NewtNews-150-26Aug97 ==================== by Steve Holden . This is a weekly freeware newsletter focusing on Newton Technologies and related topics. NewtNews Copyright 1994-97 Steve Holden. All rights reserved. See the Administrivia at end for details and FAQ info. NewtNews Web site is hosted at: . This issue of NewtNews is sponsored in part by: + Buy a guide to what's on TV for your C o u c h F i r e ! Newton + X-Port, KwikMenu, NewtPaint, Quicknames Pro, proCALC Ex - Newton 2.0 solutions - - + WinSlurp from Rare White Tiger Creations - Available via WWW at: . + PowerTrans 3.0.2 - Multilingual Customizable Translator and Vocabulary Trainer - Speech on MP2K, eMate - Demo at: + QuickFigure Pro v.3.1 - New version of the spreadsheet solution from PelicanWare! - - + PowerMedia presents 'Arcade Game Pack' - Birds With Lances, Rocks In Space, Frogs vs. Cars - US$29.95 - + PDA & HANDHELD DIRECT - Putting Technology in the Palm of Your Hand! 800-279-4PDA 219-882-5228 [F]:219-845-0578 + VITAMIN A MENU EDITOR - Stand Alone has released it's custom and caret menu editor and creator! - Demo at: + Brain Wash from Concept Kitchen wipes your screen clean -- + RidgeNet - ARA, SLIP, PPP access to the Internet from Ridgecrest, CA. Table of Contents ----------------- 1. Top News 2. Comments from the Editor 3. New and Updated Newton Technology 4. New and Updated Newton Information 5. Top Print Sources Of Interest 6. NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton 7. Dear Newton Developer 8. Other Handheld Technology News 9. Other Tidbits of Information 10. Advertising Notes 11. Product and Service Information 12. Edupage, 18Aug97 thru 24Aug97 13. INNOVATION, 11Aug97 14. Administrivia Top News -------- ** MESSAGEPAD 2100 RUMORS PERSIST ** >From WWW news sources Mac OS Rumors to Always Newton Central to the USENET newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc there are many rumors of a new MessagePad 2100 device in the works. Expected new features include faster processor, more heap, and more enternal storage. Others list better hardware bundles (modem + Ethernet cards + keyboards) with a consistent price under US$1000. [EDITOR: But don't expect anything soon, a just in time for the "XMAS'97 buying season" (Nov97?) is a better bet.] ** MP2000 USERS ASSURED OF UPGRADE PATH?!? ** Webintosh noted on 21Aug97 that it appears though that "MessagePad 200O Owners Assured Of Upgrade Path" when you examine comments by acting Newton, Inc. chief executive Sandy Benett's comments on Newton Intelligence -- "I made a commitment when we released the MP2000 that users would be able to upgrade when we released a new ROM or updated the hardware. I stand by that statement." ** NEW SUITE OF INTERNET TOOLS NOW AVAILABLE FOR TESTING ** Lunatech Research has released as of 18Aug97 their LunaSuite Preview 2.1Bc211 -- a modular set of network tools that works with Newton Internet Enabler 1.x (an will also most likely work with Betas of NIE 2.0). The currently available modules include an email (POP/SMTP/MIME), a WWW Browser (HTML 3.2/MIME/Plug-in API), and FTP client. This 'preview' release will expire on 30Sep97. A follow-up beta release should be released before the expiration date. The official release is planned for late 1997. You can learn more details about current and future versions (ie. IMAP4 mail, vCalendar support, GSM-SMS) via: . ** HYPERNEWT SHOULD BE OUT 01SEP97 ** Foundation Systems announced on 20Aug97 -- HyperNewt 2.0 -- an application that replaces the built-in Notes application and "brings a true hierarchical filing system to the Newton, with an infinite number of directories and subdirectories." In addition, HyperNewt 2.0 has the "ability to 'HyperLink' data from other applications -- Names, Calls, Notes, NewtWorks, In/Out Box, MORGAN, Home Inventory, Extras Drawer, and etc. ..." HyperNewt is currently in beta testing and will should be shipping on 01Sep97. Pricing has not yet been determined. For more information check out: . ** NEW 'NEWTON MAGAZINE' LAUNCHED ** James Greene has announced the creation of a new 'Newton Magazine' Web site that will focus on Newton related cover stories, articles, Q&A, reviews, and news. For more information check out: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ 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 information: 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. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Comments from the Editor ------------------------ ** CORRECTIONS TO LLAMATALK ANNOUNCEMENT ** Jim Bailey corrects the mistakes to his postings last week in regards to Llamatalk: What: Llamatalk--weekly Newton developer chat Time: Every Thursday at 9:30 p.m. (EST) Where: IRC (Inter Relay Chat) Host: irc.escapenet.org Alternate Host: irc.us.escapenet.org Channel: Llamatalk ** WHAT IS PROPRIETARY? ** Several issues ago, I asked why Byte magazine labeled the Newton, Psion, Zaurus, and the PalmPilot as 'proprietary' handheld operating systems, but didn't label Windows CE as such. Keith Rollin posed this question to his co-workers, which was then forwarded on to others. The most interesting answer came from: James R. Bell, Chairman of the Board of X/Open, a founder of the Open Software Foundation (OSF), and former (and first) CEO of The Open Group (the merger of the two organizations) -- "Open"/"proprietary" refers to where a technology falls on an axis including the following ordered set of points. Companies often choose to make a binary definition via cutting the axis, always at a place that makes themselves "open": - product spec well documented to enable independent implementations - interoperable products allowed/encouraged - interface spec differentiated from product spec - compatible replacement products allowed/encouraged - any privately held mandatory technologies available on equitable terms - control of spec by set of selected partners - control of spec by de facto standards body - control of spec by de jure standards body The above is a personal definition, [however], an official one is available as part of the POSIX work. I'll leave the exercise of 'determining' the openness or lack of openness of Newton Technology to NewtNews readers. If some sort of consensus can be determined, I'll forward the information back to readers in an future opinion piece. