, and will offer a StrongArm

processor in a 'leather' enhanced eMate 300 design.



Apple has apparently decided to not move forward with releasing anytime

in the near future the 'heavily demoed' Text-To-Speech solution created

by Newton Developer Technical Support folks.   Other things like Java,

Ethernet and AppleTalk savvy Newton Internet Enabler (NIE), and future

IMAP/LDAP email support are much more important at the moment.



** SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT EXTERNAL KEYBOARD **



This past week or so I have been hooking my Newton to the keyboard next

to my workstations at home and work.  It makes for a big difference. Much

bigger than I thought.  The main thing I've noticed is that I use my

Newton even more with the keyboard plugged in and ready to go.  Adding a

To Do item, a Calendar Entry, etc. ... is much easier with a keyboard

when you are in this 'desktop computing' environment then I had ever

thought.  Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade the Newton's HWR for the

world, but in some instances it isn't always the best way to get data

into your Newton.



I suggest others do a 'paradigm shift' on occasion.  If you have a

'paradigm shift' that you have found to be interesting with your Newton

let me know!



BTW ... have I mention how fast the MP2K is?





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  Need more Newton information?!?  NewtNews suggests you check out:

    + Newton Reference: <http://www.panix.com/~clay/newton/>

    + Always Newton Central: <http://www.theonly.com/newton.html>

    + NewtUser: <http://www.newtuser.com>

    + NewtWorld: <http://www.fw3.com/newtworld>

    + The Ultimate Newton: <http://shell.rmi.net/~rbruce/>

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$



$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

  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: <TeleTypeGPS@teletype.com>

  or WWW to: <http://www.teletype.com/gps/> for more information.

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Information from Email

----------------------



** AIRPORTS FOR NEWTON **



Iverson Software has released a collection of 5,000 codes used to

identify airports in a Newton Book package.  This shareware $10 package

can be downloaded via Iverson Software's great collection of electronic

books at: <http://prairie.lakes.com/~j5rson/business/ebooks.html>.



** ANNOUNCING POCKET DIABETICARE 1.10 BETA 8 **



Darin Capp <OrcaWare@kagi.com> reports that OrcaWare has released version

1.10 Beta 8 of their Pocket DiabetiCare package for the Newton.  This new

version includes glucose meter connectivity to meters like the Lifescan

One Touch II and Profile meters.  The software costs US$20 and can be

downloaded via: <http://www.halcyon.com/dcapp/OrcaWare/>.



** HYPING NEWTON INTELLIGENCE **



Raven Zachary <raven@rinzai.com> reports that he is expanding the number

of folks who can participate in the Newton Intelligence Hotline server

system by enabling mirroring via an IRC Channel (#newton at IRC server

irc.webmaster.com 6667) and via a very easy to add Java applet to a

standard WWW browser.  To learn more about the Java solution check out:

<http://www.rinzai.com/ni/chat.html>.  To learn more about Newton

Intelligence check out: <http://www.rinzai.com/ni/>.



** CREATIVE DIGITAL'S REFERENCE AND CONFERENCE NEWS **



Creative Digital Publishing has some late breaking news:



    - On 25Apr97 they will ship their latest Handheld

      Computer Almanac -- "definitive guide to products

      and services for the handheld computer industry,

      from organizers to ruggedized terminals."  You can

      download an order form (US$24.95 + S&H) via:

      <http://www.cdpubs.com>.

    - Their upcoming Handheld Systems Conference

      agenda has gone final and you can find all the

      sessions, speeches, and speaker bios posted via:

      <http://www.cdpubs.com>.

    - There will be a Windows CE pavilion at the

      conference, and their will be 'free' exhibits open

      from 1-5 p.m. on 25-26Apr97.



For more information call: 415.621.4252.



** MORE INFO ON PREVIOUS NEWTON COUPON FOR MP2K **



On 19Apr97, MacInTouch <http://www.macintouch.com> reported the following

in regards to the previous Newton owners deal on purchasing a MP2K:



    The deal requires a coupon, however, and not all

    MessagePad owners have received the coupon.  If

    you have registered an earlier MessagePad, and you

    have not received the coupon, you can email:

    <mp2000promo@newton.apple.com> with the serial

    number of your early MessagePad to get it.  The

    offer is:



    "Purchase a MessagePad 2000 and receive EITHER a

    free keyboard OR an $80 mail-in rebate on the

    Megahertz XJA3288 modem.  Once you get the coupon,

    send it in along with a copy of the MP2000 receipt

    (and if you want the rebate also include a copy of

    the XJA3288 sales receipt and the UPC code cut

    from the XJA3288 carton)."



** EUDORA PRO FOR THE NEWTON INFO **



If you'd like to try out a demo of Eudora Pro for the Newton use this

URL: <ftp://ftp.qualcomm.com/quest/newton/>.  Technical support issues

should be sent to: <eudora-support@qualcomm.com>.  You can purchase the

software on the WWW via: <http://www.eudora.com/newton.html>.  The list

price is US$49.95, and the software supports the MP2000 and the MP130

running Newton 2.x with NIE 1.1 recommended.



** MORE MP2K CASE SUGGESTIONS **



Greg Spencer <73007.141@compuserve.com> thinks that the 'compact camera'

bag called "Eagle Creek Padded Travel Pouch" (PTP-B4610K) is a great MP2K

case that can hold a great deal of other stuff.  It also has detachable

strap/waist belt with a quick release buckle.  He paid CANADIAN$37 + tax.



Lance Allgower <allgower@xroads.com> suggests the under US$20 Cambridge

Personal Day Planner.



Eugene Gerstein <eugene@netmedia.net.il> suggests the US$20 Case Logic

PDC-1 found at CompUSA.



Dan Nakamoto <nakamoto@cris.com> likes the Passport At-A-Glance Organizer

that retails for under US$20, and you should be able to find a dealer via:

800.849.7929. Dennis Miller <denmilr@concentric.net> also likes this

case.



John Ormsby <jdorsmby@ro.com> found a "Five-Star" organizer sold by Mead

at Office Depot for US$15 what will work with a MP2K.



You can also get more info via the following site that has a host of

cases highlighted: <http://www.student.uni-kl.de/~oehl/newtoncases.html>.



** NEWTON'S USED FOR DATA COLLECTION **



John Meyer <j.m.meyer@larc.nasa.gov> reports that Sony booth workers were

using Newton MessagePad 130s equiped with a magnetic card readers at the

recent National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention held in Las

Vegas, Nevada. The units were used to scan attendees cards to add them to

Sony's customer mailing list.



