NewtNews - 10.03.94 - 0112
==========================
by Steve Holden (sholden@nosc.mil)

This is a summary of the information that I come in contact 
with that deals with the Newton and related technologies. 
 
Copyright 1994 Steve Holden. See the Administrivia at end.

Table of Contents
-----------------
 1. email
 2. MUST READS!
 3. Edupage 9/25/94
 4. MacWeek, 09.26.94
 5. PC Week, Sept. 26, 1994
 6. InfoWorld, September 26, 1994
 7. Network World, September 26, 1994
 8. The HiTek Report, September 26, 1994
 9. Edupage 9/27/94
10. MacWorld, November 1994
11. Product and Service Information
12. Comments from the Editor
13. Administrivia

email
-----
* MP120 TO BE RELEASED IN GERMANY
    Thomas Diessel (diessel@informatik.unibw-muenchen.de) gives
us this pointer: Apple Germany will announce a Message Pad 120
(no typo!) this Friday (9/29/94) at the MacWorld Expo in
Frankfurt/Germany. [from MacWelt, October 1994]
    The MP120 looks like a MP110 but it contains 2 MB RAM and the
German system software version 1.3. Apple expects a street price
of 1400 DM (about $900). The street price for the original German
MP is now 800 DM (about $500).
    The MP120 will come  with: ARM 610 processor at 20 MHz; 320
x 240 pixel display; 4 MB ROM; 2 MB RAM (608 KB system RAM and
1404 KB Flash RAM); 1 PCMCIA socket type II; prepared for
wireless data communication (Modacom and GSM); 4 AA (Mignon)
batteries; and Software: Notion (list generator), FilePad
(database; request card)
    The update for the German MP to system software version 1.3 will
be available from 11/94 for 300 DM (about $200). The Newton
Connection for Mac 2.0 update is available now (free!). The
Newton Connection for Windows 2.0 update will be available from
11/94 (free!). [from Press Release]

* HIGHLIGHTED TEXT AND ASSIST
    Scott Shwarts <sshwarts@radiomail.net> points out that our Review
of Dave Fedor's PaperBack had a little bit of bad information
about Newton Books.  If you highlight text in a Newton Book and
then hit Assist you can access the highlight text in Assist.  So,
if there is a phone number in a Newton Book you can highlight the
number, and then hit assist and use the Call option to dial the
number.  This is a built-in feature of the Newton Textual View
and Assist.

* MAC TO NEWTON PAGING!
    Brian Hall (mspace@netcom.com) of Mark/Space Softworks reports
that they have a new product, PageNOW! which can be used to send
messages from a Mac to a Newton with MessageCard.  It is
scriptable, so you can use it to automate the sending of all
sorts of information, and it also can send messages larger than
the MobilComm limit of 240 chars.
    Mark/Space Softworks has a demo version at ftp.netcom.com in
pub/mspace/testing.
    You can also contact them at 408.293.7299.
    
MUST READS!
-----------
* _Intelligent Newton Magazine_, September/October 1994. 
    New shareware reviewed: NewtonMail Extensions Modules, Tibbott's
Bookcase, BooksOff, NewtCase, TimeCalc, BeamMeUp, End n' Back,
OnSet, PEC Business Japanese Lessons, Guitar Tuner, and Isaac.
    Major articles discuss: Newton at 1: Alive and Kicking; Vertical
Applications: A Review of Three; Newton Book Maker: Custom Data
on Demand; Q&A; and Al Roker of NBC's Today Show is a Newton
user!
    Commercial products reviewed: LetterExpress, LetterExpress Link,
Tapworks, Money Magazine Financial Assistant, Connection Kit for
Windows 2.0,  QuickFigure Pro, Scrappy, Chesspad, Subversion,
Auto Adapter & X-Pack, CS Browser, Newton Data Viewer,
Programming for the Newton, FirstClass Retriever, CE Software's
EnRoute, Time Out London Guide, Berlitz Five Language
Interpreter, Message Central, DietLog, TimeToGo/WakeUp!,
Motile/Cogio, and Gold Tee at Bighorn.
    Also, make sure you check out "Just In" on page 17 for the
latest scoops! And "Extras" on page 12-13 for the latest trends!
    Contact IN Magazine at (inmagazine1@eworld.com) or
415.433.2755.
    