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ From your armchair, find your favorite shows using your Newton. Couch Fire is C o u c h F i r e ! a TV programming guide that includes accurate, weekly updates via email. It combines the feel of a paper guide with the intelligence of a Newton. Couch Fire's custom TV grid, searches and reminders mean you won't miss a thing. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ DON'T TOUCH THAT SCREEN -- until you protect it with The BARRIER Screen Protector! * Clearly Superior Protection * Chemical, Abrasion and Thermal resistant * Given 9 out of 10 by Newton 2000 Underground For more info: or call: 760-431-5483. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ New and Updated Newton Technology --------------------------------- ** BURROPAK SNEAK PREVIEW ** Ken Landau reports that NewtNews readers can get sneak peak at the latest and greatest Newton accessory -- BurroPak at: . BurroPak was designed to let you carry your MP2K in a secure and protected way, and still keep your hands and pockets free. If you order before 30Sep97 the price will only be US$39.95+S&H, after this date the SRP will be US$49.95. For an even more limited time, if you buy another Landware software title with a Burro Newton Pak order the Pak will only cost US$35.00. ** NEW STOCK UTILITY AVAILABLE ** MacCentral on 20Aug97 had a pointer to a new Newton OS 2.x stationary solution called "Stock Slip ". The goal of this solution is to help you track your stock portfolios, and there is also a special version that can automatically calculate trade commissions per Charles Schwab commission schedules. To download use: . ** NEWTON SAVVY MODEMS ON SALE ** Arnold Kim noted on comp.sys.newton.misc that online computer dealer Small Doggy is offering refurbished USR XJ3288 PC Card modems for only US$99. This modems are suppose to include a one year U.S. Robotics warranty. ** NEW FREEWARE TOOLS RELEASED ** Lunatic has released two new freeware Newton utilities: Back On Top (brings backdrop application to the front) and JumpN (Notepad navigation tool). For more information please check out: ** MAHJONGG SOLITAIRE 2.1 AVAILABLE ** Scrawl Software has announce the availability of Mahjongg 2.1 -- a minor upgrade to 2.0 which fixes several minor bugs that were found. Mahjongg is an ancient chinese game usually played by four players with tiles similar to dominos. Currently Mahjongg is shipped in 'crippled' format -- allowing only five different boards. For more information check out: . Scrawl is also shipping a new public beta of their VT100 emulator and Telnet client under NIE called PT100 (V0.994b). ** WERE IS THE TETRIS NEWTON GAME?!? ** Ralf Hinz answered the above question posted to comp.sys.newton.misc with the following URL pointer: . It should also be noted that you can also track down the answer to this question using the Newton Reference site at: . ** NOTEPAD ADD-ON MAKES DATA ENTRY EASIER & QUICKER ** Yoshio Hirose has released a public beta of Partial Recall (v0.1) -- a stationary add-on (Newton 2.x only) to the Notepad that lets you quickly enter in text data via single gestures. The goal of Partial Recal is to help a user to build their own personal knowledge base, dictionary, thesaurus, or preformatted template. For more information check out: . ** NEW UTILITY LETS YOU BETTER CONTROL YOUR APPLICATIONS ** Richard Li has release a new utility called PkgPopper 1.0 (formerly announced as PkgPopup) -- which can act as an application launcher/swapper, backlight toggler, and includes a user configurable popup menu and interface. For more information please check out: . ** YOU CAN NOW ORDER PDA CONCEPTS CASE ** PDA Concepts is now excepting orders for their "unique case" called Hand Stand 2000 that is ideal for using the MP2K and the Newton keyboard together. The units are expected to start shipping on 01Oct97, and can be checked out via: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $ 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 and Handheld Direct, Everything you need for your Newton - Apple MessagePad 2000 Standard Model only $949.00 (#22005) - Apple MessagePad 2000 Business Bundle only $1099.00 (#22008) - MP130 Buy Back Program - Trade in your MP130 for special deals on MP2000 or other PDAs - Call for details: 219-882-5228 - MP2000 Accessories: Rech. Battery $31.95 (#22209) AC Adapter $29.95 (#22202) MP2K Pen $12.95 (#31227) -- Type II Flash Memory 4MB $98 (#41070) 8MB $174 (#41073) 10MB $210 (#41074) 16MB $310 (#41077) - Revelar Connection Utilities (RCU) for Win and Mac $39.95 (#10071) To order 800-279-4PDA or 219-882-5228 or FAX 219-845-0578 [Source #161] $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ New and Updated Newton Information ---------------------------------- ** EMATE WINS BIG AWARD -- CHECK IT OUT IN NYC ** I.D. Magazine's Annual Design Review has awarded Apple's 20th Anniversary Macintosh and the Apple eMate 300 with "Best of Category prizes" for Consumer Product entries. Both products are on display until 27Sep97 at the Strathmore Gallery at the AIGA (212.807.1990) located at 164 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The exhibition is open free to the public Monday- Friday from 1100-1800 and on Saturday from 1200-1700. [HeadsUp & Farcast] ** NEW BIBLIOGRAPHY SOLUTION IN THE WORKS ** A request for a 'Newton bibliography software solution' was posted recently to comp.sys.newton.misc. Hardy Macia answered the query with details that he is working on such a solution, and that it should be finished in "a couple of weeks." If you'd like to notified of the release send Hardy email with the word "Bibliography" in the subject. In related news, Hardy has also announced that recently more than 150,000 visitors had visited the Catamount WWW site at: . ** NEWTON USER GROUP NEWS ** Albert Zeeman reports that on 