** YAZI 1.01 RELEASED **



Scrawl Software <http://www.scrawlsoft.com> has announced the

availability of YAZI 1.01 (updated for Newton 2.1 keyboard and other

enhancements) -- a "text adventure engine" which takes "datafiles" as

input and allows you to play them on the Newton.  Some of the games you

can download include: Ballyhoo, Cutthroat, Deadline, Enchanter,

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Leather Goddess of Phoebes, Lurking

Horror, MiniZork I, Moonmist, Planetfall , Seastalker, Sorcerer,

Spellbreaker, Starcross, Wishbringer, Zork I, II and III.  For more info

send email to: <help@scrawlsoft.com>.



** VISUALNEWT NEWS **



Serg Koren <archimag@netaxs.com> reports that he has made a decision to

move VisualNewt forward as a Newton 2.0 package that will only run under

Newton 2.x operating systems.  Registered users of VisualNewt who are

using Newton 1.x can get a refund.  Send email to the address above for

more information.



Serg also recently announced that Steve Weyer as agreed to license to him

Newt Development Environment's (NDE) plug-ins, so VisualNewt users will

not have to own NDE to get VisualNewt to work.  So there will now be two

new products VisualNewt Lite (US$40 no plug-ins), and VisualNewt (US$55

full NDE plug-ins).



You can learn more about VisualNewt and many of Serg's other Newton

products (Newt'sPaper, Newt'sWeather, etc. ...) via the following URL:

<http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/VisualNewt.html>.  You

can learn more about Steve Weyer's NDE check out the following WWW site:

<http://www.netaxs.com/~weyer/newton/newtdev.htm>.



** WRITESTUFF V1.1 UPDATE AVAILABLE **



Clinton Logan <clinton@landware.com> at Landware has updated their

writeStuff -- eight add-on tools for NewtWorks -- to version 1.1.  This

update is free for registered users.  The tools include: AutoText,

Stylesheets, ScribeWorks, proPoint, Wordcount, Tabulator, and CharPicker.

For more information check out: <http://www.landware.com>.





$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$ 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.

$           $ <info@nsbasic.com>,  <http://www.nsbasic.com>,  416.264.5999

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$



$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

  PDA and Handheld Direct - MP2000 Coming March 21st

   - Apple MessagePad 2000 Standard Model only $949.00 Product (#22005)

   - Apple MessagePad 2000 Business Bundle only $1099.00 Product #22008

   - Apple Message Pad 130 w/ Newton 2.0 OS $655.00

   - Type II PCMCIA Flash Memory for all Apple MPs - Mfg Lifetime Guarantee

     4MB $128 (41070) 8MB $224 (41073) 10MB $274 (41074) 16MB $424 (41077)

   - Revelar Connection Utilities for Win $49.95 #10070 Mac $49.95 #10071

   - Newton Keyboard only $69.00

  To receive special pricing please mention source code #158

  To order call 800-279-4732 or 219-882-5228 or fax 219-845-0578

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Information from the Internet

-----------------------------



** ALARMCLOCK 2.3 -- WAKING YOU UP, EVERYDAY **



Foundation Systems <http://www.tow.com/> has released a bug fixed version

of AlarmClock -- version 2.3 --  that resolved a problem with ICS' Button

Bar enhancer, and BarKeep.  AlarmClock is an 'easy-to-use' alarm clock

for the Newton that is loud, has big buttons, auto wakeup, auto shutoff,

adjustable snooze, and recurring alarm features.



** ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF ART GALLERY FROM K2 **



Sandeep Shah <k2@skyscape.com> reports the release of a CD-ROM called ART

Gallery that showcases K2's Advanced Reference Technology based products

for the Newton.  To learn more check out the following Web page at:

<http://www.skyscape.com/k2> or call: 617.497.1243.



** BULLS USE NEWT TO WIN BIG! **



Marton Carungay <martonx@macconnect.com> reports that you can learn more

about how the Chicago Bulls organization uses Newtons to "improve their

on-the-court teamwork" via the following ZiffNet WWW site at:

<http://www5.zdnet.com/zdnn/content/zdnn/0417/zdnn0007.html>.



** EARTH DAY PACKAGE **



Yischon <yischon@netcom.com> has released a Earth Day (22Apr97) specific

package that displays a rotating globe in grayscale.  For more

information check out: <http://www.deepfocus.com/>.  There is also a

Black&White version that works on non-grayscale Newtons.



** SOME EMATE NEWS **



MacHome Journal recently published a review of the eMate 300 in an

article entitled "eMate 300: So Close, Yet So Far".  The article is

overall pretty good, but has some inaccuracies.  For more information

check out: <http://www.machome.com:80/Reviews/emate.html>.



Also according to this Web page on Apple's Educational Resources page:

<http://204.96.17.75/education/education/ematepromo.html> anyone can

purchase an Newton eMate 300 directly from Apple using a credit card that

is drawn on a U.S. bank.



** MEDIA ORGANIZING TOOL RELEASED! **



Hardy Macia <hardy@catamount.com> has officially released MORGAN - the

complete Media ORGANizing tool for the Newton platform. MORGAN catalogues

books, CDs, comic books, tapes, records, laserdiscs, magazines, and can

be extended by the user track any collection... baseball cards, trains,

cars, Barbie dolls. There are two version so suite your needs and budget:

MORGAN (US$20) [good number of features] and MORGAN Pro (US$60) [tons of

features]. For more info: <http://www.catamount.com/MORGAN.html>.



** ONLINE SURVEY **



Robert Adams <robert@qmark.co.uk> reports that there is an online survey

to track MP2000 demand via: <http://www.qmark.com/tryitout.html>.



** NEWTON PROGRAMMER WANTED **



Dave Elliott <delliottpx@aol.com> reported the following recently on the

USENET newsgroup comp.sys.newton.programmer:



    I am looking for an experienced developer for work

    on what appears to be an untapped market for

    handhelds.  Target audience is 100,000 in the US

    with an expected increase in app usage (assuming

    no piracy) of about 15,000 per year.  Since they

    don't already have their own Newtons, they would

    probably have to buy one along with some other

    apps (bundling?). Simple stuff for a programmer

    but must be able to synchronize with data on a PC

    running Win95.  Thought I'd throw it out here

    before going to one of the local companies with

    experience. Please reply, if interested, and

    advise what experience you have.



** NEW JAPANESE NEWTON SHAREWARE **



Marton Carungay <marton@macconnect.com> reports some new Japanese created

Newton products were highlighted on Newton Reference recently --

NewtWars, VideoGameFont, and a clock utility for Newton.  Most of the

pages are in Japanese, so compatibility with Newton OS 2.1 might be in

question.  For more information check out 'Newton Reference' or

<http://www.inagaki.nuie.nagoya-u.ac.jp/newton/nagoya-u/newtwars/>.