* _PIE Developers_, Volume 2.5, September 1994 
    Reviews on: FilePad, Digital Ocean Grouper 100MP, newPage,
NewRTFM, QuickFigure Pro, Gulliver, and ScriptLink.
    Mark Wilson (markn@well.com) has a regular column called
"Wireless Watch." Topics discussed in this column include:
Motorola Envoy, AT&T EO, CDPD Update, FCC auction of the
airwaves, and Lotus Notes/Skytel wireless gateway debut.
    Articles on: Getting Objective: thoroughly object-oriented
NewtonScript; Building the Perfect Beast IV; Newton and the
PowerOffHandler; Patching the System; FCS: Classification and
Retrieval; Newton Dating: modifying the Date Book; Scrolling
Madness; and The Newton Operating System: Secret Internals of the
Newton OS.
    Check out the "PDA News" starting on page 2 for the latest
tidbits.
    Contact Steve Mann at 415.621.4252, 415.621.4922(fax) or email
at (cds@netcom.com).
          
* _Pen Computing_, September 20, 1994. 
    This issue is out. I will detail it next week. There is a ton
of information in this one, including a fair share of way cool
Newton articles, ads, and reviews. Contact Nigel Ballard
(Nigel@dataman.demon.co.uk) if you'd like to get subscription
information.
            
Edupage 9/25/94
---------------
* SEIKO'S DICK TRACY WRISTWATCH
    Seiko Corp. will develop a global paging service to deliver
electronic messages and other data to subscribers' wristwatch
receivers. The two-way wrist radios can receive messages of up to
16 characters, and Seiko plans to expand its service to 20 U.S.
cities by the end of next year, and to 50 by the end of 1996. The
watches cost about $80 and service runs about $6.95 a month.
(Information Week 9/26/94 p.18)
    
* MOSAIC AND MARKETING GO HAND-IN-HAND
    In the past two years, Mosaic has become "the single most
important factor in commercialization of the Internet," according
to Internet architect Vinton Cerf. With the help of Mosaic and
the World Wide Web, Internet commerce "could easily hit more than
$100 million" by the end of 1995, says the editor of the Internet
Business Report. Mosaic now claims about one million users, and
more than 10 companies are licensed to develop commercial
versions of the glitzy software. (Wall Street Journal 9/23/94
B2)
    
* MOSAIC'S DETRACTORS FEAR LOSS OF CONTROL
    Meanwhile, Mosaic's detractors say the program puts too much
control in the hands of readers at the expense of publishers of
electronic journals and newspapers. Editors can never be sure
that the layout they design will look the same on every reader's
screen, because the program can be individually configured to
display different fonts and sizes. This causes particular
problems for newspaper editors, who have spent their careers
worrying about headline sizes and what stories to place "above
the fold." (Internet World 10/94 p.81)
    
* IP AGENDA
    The Internet Protocol next-generation group has worked out the
details for the next iteration of IP, called IPv6: addressing
space will expand from 4 to 16 bytes, to ease the Internet's
impending address crunch; user authentication will assure
receivers that a given IP packet comes from the source it claims;
an autoconfiguration feature will simplify the translation
between the 48-bit MAC addresses used by Ethernet and token ring
networks and 32-bit IP addresses; and a 28-bit flow label will
flag packets carrying delay-sensitive data such as audio and
video. (Data Communications 9/94 p.16)
    
* CELLULAR PHONE FRAUD
    Cellular phone fraud has become a serious national problem. A
thief with a scanner and a computer can intercept a caller's
phone number ID number and use them to program computer chips
into "cloned" cellular phones that will make unauthorized
telephone calls appear on a victim's bill. (USA Today 9/23/94
4A)

MacWeek, 09.26.94
-----------------
* PALM DRAMATICALLY INCREASES HANDWRITING RECOGNITION
    Palm Computing (415.949.9560) is preparing to release a
handwriting program that promises to give PDA users great
recognition on their pen strokes.
    The program, Graffiti, is a "letter-by-letter recognition
system." All of the recognition is done using 83 distinct shapes
that are "formed by single strokes." There is also a diagram for
this article that demonstrates the strokes.
    Graffiti will work with all of the internal Newton applications 
and with the majority of 3rd party programs.
    You can also contact (dg@plam.com) for more information. [starts
on p. 18, continued on p. 20]
        
* ROM UPGRADE GETS PRICE REDUCTION
    Apple has reduced the version 1.3 MP ROM upgrade from $99 to
$69.95. Phone 800.767.2775 for information.
    