04Oct97 the MacGroep (user group of macintosh users) in The Netherlands will host a PDA-Day. The focus will be on PalmPilot, Newton, and Psion devices. You can learn more via: . Jim Bailey notes that the Boston/Cambridge Newton Users Group meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at MIT Rm. 3-133 at 7:00 p.m. The Newton Programmer's Collective (NPC) also meets at MIT in room 3-133 on the 4th Tuesday of a month at 7:00 p.m. Kenneth Wong reports the rebirth of the Singapore Newton Users Group (SiNUG). Kenneth plans to host a SiNUG site at: . Meetings are tentatively planned for Sundays at the Starbuck's Liat Towers just after lunch time. Send Kenneth email if you are interested in more information of SiNUG. Mike Sforza has announced the creation of the Montreal Newton User Group (Mon NUG). The first meeting will be held Wednesday, September 10, at the Newton Store, 450 Blvd Rene-Levesque West, Montreal (corner of St Alexandre) at 7 PM. For more information send Mike email or call him at: 514.350.4507. Michigan State Newton Users Group (MSNUG) Aug97 newsletter has been posted to: . Johnny C. K. Lau notes that the most recent HKNUG user meeting was held on Saturday, 23Aug97 (5 p.m.) at the Wanchai MTR Hang Seng Bank. Send Johnny email for details about the next meeting date and location. ** NEWTON, INC. PUBLISHES SPECIFICATIONS ** David Fedor notes the creation of a "Formats & Specifications" page on that outlines specifications for the Newton Interconnect Port, the Newton Package format, NewtonScript bytecodes, the Newton Load Package protocol, and the Newton Streamed Object format. ** NEWTON BOOK VERSION OF NEWTNEWS ** Mark Heringer notes that Rare White Tiger Creations continues to publish Newton Book versions of NewtNews to the following URL: . This site includes a link that allows you to download the book directly to your Newton using Steve Weyer's Newt's Cape. ** NEWTON SOFTWARE DIGEST UPDATE ** Ian Robinson reports the updating of the Software Digest page on 17Aug97. You can find short descriptions and links for: Auto Rotate 1.1, Backlight Plus 1.5, Calamity Jane (Newton Book), Cigarbox 1.1, Corrector 2.5, Dvorak 2.0, Footprint 11, Freeback, Freedomtrail 1.3 (Newton Book), Freeze Utilities 1.5, Go Recorder 2.3 Demo, Home Inventory 1.0, Ipp 1.4, Mahjongg 2.1, Miles Per Gallon, Morgan 1.04, Morgan Pro 1.04, Mysterious Affair (Newton Book), Nbattleship 2.4, Newtnews 147, Newton Id 1.7, Nhtml Beta 2, OneTapMute, Paperboy, Remember The Alamo (Newton Book), SoundOff 1.1, Soundsleep, Startbar, Stickynewts 1.3, Styles+ 2.3, The Brothers Grimm (Newton Book), Timeman and Writehere 2.0 Beta 11. Check out all the fun at: . Ian also reports some fixes (typos and errors) to his "Introduction to Soups" page at: . ** UPDATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING AT NEWTONTALK ** Sean O'Shaughnessey reports that NewtonTalk now has 682 subscribers (as of this writing). The discussions have been numerous and very helpful. A very short list of some of the topics includes: - A fantastic discussion on the memory effect of batteries and the techniques for charging them. - Mapping software - How to setup fax cover sheets - Calculator packages - Desktop connectivity - Best Newton software - Discussion of several new packages that will be released soon - Modems - Custom buttons - Controlling IR devices - Newton networking hints - Numerous threads on helping people out with sick Newtons (or packages) - Taking notes in classroom - Newton Inc.'s marketing (or lack thereof) - Storage cards - Keyboard shortcuts - Grocery list software You can learn more from: . ** MACWAY NEWTON MENTIONS ** Guy Kawasaki's MacWay Evangelist email listserver had a couple of Newton blurbs recently including: For more info about this excellent Apple, Macintosh, Newton, etc. ... resource check out: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ 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: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ 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.] ** NEWTON, INC. RUNS ANTI-LAPTOP AD IN WSJ ** Hardy Macia reports that Newton, Inc. ran an ad in the Wall Street Journal on 19Aug97. The theme of the ad is "Leave Your Laptop At Home" and the ad mentions this URL for more information: . ** WSJ COVERS THE MP2K AND EMATE ** The Wall Street Journal also recently published several high-profile handheld devices articles with Newton mentions. The main articles were written by Joe Hutsko. The first article was on 21Aug97 entitled "Treading Lightly in a Sea of Hand-Held Computers". The handhelds examined include: PalmPilot Professional, MessagePad 2000, and Windows CE devices from Philips and Hewlett-Packard. The coverage of the MP2K is "spotty" at best, and in the end pretty negative because of the MP2K's size, price, and "too ambitious" operating system. You can check it out via a 'free WSJ login" at: . The second article is also written by Hutsko, and is an eMate specific article entitled "Apple eMate 300: A Glimpse at Future Possibilities". In summary even though the eMate has "technical shortcomings" it is still "appealing" because the device is "form meets function." You can check it out via a 'free WSJ login" at: There is also a column for 'real subscribers' that outline a couple's journeys through the "global village" on their bikes and using their MP2K as their digital link. Check it out at: . [EDITOR: Thanks to Christian Dreyer , and Jamie Dananberg for pointers to these articles." ** BYTE'S RECENT NEWTON COVERAGE DISAPPOINTS ** Rainer Joswig notes that the Aug97 edition of Byte magazine starting on page 118 has an article entitled "Handhelds get serious" that includes Newton mentions. Rainer was unimpressed with the low rating in several categories that the MessagePad 2000 received, especially in the "implementation" and "usability" categories. Some of the 'comments' made in the article makes an experienced Newton user like Rainer wonder if they even touched a Newton. ** ANOTHER NEWTON MENTION IN DAILY NEWSPAPER ** Alan Goldstein at "The Dallas Morning News