** SOFTWARE DIGEST WAS UPDATED **



Ian Robinson <ian@stormont.compulink.co.uk> reports that the Newton

Software Digest was updated on 15Apr97 with details about the following

packages: Barkeep Demo; EZ Access 2.0; Funny; HWRWorks 1.1; London Demo;

Master of Ballantree; MoreInfo 4.04 Demo; Powernames 2.14 Demo; Promedex

1.12; Rate A Course; Super NotePad 1.62; and WW 1.0.  You can get more

info at: <http://www.compulink.co.uk/~stormont/newton/weekly.htm>.



** NEW ENROUTE FEATURES **



Celso Maiolo <celso@netcom.ca> reports that his company Netstrategy, the

developers of Enroute i-net the email client bundled with the MP2K, is

busy collecting a list of features being requested by a number of new

i-net/MP2K users.  If you'd like to get in on the 'feature listing fun'

send your suggestion to: <support@netstrat.com>.



** CHEAPER MP2K **



It seems that MicroCenter <http://www.microcenter.com> has gone back to

offering a version of the MessagePad 2000 for US$839.  Their stores are

located in various places around the United States.  You might be able to

get mail order infomration or a list of store locations via:

<http://www.mei-microcenter.com/index.htm>.



** UNIXNPI - NEWTON PACKAGE INSTALLER FOR UNIX **



Richard Li <clli@ee.cityu.edu.hk> reports the Linux savvy beta of UnixNIP

that will install packages from a Linux platform to a Newton.  For more

information check out: <http://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~clli/unixnpi.html>.



** COLLECTION OF UPDATED NEWTON LINKS **



Thomas Rhee <cafepda@earthlink.net> reports that Cafe PDA has moved to

its new WWW site at: <http://www.cafepda.com>.



Robert Bruce <rbruce@tactile.com> reports the complete update to his very

useful Ultimate Newton page: <http://rainbow.rmi.net/~rbruce/tactile/>,

and also has a pointer to their recent acquisition -- Solito DX 2.1.

This new version is now available for public beta testing via the

following URL: <http://rainbow.rmi.net/~rbruce/tactile/solito.html>.



Michael Neely <webmaster@newtoninfo.com> has posted his NewtWire Issue 3C

via: <http://www.newtoninfo.com/newtwire>.  This issue has comments from

Michael, a 'Review of The Executive', a 'First Impression of the MP2K,

and 'Titbits from the Net.'



Mike Bothe <mbothe@netuser.com> reports that Sine of the Times is now

distributed a 'free' fix for Eclipse calculator owners that fixes a bug

with the new MP2K units.  For more info: <http://www.sineware.com>.



The folks at Newton Developer Technical Support (DTS) have updated their

"Landline, Wireless, GSM, and Cellular Modems" page on 10Apr97.  You can

check it out at: <http://devworld.apple.com/dev/newton/commsoln/modsetup.html>.



** NEWTON ON MACWAY **



The following Newton related items where mentioned on Apple Fellow Guy

Kawasaki's MacWay listserver over the course of last week:



    - Jennifer Mueller <jmueller@uic.edu> is doing a

      research paper on the Newton and is looking for

      hard sale data on the MP100, MP110, etc. ...

    - Dave Bergevin <bergevin@newton.apple.com>

      reports that the MP2K was declared "The Best

      Handheld Computer" in the Hardware Category in

      Computer Currents' Third Annual Reader's Choice

      Awards

    - Edward Martin <Edmartin@marsoftware.com>

      announced the release of Bills to Pay Pro 3.5.6 is

      MP2K savvy.  For more info check out:

      <http://www.marsoftware.com>.

    - Lou Krieg <lou@gmsw.com> reports that Green

      Mountain Software Corporation is looking for a

      Newton software engineer for a new position at

      their company writing vertical market Newton

      solutions.



For more info check out: <http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com>.



** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A BROWSE **



    - Cool Scissors [Fun]: <http://www.fiskars.com>

    - CB Books Express [Nerd Technical Books]: <http://www.cbooks.com>

    - vCard [PIM Standard]: <http://www.imc.org/pdi/>

    - pURL [Newton Bookmark Manager]:

      <http://members.aol.com/DigObj/pURL.html>

    - EasyData [Newton Database]: <http://www.isis-intl.com/>

    - MP2000 inside pictures:

      <http://members.aol.com/rojasgo/bilder.html>

    - Dot Matrix [Thin Clients]: <http://www.dot-matrix.co.uk>

    - PointCast [Mac OS Client available]:

      <http://www.pointcast.com>





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   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:

   <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/heringermr/winslurp.htm>.

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   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: <http://www.powermedia.com/~pmi>.

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Top Print Sources Of Interest

-----------------------------



[EDITOR: This is a collection of articles of potential interest to

NewtNews readers from the leading technology print newspapers,

newsletters, and magazines.]



** THE WORLDS SUCKIEST NEWTON REVIEW **



Benjamin Smith <benjs@ix.netcom.com> reports that the New York Times has

posted another 'hatchet' attack on the Newton.  You can check out the

article if you are subscribed to their WWW news service via:

<http://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/compcol/041597compcol-manes.html>.

The article is written by Stephen Manes [SDH: A pseudo-name for John

Markoff?] and is in the Personal Computing section.



Mr. Manes is unimpressed with: cost (according to him you can get a

laptop for the US$1100 price of an MP2K); handwriting recognition (still

inaccurate); the screen technology (too slippery); poor documentation;

non-attached keyboard and serial connector are 'design flaws'; weighs too

much, too big to fit in a pocket; PC Cards are power hogs; power-eating

backlighting; user interface is 'different enough' from others  to be

confusing and frustrating [SDH: Just say you want a Windows CE device and

move on please.]; the MP2Ks IrDA can only communicate with other

MessagePads [SDH: Wrong!]; voice dictation is rudimentary; and

oversimplified modem setup.



Mr. Manes [SDH: Probably because his editor forced him to] apparently

tried to find some good things to say: desktop syncs with Mac and

Windows; you can read the screen on an airplane; handy stand to prop the

unit up [SDH: Called a 'lid?']; and he was surprised to find a lot of

modems supported the Newton.



Overall, the MP2K was "too quirky and too expensive" and a perspective

user would be better off with a laptop in Mr. Manes opinion.



** MAC MONTHLY MAGAZINES MENTION NEWTON **



MacWorld published on Jun97 had several Newton mentions:



    - page 30: "... the Newton and Pippin -- remain in

      the fold, at least until Apple decides what to do

      with them.]

    - MP2K ad on page 41

    - page 42: follow-up details on the above quote

      from page 30.  Notes the expected success of the

      eMate 300 and MP2K.  Apple's De Luca reports that

      the Newton division is a "lean operation."



MacUser published on Jun97 also had several Newton mentions:



    - MP2K ad on page 20

    - page 22: "Newton Group wasn't touch" in an Apple

      reorg article

    - Jeff Pittelkau has a "pretty good review" of the

      MP2K starting on page 68



You can check out the MacUser article via the following link:

<http://www.zdnet.com/macuser/mu_0697/features/newton/newton.html>.