* PAPERBACK MAKES IT TO THE BIG TIME
    There is a blurb on David Fedor's (fedor@mcs.com) PaperBack 1.0.2
application.  PaperBack, one of the killer Newton apps, creates
pseudo-Newton Books out of text files.  There is a version for the
Macintosh and for Windows.  The .pkg created needs to be downloaded 
to the Newton with NCK.
    
* NEWTON PROGRAMMING BOOK
    Julie McKeehan and Neil Rhodes have a Newton programming book
that includes a demo copy of the Newton Toolkit for $29.95.  The
demo is fully functional, except you can't create Newton Books or
publish applications created using the demo.  For ordering
information call 800.313.1277 or email (app@acad.com).
        
* MORE MEDICAL BOOKS
    ERLI has published "W.W. Norton's Little Black Book of Primary
care Pearls and References" and "Current Clinical Strategies" in
Newton Book format. Each are priced at $25.  You can contact
800.575.3754 or send email to (erli@metronet.com).
    
* GULLIVER GETS UPGRADE
    True North, the publisher of Gulliver, have updated their 
Newton application to version 1.2.  Gulliver is travel ad expense
manager. It is priced at $95 on floppy disk or $135 on a 1MB
PCMCIA ROM card.  They can be reached at 800.881.7256 or send
email to (truenorth@eworld.com).
    
* PDA MARKET IS EXPECTED TO GROW
    Two companies, BIS Strategic Decisions and Forrester Research,
both predict "rapid market expansion for PDAs."  The market could
top $1 billion by 1999, but Apple's market share currently at
75.8% will be dropping.  Even with wide spread Newton OS on other
companies units, but Apple is suppose to continue to be the
leader, even when Microsoft's WinPad comes to market.  The two
potential items to push this growth are: lower connectivity
costs, and/or integration with the desktop.  The price per unit
is also expected to drop to a level around $300.  There are
several good graphics and data in the article. [starts on p. 18,
continued on p. 20]

PC Week, Sept. 26, 1994
-----------------------
* NEW PCMCIA SPECS ON HORIZON
    Some new standards on PCMCIA cards will be finalized soon. Some
of the reported features include: multifunction cards, 3.3-volt
cards, DMA in cards and sockets, 32-bit bus based on PCI, and
wireless card standards. [starts on p.1, continued on p. 139]
    
* SEIKO'S MESSAGEWATCH
    NewtNews mentioned these last week, but PC Week has a picture
with an article that starts on page 53 and is continued on page
56.
    The network to support MessageWatch is called Active. It will
offer one-way communications at up to 19.2Kbps.
    The chip set is called Actt, and is extremely small. It uses
FM to communicate. The latest set of Actt can run for nearly
three years on a 3 volt battery watch with continuous scanning
for signals.
    
* WAYFAVER CONNECTS NEWTON WITH NT
    This is another article we have already covered. But to see
it finally mentioned in PCWeek was nice.  The product by Wayfarer
allows a Newton to be a front end to a NT based client/server
system.  The network protocol supported is TCP/IP. The database
system is based on SQL Server. The system also allows for
Newton's to communicate among themselves or to received email
from LAN based clients using Microsoft's Messaging API. Other
protocols and transports are expected to be supportable.  The end
cost could be $10,000 per Newton. You can reach Wayfarer at
415.903.1720. [starts on p. 53, continued on p. 56]
    
InfoWorld, September 26, 1994
-----------------------------
* 1ST MAGIC CAP PRODUCT OUT THIS WEEK
    It appears that Sony is ready to release their Magic Cap based
PDA called Magic Link this week.  It will be priced at $950
(street price of $700).  It connects to AT&T's PersonalLink
network service offering "smart" email.  This device does not
have built-in wireless comms.
    PersonalLink will be $9.95 for unlimited use and 50 cents per
fax page. More functionality of online services will follow as
developers exploit General Magic's TeleScript, which enables
"agents."
    Several packages are available for Magic Link. These include:
Pocket Quicken, Graffiti, PenCell spreadsheet, an airline guide,
and pager software. [p. 5]

* NEW POWERPC CHIP
    IBM and Motorola have begun to release the nitty-gritty on the
PowerPC 620 chip. It will by 64-bit, run 150MHz internally, run
75MHz externally, a SPECint92 rating of 200, ability to execute 6
instructions per clock cycle, and have a 64KB cache. The first
prototypes will be done in October 1994, and volume production is
scheduled for 1995.
    Also, the PowerPC 604 chip will be out Q4, 1994, have a 32KB
cache and will run at 100MHz. This chip as a SPECint92 rating of
160.
    