Knight" recently ran an article entitled "Handheld Computers Find Market By Scaling Back Uses". This article reportedly has Newton mentions. [HeadsUp] ** NEWTON TECHNOLOGY FEATURED ON COVER OF IEEE MAGAZINE ** Andrew Plumb notes that feature topic of IEEE Micro (July/Aug 1997) is entitled "Getting the most out of ARM". The cover of the issue includes a 'sketched' octopus holding various ARM-powered devices including the: MessagePad 2000, MP110/120/130, and the eMate 300. ** ANOTHER BAD MP2K REVIEW ** Marcus Polke and Doug Greene both noted that Sep97 edition of Wired magazine has a "rather critical review" of the MessagePad 2000 on page 164 written by Simson Garfinkel. The article is entitled "Maybe Next Newton" in the "Street Cred" section. ** MP2K WINS EDITOR'S AWARD ** Mike Sforza reports that the 01Jul97 edition of VAR Business has a review of the MessagePad 2000 on page 47-48 written by Christopher Doyle . The article is very enthusiastic about the MP2000, the Editor's of VAR Business gave the device an "Editor's Choice rating", and Mr. Doyle sums up with "I still believe Apple has hit a home run [with the MP2K]." ** HELPFUL MAJOR WEEKLY MAGAZINE WEB POINTERS ** - Web Week: - MacWeek: - InfoWorld: - Computer Reseller News: - PC Week: - Network World: - LAN Times: - Information Week: - Network Computing: $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ A N N O U N C I N G L E X I D R U G S - 97 +-------+ K2 Consultants, Inc. has just announced the latest version of | A R T | Drug Information Handbook with 5000 drugs and improved interface.+-------+ Check out www.skyscape.com/k2 for all medical and non-medical | b y | titles such as 5 Min. Clin Consult, Ferri's book for internists | K 2 | Archimedes Intelligent Calculator, Current Clinical Strategies +-------+ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ 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: or . 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. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton --------------------------------------------------- ** NO NONSENSE NUGGETS OF NEWTON KNOW HOW ** Compiled by Roger Coleman If you have similar tidbits for this column, please drop me a line! . Please include details of the Newton model and OS that you are using. ** USE MEETINGS IN DATES TO SET REMINDERS & ALARMS ** >From Roger Coleman [works with OS 2.0 Newtons]: I am always having to write reminder notes for myself and I find the meetings feature in 'Dates' perfect for setting quick timed reminder alarms. Simply schedule a meeting by drawing a vertical line in the 'Day' view of dates, and then tap the meeting button to assign an alarm to it. If you drag this reminder to the side of the screen to put it into the clipboard, you can tap-drag copies out to get the Newt to nag you repeatedly! Just scribble out extra reminders to delete them when you don't need reminding any more! Check the 'Persistent Alarms' option in the 'Alarms' prefs box and the Newt will keep chiming until you acknowledge it. ** PRACTICAL JOKES TO PLAY ON MP110, 120 & 130 USERS ** [EDITOR: Most satisfying if you are a MP2K user. WARNING: Anyone who tries this will have to take responsibility for any loss or injury that may occur!] Some Newton models feature a telescopic pen that fits into a hole in the side of the Newton and is great for all sorts of practical gags. You can unscrew the bit of the telescopic pen that pops in and out so that it detaches from the rest of the pen. Cunningly put the pen back together, but don't screw it back up. The next time the unsuspecting Newt user clicks the pen open, the handle bit will launch out of the end of the pen and shoot into the air dramatically. For the delayed effect, dismantle the pen as above, but give it a quarter of a twist when you put it back together. This gives the Newt user four or five clicks before the pen explodes. [EDITOR: Most satisfying if you are a MP2K user. WARNING: Anyone who tries this will have to take responsibility for any loss or injury that may occur!] ** TIPS WANTED ** Please send me any tips, hints, goodies, jokes, interesting facts or similar bits of information for future issues of this column to me . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ PDA Panache is your single source for stylus solutions. Custom stylus upgrades for Newton MP130 and MP2000. Custom styli for WinCE, USR, and Sharp PDAs. Wide selection of Pocket Styli for all tastes and budgets. Duo multi-function stylus/pen combo. Beacon L.E.D. lighted stylus. Stylus inserts for Cross & other popular pens. More info: 800.270.7196 or 516.467.4042, FAX: 516.467.6329, (secure) $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ PowerTrans 3.0 - Translator and Vocabulary Trainer - 60,000 Words - English, Spanish, German, French and Italian (no storage card required). + Customize the vocabulary and/or create new languages, attach notes + MP2K and eMate featured - speech, classroom multi-user, keyboards + Vocabulary Trainer - based on approved didactical learning system Checkout demo: - contact: $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ 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: . ** MP100 SAVVY APP TO LINK TO GPS DEVICES?!? ** Bill Acito would like a small and inexpensive program that would work on the older MP100 and interface with GPS devices using a serial connection. Ideally the program would display a "very accurate time" (clock) and present the user with the Lat/Long for their current location. ** POINTER TO A GOOD SOURCE FOR MAPS ** Jason Kulas suggests that those waiting for a good mapping solution should consider desktop downloading of bitmaps from: , and importing them to your Newton using NewtWorks RTF or Lee Moon's PalmMedia Player. While not a seamless alternative, it does make it possible to travel with access to some maps. ** PRINTER NAMING UTILITY?!? ** Gene Beaird would like a utility that would enable a Newton to rename printers found on a LAN (currently via LocalTalk but when Ethernet comes out, this utility would be even more helpful). The utility should be modeled from Apple's printer tool or HP's namer utilities. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Need more Newton information?!? NewtNews suggests you check out: + Newton Reference: + Always Newton Central: + NewtUser: + NewtWorld: + The Ultimate Newton: $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ 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 40 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! $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Other Handheld Technology News ------------------------------- [EDITOR: News collected via snail mail, major publications, USENET newsgroups, email, and the WWW. For more information about Farcast check out: and for more information about HeadsUp use: .] ** PALMPILOT ** You can purchase Metrowerks' CodeWarrior for the Palm Pilot 3.0 for the PowerMac and Windows 95/NT from Cyberian Outputs for US$319.95 using the following URL: . The PalmPilot WorldWide Developer Conference will be held 14-17Oct97 at the Center for the Arts at Yerba Buena Gardens (Bay Area, California). For more information send an email message to: . ** WINDOWS CE ** AllPen Software has announced three major tidbits -- 1.) their EmbeddedWeb Server has been ported to Microsoft's Windows CE; 2.) they will demo their EmbeddedWeb Server solutions at the 29Sep97 Embedded Systems Conference being held in San Jose, California; and 3.) AllPen continues to work closely with projects underway at Daimler-Benz to use EmbeddedWeb technology in future Daimler-Benz products. The next iteration of Puma Technologies IntelliSync software (not even in beta yet) will enable handheld and laptop synchronization & backup of PIM data over the Internet. The software is expected to for sure support some Windows 95 PIM solutions along with Windows CE and PalmPilot devices. [John Spooner, PC Week, 18Aug97, page 6] Two Windows CE mentions in the 18Aug97 edition of "Notes From The Field" by Robert X. Cringely on page 109 -- 1.) Microsoft has pressured Navitel to stop work on building Windows CE savvy hardware devices, and is instead pushing them into finishing the "WebTV version of Windows CE" that is expected to be 'shipping' in Nov97. Cringley also notes -- 2.) that out of all the Windows CE hardware manufacturers out there, it appears that Philips is the only one that is happy about Windows CE 'market appearance.' Compaq is so unhappy, they have stopped offering HPCs. [EDITOR: Webintosh also covered this 'rumor' story on their WWW site sighting Cringley as the source.] Some other Windows CE links of potential interest: - Cranbury Software Development Center's Windows CE Caribbean Stud Poker game: - CEcity: . - WindowsCE On-Line [downloads, news, tech support, links, info, etc. ...]: - WinCE Wishlist: - WinCE Webring: ** PSION ** Psion Computers has recently announced that they will be implementing a ROM upgrade service starting in early 1998 to upgrade existing Series 5 owners from ROM v1.0 to ROM v1.1. This upgrade is not a requirement, and will only benefit users who need some of the additional features in ROM v1.1. The exact procedures on where and how to get the upgrade are still to be determined, but the anticipated cost of the upgrade will be in the US$50 range depending on the level of service provided by the "upgrade center." David Ramsey notes in the 42nd edition of the Cyberian Express newsletter from Cyberian Outpost that he is a "Newton MessagePad 2000 man" himself. But does think that the new Psion Series 5 handheld is worth a look. He was impressed with the keyboard, screen, and 8MB of RAM. He did note that the backlighting on the screen could be brighter. James Coates at the Chicago Tribune has written a very positive Psion Series 5 review/opinion piece entitled "British import a pocket-size PC wonder." NewtNews caught the article on page 6 of the Union-Tribune's ComputerLink published on 19Aug97. Psion Software has plan to release a new version of their development environment called Oval that will be compatible with Microsoft's Visual Basic. [HeadsUp] Some Psion links of potential interest: - Agenda Link 97 synchronization software for Microsoft's Outlook and Schedule+ 7.0a 'Exchange': - CRC DYL Source Code: - ZX SPECTRUM emulator: - Patsiena [Patience for the Psion Siena]: - PerfectPaint V3.00: - PSIIDB [PSION internet database]: - Periodic Table of the Elements (PTE) library: - Pocket Packet [for radio ham operators]: - Soccer 3a [game]: ** OTHER DEVICES ** The Evans Research Corporation has recently completed a new report on the 'handheld' market entitled "Emerging Markets: Handheld Computing". Lisa Wirthman has an interesting article entitled "SCO to Launch Gemini: New OS mergers UnixWare, OpenServer; includes Web app" on page 6 of PC Week published on 18Aug97. The 'Gemini' client will run on PCs, Java NCs, and Palmtops allowing them to access a "Tarantella server" that will manage mainframe, Unix, and Windows application access. Nikkei English News is reporting that Densan Systems is currently developing a PDA savvy software suite that will let users control desktop Windows 95 programs via the Internet. [HeadsUp] Some 'Other Handheld' links of potential interest: - eOrganizer [Free Personal Online Electronic Organizer]: - mobilis Shareware Emporium: - The Computer Zone: $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Back-up your Newton to a desktop Mac through your Ethernet Network without having to switch to Localtalk. Upload Newton packages and print to Appletalk network printers too. Farallon offers four Newton-to- Ethernet solutions, including EtherWave, the daisy-chainable technology that connects up to 7 devices to one Ethernet port. For more info visit: . $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ This space for rent. For more info: . Thanks. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Other Tidbits of Information ---------------------------- ** WIRELESS & MOBILE ** Kristi Coale has posted an interesting article that goes into some detail on the new wireless system being designed by "Sky Station International." For more information check out the following URL on the Wired WWW site: . UCLA Extension will be hosting a short course on "Mobile IP and Mobile Networking" on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, CA on 17-19Nov97. The instructor will be Charles Perkins, MA, Senior Staff Engineer, Sun Microsystems. The cost of the course will be US$1195 and you can get more information via: , or by sending an email message to: Marcus Hennessy . RadioLAN is now shipping their US$449 PC Card Wireless Interface Node (PWIN) that let 'portables' connect to Ethernet LANs using RadioLAN's 10BaseRadio technology at speeds up to 10-Mbps. [Logan Harbaugh, Information Week, 18Aug97, page 122] Computer Reseller News recently ran an article entitled "PDA Generation -- Opportunities Abound In Era Of Selling Faster Wireless Connections". [HeadsUp] Astel Hokkaido is according to Nikkei English News on the verge of offering Japanese personal handyphone system (PHS) users access to Internet related services. [HeadsUp] Motorola has two new wireless modems in their Series 500 modem family available for OEMs and other systems integrators -- the 535sj is for the Japanese marketplace, and the 535sk is for the Korean marketplace. [HeadsUp & Farcast] The new James Bond movie -- "Tomorrow Never Dies " -- that is due by the end of 1997 will include scenes that use the Possio PM80 mobile messenger. For more info: . [HeadsUp & Yahoo] Sprint PCS has awarded QUALCOMM with a US$50 million contract to purchase an unspecified number of QUALCOMM's CDMA savvy "Q" phones that will be distributed to Sprint PCS customers in the United States. [Farcast] Some Wireless & Mobile articles of potential interest: - "Mobile Databases: Tetherless Computing Liberates End Users but Complicates the Enterprise" by Martin Rennhackkamp DBMS, Sep97, page 93 - "Roam if You Want to: BBN's global roaming service enables cheap dial-in to LANs" by Stephanie Lapolla, PC Week, 18Aug97, page 10 - "Choosing an All-in-One Messaging Systems (Buyer's Guide): Approaches to providing a single interface vary widely in features as well as price" by Kristina Sullivan, Week, 18Aug97, page 91 ** LAPTOPS ** ComputerWorld recently reviewed the Windows 95 savvy handheld from Toshiba called Libretto. Compliments included "sleek, incredibly compact, and wonder full-color screen." [HeadsUp] Some Laptop articles of potential interest: - "Digital HiNote Widens View: New Ultra 2000 weighs in at 6 pounds, spots 14.1-inch display and US$6K price" by John Spooner, PC Week, 18Aug97, page 8 - "Micron, Acer Grow Notebook Lines; Compaq cuts prices" by John Spooner, PC Week, 18Aug97, page 47 - "Notebooks Set To Hit New Heights: Intel chip will boost performance while using less power" by Tom Davey & Bob Francis, Information Week, 18Aug97, page 22 - "Lower-power consuming chips broaden horizon" by Andy Santoni, InfoWorld, 18Aug97, page 30 - "pcAnywhere32 extends remote-access reach across enterprise" by Andre Kvitka, InfoWorld, 18Aug97, page 104 - "Toshiba's Libretto best for ET's home world" by Mike Langberg, Knight-Ridder News Service, The Union-Tribune's ComputerLink, 19Aug97, page 6 ** APPLE & MACINTOSH ** Power Computing's President Joel Kocher has resigned over conflicts with others a Power Computing in regards to how to deal with Apple over the currently Mac OS licensing impasse [HeadsUp & Edupage & Farcast] Business Wire reported that Apple Fellow Guy Kawasaki showed off "the top ten hottest, coolest, most exciting applications for Macintosh for 1997" at the recent MacWorld Expo/Boston 1997. Once of these new applications includes an Apple developed "breakthrough VR tool." [HeadsUp] Apple has announced that they recently met for over 8 days in Jul97 with its "Top Customers" to talk over news items, take comments, and explore future technologies in what are being called "Customer Advisory Board (CAB) Meetings." There are 42 members of the CAB, and they are separated into three groups by Apple: Publishing, Entertainment, and New Media (PEN), Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET), and the Apple Enterprise Group. Don Crabb, a Contributing Editor to MacWeek Don Crabb, is the executive director of CAB. You may be able to learn more via: . [HeadsUp & Farcast] Apple has named Mitch Mandich to the position of senior vice president of the Americas. He will be responsible for all sales activities related to markets in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. [HeadsUp] Other tidbits: - Pliner Products' Hexomatic 1.2 [W*API plugin that will on-the-fly binhexing of files] & Quitter 1.5.1 [Remote access utility that enables an administrator to quit programs, and restart or shutdown a Mac system]: - Men & Mice's QuickDNS Pro 2.0: - New Atlanta Communications's ServletExec 1.0b1 [enables W*API savvy Mac OS Web servers to run Java servlets]: . - Sophist Solutions' LedIt! 2.2 [a shareware cross-platform word processor]: . - CMScript [a MacOS 8 Contextual Menu plugin that will run AppleScripts]: . - Terje Norderhaug's Chat Monitor 2.0 [a Web based chat client]: - StarNine's W*API based WebObjects Adapter: . - Kansmen's LittleBrother [traffic monitoring and managing solution for TCP/IP, IPX and AppleTalk networks]: - Media Design in*Progress' Interaction 1.1 [builds "dynamic social places" on Web servers]: - August Software's ODBC ROUTER DR3 [an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) solution for Macintosh and Windows]: ** INTERNET/OTHER ** Component Software has released version 1.2 of their Unix/Windows version control software system called CS-RCS. Component Software has also released a new version of CSDiff -- "a free advanced file difference analysis tool". You can learn more via: . Compaq and SCO have announced plans to continue their strategic alliance that enables Compaq to bundle SCO Unix on Intel based servers and PCs. [HeadsUp] It appears the UK online information provider M.A.I.D Plc is going to purchase the last of Knight-Ridder remaining electronic information business for a reported US$500 million. [HeadsUp] IBM has a new family of Web savvy AS/400 servers available for those customers who wish to get into "demanding e-business, web server and online transaction- driven applications." [HeadsUp] ** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A POTENTIAL BROWSE ** - Advance Logic Research's Autobahn ISDN Router: - ADAPT's mobile cooling systems: Advertising Notes ----------------- HexDump has a new ad for their HexPaint applications. 