** NEWTON CLIENT PART OF ALLPEN JAVA SERVER **



Dan Briody has an article with a Newton mention entitled "PDA Web

Browser: AllPen Software brings the Web to handheld devices" on page 32

of InfoWorld published on 14Apr97.  This new system uses AllPen's

NetHopper Web browser on PDAs (Windows CE, Newton, & PalmPilot) to

communicate with a NetHopper Server that will build 'Web content' ideal

for a PDA's specific features and compatiblities.  Some other features

include: data compression, and simultaneous queries from multiple

clients.  For more information: <http://www.allpen.com>.



** SHORT BLURBS OF INTEREST **



Joe Paone has a detailed article entitled "Mobile Data Stalled: email,

Internet, and LAN access features make service more attractive, but most

companies still need convincing" on page 47 of LAN Times published on

14Apr97.  The article points out most wireless success stories are in

areas like: field service, couriers, transportation, utility companies,

and police departments.  The article does touch on: ARDIS vs. RAM vs.

CDPD; NarrowBand IP (from Intel and Nokia); Windows CE; Handheld Device

Markup Language (HDML); Metricom's Ricochet; and Personal Communications

Services (PCS).



** NEWTON IN MAINSTREAM PRESS **



Julian Kim <julian.kim@lw.com> was surprised to see a full page ad in the

Washington Post last week that included an open letter to Apple customers

from Apple CEO Gil Amelio.  The article mentions all their great desktop

systems, laptops, and the eMate 300, but doesn't mention the MP2K.



Apple's 'pondering' of selling the Newton System Group to Sun

Microsystems was a 'Hot Story' on the CNNfn page: <http://cnnfn.com/> on

10Apr97. [EDITOR: USA Today was quoted on this story.]



David Einstein had a Newton mention in a Business Section article

entitled "Apple Rolls Out Ad Blitz: Campaign comes week before earnings

report" in the San Francisco Chronicle published on 11Apr97.  The cost of

this ad blitz, is according to industry sources, in the US$5-10 million

range. Some analysts like the idea, others didn't -- some didnt' like the

ads at all.  The Newton mention was in a blurb about Sun and Apple

apparently in talks to buy/sell the Newton Systems Group.



PC World has a major handheld and palmtop review in their May96 issue

under the banner "Put a PC in Your Pocket".  The authors in this 'tag

team' review were Harry McCracken and Michael Lasky.  The article is

pretty much Windows CE slanted, with a good deal of 'anti-laptop'

comments though.  Some criteria judged: screens, data input, power,

speed, software, and synchronization.  "Best Buys" -- Psion Series 3c and

U.S. Robotics PalmPilot.  The MP130 is the Newton reviewed in this

article and it gets panned, and roasted for 'good' humor.  Other devices

reviewed with PROS/CONS include: HP Omnigo 100, Sharp Zaurus ZR-3500X,

Casio Cassiopeia, Compaq PC Companion, and NEC MobilePro 400.  [EDITOR:

There is also a side article with this main article called "Windows CE:

Windows 95 Gets Small."]



Computergram International published in the UK has a Newton mention in an

article entitled "Unisource Branches Into Electronic Cash, With Internet

Trading System" published on 18Apr97.  This article reviews the recent

electronic cash news being circulated by AT&T, Unisource NV, and many of

the 3rd party developers supporting this effort.  The Newton mention

comes in the form of 'credit' to the MessagePad 2000 for being a key part

of the wireless Mondex cash card demo mentioned in past issues of

NewtNews.  The article also mentions a simular system working on a Nokia

9000 handheld.



** OTHER ARTICLES OF POTENTIAL INTEREST **



    - "Gates floats idea of Windows terminal" by

       Christine Burns, Network World, 14Apr97, page 8.

    - "Cigars and cyberspace: Musing on the terrace at

       1 a.m." by Mark Gibbs, Network World, 14Apr97,

       page 70.

    - "NCs: Just Thin Wintel Clients?" by R. Scott

       Raynovich, LAN Times, 14Apr97, page 14.

    - "Wireless LAN Spec on the Way" by Mark Moore, PC

       Week, 14Apr97, page 91.  More info:

       <http://www.aironet.com>

    - "Fast Wireless Internet: Service to offer

       variable bandwidth" by Tom Davey, Information Week,

       14Apr97, page 72



** MAJOR WEEKLY MAGAZINE WEB POINTERS **



    - Web Week: <http://www.webweek.com>

    - MacWeek: <http://www.macweek.com>

    - InfoWorld: <http://www.infoworld.com>

    - Computer Reseller News: <http://www.crn.com>

    - PC Week: <http://www.pcweek.com>

    - Network World: <http://www.nwfusion.com>

    - LAN Times: <http://www.lantimes.com>





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NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton

---------------------------------------------------



** THE INSTANT GUIDE TO BECOMING A NEWT GURU **



By Roger Coleman <Roger_Coleman@compuserve.com>



It's great to get all of the +ve comments and tips since this column

started - many thanks, and keep them coming!  Lots of people have also

sent me details of the most invaluable utilities that they have

discovered - I shall start to include details of these in future episodes

of 'Tips and Tricks'.  If you have a tip for this column, email it to me

<Roger_Coleman@compuserve.com> with "NewtNews-Tip" in the subject field.

I am sure to run out of tips before long, so please pass on those nuggets

of knowledge to keep me going! Thanks!



** NEWT-TIP#5: OPEN APPS WITH KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS **



Thanks to Bryson Jack <BrysonJ@ix.netcom.com> who emailed me with this

week's excellent tip:



Stemming from my wish to be able to open applications with keyboard

shortcuts I thought of a way to open the built in applications such as

the, Names, Dates, and Notepad (if using a backdrop application).  All of

the built in applications can be accessed via the built in find utility

(which of course can be brought up by pressing Command(Apple) F) after

setting up a variation of the following procedure in each area.



To set up the Notepad to open with the keyboard do the following:



    1. Open up an untitled note and select the title

       (Command E)



    2. Write "keyword:" if desired and then enter a

       symbol that is easy to associate the application

       with.  You can select a special symbol or

       character by using shift & option at the same time

       but option by itself is much quicker.  For

       example, I typed in the character that is created

       by holding the option key and tapping the letter N

       twice.  As long as you choose a character that you

       have written no where else, this trick will work.



    3. Close the title and file the Keyword Note away

       where it wont bug you.



    4. Try it out.   Exit the Notepad, hit command F

       then hold option and tap the letter "N" for

       notepad twice then enter.  Presto! From there you

       can use the command  O for overview, command

       arrows to scroll up and down and the various other

       shortcuts to access folders.  This trick is

       equally effective as a name card or a continuously

       forwarding to do item (which will always take you

       to the current day).





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Other Related Technology

------------------------



[EDITOR: News collected via snail mail, major publications, USENET

newsgroups, email, and the WWW.  For more information about Farcast check

out: <http://www.farcast.com> and for more information about iNews use:

<http://www.individual.com>.]



** WIRELESS & MOBILE **



Motorola has won a US$200 million contract to supply CDMA based cellular

equipment and Services from China's Eastern Communications (Eastcom), and

Zhejiang Technical Import & Export Corp. [iNews & Farcast]



It appears that PageNet <http://www.pagenet.com> and Motorola

<http://www.mot.com/pagers> have plans to "aggressively co-develop and

co-market" the up-and-coming voice pager market. [iNews & Farcast]



Motorola has a new 'industrial applications' controller card available

that is powered by a PowerPC processor called the 'MPC821'.  The system

is ideal for embedded computing board solutions. [iNews & Farcast]



Andrew Seybold and Alan Reiter are planning to hold a Wireless Data

Operating System Conference on 24Jun97 at the Marriott Great America

Hotel in Santa Clara, California.  You can learn more by checking out:

<http://www.outlook.com> and <http://www.wirelessinternet.com>. [iNews &

Farcast]



** PALMPILOT **



Robert X. Cringley has a PalmPilot mention on page 107 in his "Notes from

the Field" column in the 14Apr97 edition of InfoWorld.  The directions

that ship with a 1-MB upgrade card are 'backwards' and you can find much

clearer directions via: <http://www.grc.com/PilotError/>.



Here is a collection of new PalmPilot links that should be of interest:



    - PalmPilot 2Meg Add-On:

      <http://www.xmission.com:80/~git/PilotMemory/DropShip.htm>

    - AsciiChart v.1.0: <http://astro.uchicago.edu/home/web/valdes/pilot/>

    - MakiGame: <http://www.inferior.com>

    - Pikoban 1.1 & GuessMe 1.5:

      <http://home.pacific.net.sg/~kokmun/pilotpgm.htm>

    - JShopper 1.0: <http://www.shoppersmart.com/jlehett/pilprogs.html>

    - Adam's Pilot Software Archive: <http://Home.InfoRamp.Net/~adam/pilot/>

    - Stingersoft: <http://pilot.cc-inc.com/>

    - Online VT100: <http://www.pobox.com/~hausofmaus>

    - Palmeta Mail v1.6: <http://www.palmeta.com>



** WINDOWS CE **



Short blurb with a picture of HP 320LX Palmtop PC that is Windows CE

savvy on page 10 of InfoWorld published on 14Apr97.  For more information

check out: <http://www.hp.com>.  [EDITOR: Some stores apparently have the

320LX in stock.]



Robert X. Cringley has two Windows mention on page 107 in his "Notes from

the Field" column in the 14Apr97 edition of InfoWorld.  The first is that

Compaq's Compaq Work store (for refurbished and discontinued products) in

Houston has been really pushing their Windows CE HPC in "local rag and

radio" ads.  The second, is a rumor that even with Compaq having a hard

time keeping their Windows CE devices sold, it appears that NEC and

Toshiba have 'new' Windows CE systems in the works.



Windows CE mention in an article by Stuart Johnston entitled "Microsoft

Readies True Thin Client: Tasked-based terminals will run three Windows

platforms" on page 18 of Information Week published on 14Apr97.



Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs have reportedly blessed PNY

Technologies' entire line of VersaCard CompactFlash memory devices as

Windows CE compatible. [iNews]



Advanced Recognition Technologies has a new version of smARTwriter -- a

handwriting recognition engine for Windows CE that now supports European

character sets, and requires less memory to operate then before.  For

more info: <http://www.artcomp.com>. [Farcast]



Here is a collection of new Windows CE links that should be of interest:



    - Casio A-11: <http://www.mindspring.com/~theman2/hpc/>

    - Windows CE Software Page:

      <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/3385/>

    - Kiwigreen: <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kiwigreen>

    - Microsoft's Windows CE Developer Home:

      <http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/developer/default.htm>



** PSION **



Here is a collection of new Psion links that should be of interest:



    - Alba Computing: <http://www.alba.co.uk/products/psion.htm>

    - DPBank v1.6: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/>

    - Hit this!: <http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~smith1/psion.html>

    - Japanese on Psion: <http://www.gingko.demon.co.uk/>

    - MINEFINDER: <http://members.aol.com/stark3333/psion.htm>

    - PCX2PIC: <http://www.inkland.demon.co.uk>

    - Outlook 97 to Psion Converter: <http://www.kerswell.demon.co.uk>

    - KJV & NIV Bible Reader: <http://www.on-track.demon.co.uk/kjv_p3.htm>

    - VacTrac 1.4.1: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/3591/>



** OTHER HANDHELD **



There is a quick blurb and a picture of the new Sharp SE-500 on page 3 of

PC Week published on 14Apr97.  The unit will be out at the Jun97 PC Expo

being held in New York City.  The unit is: PalmPilot size, will include

TCP/IP networking (Web access & email messaging), desktop PC sync, and a

built-in wired modem.



Fujitsu has two new ruggedized ultra-lightweight pen-based handheld

computers available called the TeamPad 7200 and the TeamPad 7600. It was

also announced that RDC Networks will be providing wireless LAN

engineering services for the TeamPad product line. [iNews]



Here is a collection of new/updated Other Handheld links that should be

of interest:



    - Toshiba T100X: <http://www.wavefront.com/~mbuenafe/t100x>

    - Tamagotchi description:

      <http://www.urban.or.jp/home/jun/tama/index.html>

    - Vote for your favorite PDA: <http://www.booties.com/voting.html>



** APPLE & MACINTOSH **



Apple Japan will begin shipping in May97 a Power Macintosh 9600/233 -- a

233-MHz PowerPC 604e workstation. [iNews]



Motorola plans to begin shipping a 300-MHz PowerPC 603 StarMax system

running Mac OS System 7.6 by the end of May97.  These systems will also

ship with an Iomega Zip drive as a standard feature.  Motorola also

announced that they will begin bundling Thursby Software's PC

Connectivity solution called 'Dave' on select StarMax systems. [iNews]



Lari Software has announced a new version of LightningDraw that will take

advantage of Apple's recently announced QuickTime 3.0.  The version will

be called LightningDraw/WEB, and will make it easy to create and download

QuickTime graphics, backgrounds, headers, and banners.  For more

information check out: <http://www.larisoftware.com>.



GoLive <http://www.golive.com> is now shipping CyberStudio for Mac OS --

this package is a complete HTML design, layout, and site management

utility.