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 ------------------------------- * TeleType GPS - New v2.0 - now includes U.S. Interstate Highways data overlay. GPS software provides plot of your position on moving maps while you drive or fly. Overlay packages include cities and towns, Interstates, and special Aviation overlay for pilots. Bundles include GPS receiver and software. Never get lost again. Email: or WWW to: for more information. * 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 , or visit our web site . * MAR SOFTWARE offers the following fine products: + NEW EXECUTIVE NEWTON STAND Rated a Must Buy by Newton Info Magazine. This is an exquisitely crafted stand of contemporary design for your Newton. Made of hardwood and anodized aluminum. Supports portrait or landscape mode. Clear beech or mahogany finish. $49.95+S&H. + NEW BILLS TO PAY PRO 3.5.6 Rated 5 out of 5 by Gecko Magazine! Easily track bills & expenses; create budgets & set alarm reminders. Also works with Pocket Quicken or PocketMoney. $39.95+S&H MAR Software: or . * 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: ? AMIGO is available for US$24.95 and it comes with a full year of upgrades. For more information contact ACCSYS by email at: * 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: or . * 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: or * 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 * THE HANDHELD COMPUTER ALMANAC -- The definitive guide to handheld products and services, from organizers to ruggedized systems. 150 pages, 600 companies, 1300 products and services in 50+ categories, with more than 300 Newton products. Only $24.95 + S&H from Creative Digital Publishing Inc. 30-day money-back guarantee. email: , URL: , voice: 415.621.4252, fax: 415.621.4922 * NEW SCOREPAD 3.0.1 -- Golf scorekeeping package for Newton 2.0. Easily keeps scores and statistics - analyze and graph the results. Figure your unofficial handicap. Automatically calculates nassaus and skins. Keep notes about each round and course. Available for US$50 from Software Unboxed or directly from Sun Sabre (513.459.9330) with 10% by mentioning NewtNews. * MoreInfo 4.1 - This integrated contact manager seamlessly integrates the built-in Names, Dates, Calls and Notes applications. This latest version adds even more useful features to this already essential product. MP2K savvy. Voted Best Newton Software for 1997 - mobilis Magazine Reader's Choice Award. From SilverWARE at $69.95+S&H. For demos check out: - - 508.521.5262 * 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! 9th Volume of the Totally Incomplete PDA CD-ROM for Newton! This CD-ROM from AMUG CD, Inc. contains over 1450 packages, 618 megs, and a Newt 2000 only area. Works on Mac or PC. 2.x & 1.x Packages can be downloaded directly from the CD to your MessagePad. Maximize your Newton experience! ONLY $29 + S/H. Call AMUG 602.497-2244, or email to order! AMUG CD web page at . * BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY PACKAGES FROM PELICANWARE All packages for Newton 2.0 or better OS - Upgrades also available. - QUICKFIGURE PRO 3.1: Spreadsheet application $59.95 - NEWTCASE 3.0: The Ultimate Utility Suite (for 2.0 OS only) $49.95 - NOTION 1.5: High Performance List Manager $59.95 - AVAILWORKS 3.0: Text, spreadsheets, drawing, and graphing $79.95. All from PELICANWARE. For more details email: , vox: 503-221-1148, fax: 503-221-8709, or . * HEXDUMP INTRODUCES -- HexPaint for 2.1 OS 16 gray scale paint application. Filters include invert, rotate and flip. Icon editor allows custom icons. Plug-in architecture along with the free Plug-In SDK allows for custom tools. HexPaint includes the Paint Transfer application for Mac conductivity. US$38.95+S&H. Demo available at . HexDump backs all its software with a 30 day money back guarantee. Edupage, 18Aug97 thru 24Aug97 ----------------------------- ** XEROX INTRODUCES SCANNER-PRINTER-COPIER FOR HOME USE ** Xerox is introducing a $499 machine that combines scanning, printing, and copying capabilities with easy-to-use software. Industry analysts don't expect rival manufacturer Hewlett-Packard to incorporate color scanners into its products before next Spring. (New York Times 18 Aug 97) [EDITOR: Where is the Newton print driver software for this device?] ** IBM SPEEDS UP ITS AS/400 WORKHORSE ** Adding a little "e" to the name of its popular decade-old minicomputer, IBM has increased the machine's speed by a factor of five, so that it can process up to 25,000 transactions a minute. The company has also begun a flashy $90 million advertising campaign to promote the AS/400e to small businesses and to companies engaged in electronic commerce (thus, the "e"). Rather than targeting "techies," the ad campaign will be pitched to business people and will use in-flight commercials, slick magazines, and banners on the Web; an IBM executive says: "We are going to blast out all the information so that it reaches well beyond information technology buyers and existing AS/400 customers." (Wall Street Journal 18 Aug 97) ** HUGE JUMP SEEN IN PCs LINKED TO NET ** The number of personal computers connected to the Internet will jump 71% by the end of the year to 82 million, driven by use in the business market, says market research firm Dataquest Inc. By 2001, about 268 million computers will be linked to the global computer network, according to a recent study. That will lead to more sales of Internet software and services, which are expected to rise 60% to $12.2 billion (U.S.) by the end of the year, up from $7.5 billion last year. The Internet software and services market is expected to reach $32.2 billion by 2001, with the services