Terran Interactive <http://www.terran-int.com> is offering users of their

'free' Movie Cleaner Lite for Mac OS an upgrade deal to their Movie

Cleaner Pro 1.3 for only US$129 (saving US$60 off the current list price,

and letting you lock in a US$99 upgrade price to version 2.0 that will

come out in Jun97).



Power Computing Corp. <http://www.powercc.com> has two new PowerCenter

Pro systems (one running a PowerPC 604e at 180-MHz & the other at

210-MHz), and reports that MacWorld Jun97 has awarded the PowerTower Pro

line an Editor's Choice award.  Pricing for the new systems start at

US$2095.



Eric Lease Morgan <eric_morgan@ncsu.edu> reports the release of version

4.0 of their Email.cgi -- a free AppleScript-based HTTP/SMTP gateway --

posted via: <http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/staff/morgan/email-cgi.html>.



Peter Hardman <phardman@ssci.liv.ac.uk> reports the release of

WWWStat4Mac v1.5 -- a WebStar and HTTP log format analysis package for

the Macintosh.  You can get more detailed information via the following

URL: <http://sodium.ch.man.ac.uk/pages/wwwstat4mac.html>.



Chris Patterson <chrisp@digitalprairie.com> has announced the release of

SmartMap -- a new WebSTAR plug-in for the Mac OS that makes imagemap

processing a 'breeze' and offers features found on no other platform. For

more info: <http://www.digitalprairie.com/>.



** INTERNET **



DataChannel <http://www.datachannel.com> has announced that they will

incorporate Netscape's Communicator browser technology into their

ChannelManager product used by IS admins to manage Web content on their

corporate LANs.



The Object Management Group (OMG) has announced plans to develop a

middleware interworking solution to insure that the DCE and CORBA

technologies work well together in the future. [iNews]



Silicon Graphics did US$909 million in sales in their current fiscal Q3,

this is up 34% from US$677 million during last years fiscal quarter.

[iNews]





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Edupage, 14Apr97 thru 20Apr97

-----------------------------



** ELLISON SAYS APPLE BID HAS "VERY HIGH POSSIBILITY" OF SUCCESS **



Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison says he thinks his bid to take over Apple

Computer could very well succeed, and if so, there's a good chance he'll

end up being chairman.  "Within several weeks the final decision will be

made and I think there is a very high possibility that the acquisition

will succeed," he told Japan's leading business daily newspaper this

morning. "It is important to understand that it is not Oracle but me that

will make the acquisition...  We will ask the current management to

leave.  I will remain CEO of Oracle but there is a possibility I will

become chairman of Apple."  Ellison plans to keep the Apple name but

"smoothly transfer" Apple into a network computer maker:  "If the

acquisition succeeds we can position Apple as our production base for the

NC."  (InfoWorld Electric 15 Apr 97)



** APPLE POSTS LOSS, AMELIO SAYS WORST IS OVER **



Apple chief executive Gil Amelio says the $708 million loss posted by the

company for the quarter just ending is an indication that the worst is

over and that Apple will regain profitability within six months, as it

receives the benefit of exciting new products and a saving from recent

reorganizations.  Commenting on the possibility of a hostile takeover by

Oracle's Larry Ellison, who has said he would turn the company into a

manufacturer of network computers, Amelio said:  `We have a different

idea -- we want to make products that people want to buy. At this point

in time, there isn't a market for NCs of any substance, and there is a

market for the product we're making today.''  Mr. Amelio placed the blame

on Apple's current predicament on negative press coverage:   "There is

something holding back the consumers.  That's the press, how we're

covered, the negative emphasis."  (San Jose Mercury News 17 Apr 97)



** APPLE AND ELLISON HEADED FOR A SHOWDOWN **



Apple Computer has begun taking defensive measures against any possible

hostile takeover bids by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who is considering

turning the ailing computer maker into an NC factory.  Apple has retained

investment bankers Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Wall Street PR firm Abernathy

McGregor Group, just in case Ellison decides to make his move.

Meanwhile, Ellison has called on Apple's major institutional

shareholders, trying to enlist their support for his takeover, and

reportedly even offering a modest premium for each Apple share.

Ellison's actions have put considerable pressure on Steve Jobs, a friend

of Ellison's, who says, "He's my best buddy, but there are some things

you don't know about your best buddy.  I have made it clear to Gil

(Amelio) that Gil doesn't have to be afraid that I'm trying to help

someone else take over the company."  (Wall Street Journal 18 Apr 97)



** NEW IBM ARRANGEMENT OFFERS NEW PCs EVERY 2 YEARS **



A new IBM leasing program called IBM SystemCare allows companies to lease

PCs for a flat monthly fee and trade in their old models for new every

two years.  In addition to PCs, the SystemCare program will offer PC

servers and network computers.  The company plans to refurbish the

machines that are returned and resell them to customers who don't require

the latest technology.  (Wall Street Journal 14 Apr 97)



** HOME PCs ARE BIG ON CONSUMERS' WISH LIST **



In a Wall Street Journal analysis of consumer spending trends since 1989,

home computers now represent a much large portion of the total spending

picture -- 1.3% of total consumer spending, or about 12 times the

percentage spent seven years ago.  And while seven years ago, consumers

were obsessed with acquiring the biggest RAM on the block, now they're

more concerned with using their PCs as information-gathering tools.  "The

person who's made it nowadays is the one with the most knowledge," says a

researcher at Yankelovich Partners.  The increase in home PC spending

represents the largest jump in any consumer spending category.  (Wall

Street Journal 14 Apr 97)



** AIRTOUCH EXPANSION **



If it can survive an effort in Washington to eliminate a tax break it had

expected to receive, AirTouch Communications in San Francisco will buy

the domestic mobile-phone business of U S West Communications for $2.3

billion, making the combined company the nation's 2nd-largest wireless

phone company, smaller only than AT&T.  (USA Today 18 Apr 97)



** FARMER ON COMPUTER SECURITY **



Internet security guru Dan Farmer, who attained notoriety for inventing

SATAN software that specializes probing (hacking) computer systems for

security holes, has a fatalistic outlook on human nature when it comes to

secure systems:  "By and large, people don't really care about security.

To some degree, even I don't care.  I take the standard precautions, but

people still break into my machine.  I mean, I don't even lock my door

when I go out at night.  If it takes an additional 5 percent of my time

to run a really secure ship, I'd just as soon go see a movie or drink

some more wine."  (Scientific American Apr 97)





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INNOVATION, 14Apr97

-------------------



** TRENDS: MESSAGE OVERLOAD ZAPS CRITICAL THINKING **



People are spending a lot more time responding to messages these days,

with the average person sending and receiving a total of 178 messages a

day, according to a recent study of 972 workers at large companies.

Besides the obvious annoyance of a constant barrage of outside demands,

the trend has a more insidious downside:  "It's more than frustration.

Critical thinking and analysis get lost in an interrupt-driven

workplace," says the director of strategic planning at the Institute for

the Future.  "You lose that level of centering and attention because you

are very reactive," adds an information security expert at Amgen Corp.

However, some professionals thrive in an interrupt-driven environment,

and use it as a competitive advantage to differentiate themselves:  "If

you can respond immediately, you're in your own league," says an

interrupt-driven executive recruiter, who prides himself on providing

near-instant feedback.  "I dial into voice mail after every meeting

because something might have happened in that last hour and a half."

Also, it's the only way to avoid message build-up. "There's nothing worse

than dialing in to find 30 new voice mails and know that each one is two

minutes long."  (Wall Street Journal 8 Apr 97)



** STRATEGIES: FORGET THE BOTTOM LINE, DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO **



Legendary retailer Sydney Marcus says department stores are in serious

trouble -- not just coming from all directions (catalogs, the Internet,

discounters, and "category killer" stores like Home Depot and Toys'R'Us),

but because they lost their sense of purpose:  "Around the '60s, the

department stores began to be run by controllers, who were looking at

every department in terms of profitability.  And they said, 'We can't

make any money on refrigerators or stoves -- let's get rid of them.'  And

they did. They did the same thing with electronics.  The one

classification of merchandise that is the most exciting new source of

invention, they got out of...  There are some things you have to carry

even if you don't make any money on them."  (Sydney Marcus, interviewed

by Claudia Dreifus for "Talking Shop," New York Times Magazine 6 Apr 97)



** INNOVATIONS: CHECK YOUR BAGS **



Electronic tags for luggage checked onto airplanes would eliminate much

of the frustration currently generated by recently implemented airport

security measures.  The tags would be affixed to each bag, and would

store the identity of the passenger and other information, such as

destination and baggage weight.  If the passenger failed to board the

plane, an airport employee could then scan the luggage compartment with a

Geiger-counter-type device that would zero in on the location of the

unaccompanied bag.  The FAA began testing the system last year.

(Scientific American Apr 97)



** MORE INFO ON INNOVATION **



Innovation is published weekly, with individual subscriptions available

at $15 a year. Topics are organized under the following headers: TRENDS,

STRATEGIES, and INNOVATIONS.  For a six-week free trial subscription to

Innovation, please send an email message to

<innovation-trial@newsscan.com> and in the subject line type the word:

'subscribe'.  You can also use the trial registration form on their Web

site at: <http://www.newsscan.com>.  For more info, send email to:

<gehl@newsscan.com> or <douglas@newsscan.com>





$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

  NEED A NEWTON PROGRAMMER? NewtNews has a list of over 48 Internet based

  Newton programmers who are interested in working on vertical or

  horizontal market solutions.  Please send email to: <newtnews@pobox.com>

  if you would like the list or would like to be added to the list.

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$





Dear Newton Developer

---------------------



** INTRODUCTION & INCENTIVE **



This area is dedicated to trying to solve NewtNews readers programming

needs, and in turn hopefully lead to the creation of a legitimate Newton

shareware solution for the developer solving the problem.  If a developer

solves such a problem, NewtNews will give them a 50% price reduction for

any advertising service they order for that product in our Products and

Services area.  If you have a utility you need written, please let

NewtNews know by sending an email to: <newtnews@pobox.com>.



** WEB TOOL **



Dimitri Pateras <dimitri.pateras@span.ch> is looking for a Newton utility

that will let him quickly and easily collect Web based information via

Web search engines using a non-browser interface. This tool would be

similar to the PC based "WebFerrit" which you can check out via:

<http://www.vironix.com>.





Other Tidbits of Information

----------------------------



** WIRED, MAY 1997 **



MessagePad 2000 ad on page 50.



Tim Barkow's Fetish makes us yearn for:



    - Wacom's PL-300 digital pen tablet with LCD screen

      <http://www.wacom.com>

    - Toshiba's PDR-2A digital camera <http://www.toshiba.com/taec/>



Denis Faye has a small blurb with a picture of the University of

Florida's Gator Communicator -- a prototype PDA for the construction

industry -- on page 72.



Kate Hafner has a great detailed article called "The Epic Safa of The

Well: The World's Most Influential Online Community (And It's Not AOL)

starting on page 98.  For more info: <http://www.wired.com/5.05/well/>.



Small intro article by Simson Garfinkel called "Like the Wynd" on page

195. The article is about Wynd Communications wireless email service that

used RAM Mobile Data Network called WyndMail.  Currently pricing starts

at US$29.95 per month with 200 free email messages, and goes up to

US$149.95 a month for unlimited usage.  WyndMail supports Macs, Windows,

Newton, HP 100/200LX, and host of other OSes.  You do need to buy a

wireless RAM Mobile savvy modem (usually under US$500) or you can rent

them from Wynd Communications for an additional US$10 a month.  For more

information: <http://www.wynd.com>.



Handheld PCs are at the top of Steve Steinberg's Hype List on page 202.

Steve writes, "Browsing the Web with a Nokia 9000 Communicator is the

'90's equivalent of inscribing the Bible onto a matchbox.  It's

technically impressive, sure, but it's the huge amount of effort exerted

for such a trivial accomplishment that makes us shake our heads."



Simon Garinkel has another 'mobile' product mention on page 202 in the

article "Get AlphaSmart" -- a quick look at the AlphaSmart Pro keyboard

with a memory.  It can store 64 pages (128K of RAM), weighs under 2

pounds, uses two AA batteries for up to 200 hours, priced at US$249, and

includes a four-line LCD screen.  For more info check out the following

WWW site: <http://www.alphasmart.com>.



First PDA? -- according to "Tangible Bits" on page 232 (at the very end

of Wired) -- 'the abacus.'



** INTELLIGENT AGENT NEWSLETTER RELEASED **



Timothy Finin <finin@cs.umbc.edu> has posted another great issue of his

newsletter "UMBC AgentNews Newsletter" -- Volume 2, Number 4, 13Apr97 --

via: <http://www.cs.umbc.edu/agentnews/2/04/>.  This issues has pointers

to: new jobs; Event Managers; Agents for Remote Action (ARA); Java based

agents called 'Concorida & 'Voyager'; Agent Development Environment

(ADE); workshops; KQML KAPI system; review of recent books and articles;

and a host of pointers to other Agent projects on the Internet.





Advertising Notes

-----------------



If you are interested in advertising in NewtNews please send email to:

<newtnews@pobox.com>.  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

-------------------------------



* Newt Development Environment: develop object-oriented applications in

NewtonScript on the Newton (shareware: $49.50; tools, examples, support).