market alone reaching $7 billion in 1997 and rising to $29 billion by 2001, says Dataquest. (Toronto Financial Post 21 Aug 97) ** MILLENNIUM BOMB SIRENS SOON TO GO OFF ** The Health and Safety agency in the U.K is concerned about the potential malfunction of "embedded processors" (such as computers, which control industrial robots) when the "millennium bomb" is triggered in the year 2000. At that time, many computer programs will miscalculate dates, because they were programmed using two-digit dates that do not distinguish between centuries. (So that, for example, "01" would be interpreted as 1901 rather than 2001). The agency says it will prosecute manufacturers of safety systems if they knowingly fail to warn their customers about bomb problems inherent in their computers, leading to malfunction. The head of the government task force studying the problem says "the problem is that ministers in this government are so busy they do not have the time to think about the bomb. They think it is a problem on the scale of AIDS or BSE but it is very much bigger than that." (Financial Times 20 Aug 97) ** SPORTSZONE ADDS PITCH-BY-PITCH COVERAGE ** ESPN's SportsZone.com now offers a GameTracker feature that enables fans to follow live baseball games pitch by pitch. As the game is being played, users see a graphic depicting the current situation on the baseball diamond, a current-inning summary in text, and the live pitch count on the batter. Available also are photos of the pitcher and batter, and their career statistics. The company's future plans could take GameTracker into the next dimension: "One can imagine a world where the game audio is linked. That's the next logical progression," says a senior VP at ESPN Internet Ventures. (Broadcasting & Cable 18 Aug 97) $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ Don't forget to check out the freeware-monthly-Acrobat-savvy-version of NewtNews called NewtNews Pro: . Newton evangelists are "empowered" to download this file and print several dozen copies for distribution to company cafeterias, user groups, dentist offices, local computer stores, libraries, etc. ... Just do it! $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ 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: if you would like the list or would like to be added to the list. $-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$ INNOVATION, 11Aug97 ------------------- ** TRENDS: ON-AIR/ONLINE CROSSOVERS ** NBC is pushing its prime time content into cyberspace. Two series, "The Pretender" and "Homicide," already interweave on-air and online plots and characters, and rumor has it the network plans to include other series, including at least one comedy, this fall. The trend toward merging the two media will continue, says NBC's VP and executive producer of digital productions. "These are not one-off anomalies. We are looking to push the creative and business opportunities of these mediums." (Broadcasting & Cable 28 Jul 97) ** STRATEGIES: TRANSACTIONS OR RELATIONSHIPS? PICK ONE OR THE OTHER, NOT BOTH ** Management strategists sometimes talk too glibly about developing "customers for life" and a long-term, highly-trained, fully-committed workforce. You can't just create those outcomes by force of will: you have to live with the realities of the particular business you're in, the nature of your customers, the type of product or service you offer, and your ability to attract and retain competent employees. The basic question is whether your strategy should be relation-based or transaction-based. Activities that should be relation-based are ones where customers are making costly and important decisions about something they know relatively little about; examples would be financial planning or the purchase of special power tools. In contrast, a company that makes standardized products (such as rubber bands) or sells standardized services (such as tax preparation) should adopt a transaction-based strategy and be ready to compete on cost with short-term customer relationships and short-term employee relationships. The current trend in human resources is to take a lean-and-mean approach with employees at the same time the marketing department is trying to win "customers for life." "Because both choices are very appealing, a common response is to say, 'Let's do both!' But such a response is inappropriate because the two 'visions' are mutually exclusive." (Diana L. Deadrick, R. Bruce McAfee, & Myron Glassman, " 'Customers For Life': Does It Fit Your Culture?" Business Horizons Jul/Aug 97) ** INNOVATIONS: TOUCH-FREE PAPER PUSHER ** Researchers exploring the capabilities of microelectronic mechanical systems have hit upon the idea of expanding the size of the tiny devices and using them to push air in a way that pieces of paper could be manipulated without anyone or anything actually touching it. By coating the surfaces of printed circuit board with components of millimeter- rather than micrometer-size, they envision a paper mover that uses sensors and tiny air jets to shift and position pieces of paper. A prototype array incorporates sensors and valves to operate about 50 air jets on which the piece of paper rides. "There would be all sorts of new things you could do in printing if you could move paper without touching it," says a scientist at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. (Science News 26 Jul 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: and in the subject line type the word: 'subscribe'. You can also use the trial registration form on their Web site at: . For more info, send email to: or 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 - FTP site & email list admin: Bob Torres 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: NRaD's Code 42 Summer Picnic; ushering for the 'fantastic' musical "Boomers" by the Lamb's Players at Horton Plaza's Lycema Theater; and dinner with Kevin and Leslie at San Diego Brewing Company. Disclaimer: I am doing this on my own time, and on my own hardware *********** and software not the government's or my employer's.