* Newt's Cape: create Newton books with text, graphics, tables, links,

and forms from HTML (via web browsing or Notepad) (shareware: $38.50;

tools, examples, support). For details, software, and registration info:

<http://www.netaxs.com/~weyer/newton/releases.html> or <weyer@netaxs.com>



* 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.  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 Filler on your desktop for further

processing.  Now when you buy Informed Designer, you'll also get Informed

Filler for the desktop AND a BONUS Newton Filler.  For more details about

this exciting offer, contact Shana Corp. at: (800) 386-7244, email at:

<info@shana.com> or visit our Web site at: <http://www.shana.com>.



* 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, <sales@landware.com>, <http://www.landware.com>



* 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: <http://www.amtelcom.com/Mosaic>

For more information contact: <amtelmit@aol.com> 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 <DavidL62@aol.com> <http://members.aol.com/clrsch/chesspad.html>



* 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: <info@standalone.com>, or (312) 262-5150. Also check

out our Web site at: <http://www.standalone.com/newton>.



* Tim Constantine has several cutting edge Newton solutions: Flash - A

Speed Reading Tutor; CrazyDice - Multi-player Strategy Game, and Clean

Notes - Stationary w/o Lines.  For more info: <timconstan@kagi.com> or

<http://www.kagi.com/timconstan>.  Tim is also available for custom

Newton application development.  Send Tim email if you have a question

about custom application development or about his cutting edge solutions.



* NEW! 8th Volume of the Totally Incomplete PDA CD-ROM for Newton! This

CD-ROM from AMUG CD, Inc. contains over 1400 packages, and 600+ megs in

Mac and PC format. 2.x & 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 <sales@amug.org> to order! See our Newton CD

web page at <http://cdrom.amug.org/>.



* 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: <info@pelicanware.com>,

vox: 503-221-1148, fax: 503-221-8709, or <http://www.pelicanware.com>.



* 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 5000.

   - 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.

   - MORGAN is the Newton Media ORGANizer. Track CDs, tapes, records

       books, laserdiscs, videos, and more...

For more information call 802-372-9512, email <products@catamount.com>, or

visit our web site <http://www.catamount.com>.



* NEW BILLS TO PAY PRO 3.5.5 Rated 5 out of 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. Send bill info to Pocket Quicken or Pocket Money. $39.95+S&H MAR

Software at: <info@marsoftware.com> or <http://www.marsoftware.com>.



* 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 World Wide Web at: <http://www.1stopsoft.com>?  AMIGO is

available for US$24.95 and it comes with a full year of upgrades. For

more information contact ACCSYS by email at: <rkaplan@well.com>



* GPS MAP and GPS MAP LITE -- GPS based navigation with real moving maps,

showing all details as familiar from paper based maps.  Features -- map

calculator, route planning, database, history track, and mission

recorder.  Import your own maps from your Mac or PC at any scale.

Connects to most GPS receiver's offering a NMEA183 interface.  For more

info/demo: <http://www.soaring.de/gps/GPS_Map.html> or <gerds@micronet.de>.





Guest Opinions

--------------



** MP2K STUDENT REVIEW - ONE MONTH LATER **



Brandon King <bking03@emory.edu> writes ...



    Last month I posted my initial review of the MP2K and college

    life from a first time MP owner perspective.  I just thought

    I'd post a follow-up.



    In short, I am completely and entirely attached to my

    Newton.  I've phased it into three of my five classes, Chem,

    Bio Lab, and Psych.  In both Chem and Psych, I need to take

    notes for about an 1 1/4 hours at a time in a row, so this

    is a nice little test.  I have never had a restart error

    while in class.  I did get an our of memory error once

    because my outline was huge, but I reverted to the Notepad

    because it allowed drawings, which the outline didn't do too

    well.  Bio Lab was my little ruggedness test.  Hey, when

    you're taking notes while dissecting fetal pigs, worms, and

    other fun garbage of evolution, you get some pretty strange

    stuff on the screen!



    So far I only have one little problem.  Today I was writing

    a Psych paper in Works (the first time I had used Works

    seriously) and I would get a restart error once every 1/3 of

    a page or so.  I'm not sure whether this is being caused by

    BarKeep or WorksWrite.  Any ideas?  Anyway, no big deal.

    Just wait for about seven seconds while it does its thing,

    and then back to where I left off.  I love not having to

    save!



    Docking is a breeze.  No problems whatsoever.



    All in all, I've used my MP2K about 40 times more than my

    desktop.  I've put review notes for Philosophy and Bio on it

    which amaze my friends when I walk up to any printer and

    print out the review material for my study groups.  I've

    gotten such comments as "That is the coolest thing I've ever

    seen!"  Studying is now much more efficient since I can

    make a quick perusal of notes whenever and wherever I want.

    BTW -- I haven't heard anything about the problems with it

    being and Apple product.



    There's so much software out there that I've been trying

    everything for a couple days and then demoing something

    else.  I have yet to actually purchase anything because I've

    been comparing so many apps that I have trouble keeping them

    all straight.



    Another little thing I love: instant on!  No booting up!



    Things that I'm waiting for include:



        - A convenient holster type carrying case, or

          shoulder bag.

        - A modem for the internal slot.

        - A few more reviews of 5 volt vs. 12 volt

          flash cards.

        - A dual serial and Audio in/out connecter

          for the interconnect port.

        - DRAM upgrade.

        - My power adapter and battery pack.



    In conclusion, this is the most amazing piece of technology

    I've ever purchased.  I find that I'm much more efficient

    and much more organized. I knew that this was what a PDA was

    al about, but I didn't realize it went to this extent.



    BTW ... all those stories about the MP2K being a "babe

    magnet" ... well ... hee hee, um, yup I agree.  I've even

    made several new female friends with my MP2K in hand. (One

    of which made that comment about it being the "coolest thing

    I've ever seen")  I'm as happy as a clam!



** MESSAGE TO APPLE ABOUT THE MP2000 **



Ian Cargill <ian@cargill.dnet.co.uk> posted the following to USENET

newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc:



    Although I wasn't an owner of any previous MP I

    eagerly awaited the release of the MP2000 since

    its announcement last autumn and got mine about

    three weeks ago as soon as they were available in

    the UK.  The Chief Executive of a client I work

    with was so impressed with mine I had to get

    another one for him.  A week later his partner

    wants one.  It's now on order.  I expect other

    executives in the organization to follow suit.



    My message to Apple is this:



    1. I hope the above story will give you and

       particularly the Newton development team some

       encouragement about this innovative product.

       Let's hope it will allow you to recover your

       development costs and start making a profit.



    2. Look after your Newton users. I'd guess that

       most new MPs are not sold by shop salesmen but by

       existing users.



    Ian





Administrivia

-------------



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This edition of NewtNews was written with the help of: Thomas Hardy's Ale

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Disclaimer:  I am doing this on my own time, and on my own hardware

***********  and software not the government's or my employer's.