* WIRELESS TO GET BOOST
    The AT&T and McCaw merger should begin to provide fruit to
wireless users as soon as early 1995.  All wireless operations
within the merger will be consolidated into AT&T Wireless
services. You will be able to do desktop paging, email paging,
and use AT&T True Connections 500 service for voice mail. [p. 8]
    
* SIMON SAYS "PDA OR PHONE"
    Yvonne Lee has an test drive article about BellSouth Cellular's
Simon - a combination of PDA and cellular phone only available
in their area.
    There is no handwriting recognition in Simon but you do use
a pen to move around.  The Simon is also not very fast. Yvonne 
reported that when she called a friend and got the answering
machine, she attempted to get a phone number out of the notepad
and by the time she got it the answering machine had already
hungup.
    The battery time for Simon being on was about 4 hours per
recharge. The Simon must be left on to get pages or phone calls.
    You can call 800.746.6672 for more information.
    
* ALSOP COMMENTS ON GRAFFITI
    Stewart Alsop (stewart_alsop@infoworld.com) talks a little about
Graffiti, the new software package from Palm Computing, that
gives users the potential for 100% recognition.
    Graffiti requires users to learn a new way of writing letters.
By modification of writers handwriting, with Graffiti you can get
nearly typing speeds with great recognition.
    Stewart says that Palm says that you can be functional with
Graffiti in 20 minutes and you can be proficient in 2 hours.
    Graffiti will be available on the Newton, Zoomer, and
Magic Cap machines. [p. 130]
    
Network World, September 26, 1994
---------------------------------
* MORE GENERAL MAGIC INFORMATION
    The press release on this one went long and far. Joanie Wexler
has a review on page 6.  If you are going to be a Sony Magic Link
user you will have access to AT&T's PersonalLink, which will
allow you to create agents to search and retrieve information.
        
The HiTek Report, September 26, 1994
------------------------------------
* PUT YOUR JOHN HANCOCK IN YOUR COMPUTER!
    WOONSOCKET, R.I. - Sept. 22, 1994 - Computer-based faxing is
an explosive growth area in today's personal computer
marketplace, but there's just one problem: there is no way to
"sign" these electronic documents. Until now.
    Rhode Island Soft Systems (RISS) announces a new service for
Microsoft Windows users: TrueType Signature Fonts. RISS can
create a scalable TrueType font of a customer's individual
signature. The signature is used like any other font and can
easily be incorporated into computerized faxing, mail mergers and
form letters, offering considerable time savings. info: tel.
800/959-RISS [#1210]

* NEW SMALLER DRIVES ON THE MARKET
    SAN JOSE, Calif. - Sept. 19, 1994 - Areal Technology Monday
announced the introduction of four new high-capacity disk drives
for notebook and sub-notebook computers.
    The four drives, the A175, A345, A520 and A700, are the
thinnest, lightest and shortest drives on the market. info: tel.
408/436-6800 [#1195]
    
Edupage 9/27/94
---------------
AT&T LAUNCHES ELECTRONIC AGENTS
    AT&T is launching a nationwide network enabling ordinary people
to send electronic servants scurrying through cyberspace using
Telescript software. Sony Corp. is providing a hand-held
communicator to deploy agents on PersonaLink. The service will
initially target marketing efforts at TOMPs -- technologically
optimistic mobile professionals. (Wall Street Journal 9/27/94
A1)
    
MacWorld, November 1994
-----------------------
* OLE AND OPENDOC PREPARE TO BATTLE
    Adrian Mello has an pretty good look at the OpenDoc vs. OLE
battle that is currently going on, and what it means to the
computer users. [starts on p. 19, continued on p. 20]
    Then Galen Gruman does an indepth look at the technologies and
current state of software. [p. 96-100]
    
* MORE DEFENDERS OF THE NEWTON
    Both Mike Mitchel from AOL and Joe Sciamma from CompuServe have
letters to the editor defending the Newton from the attacks
levyed by Dan Muse in the August 1994 review of the MP110. Way to
go guys! NewtNews salutes you. [p. 26]
    
* YOU CAN GET GRAFFITI
    The software is suppose to be shipping for the Newton any day
now. It is suppose to cost $79. Unfortunately the number in
MacWorld is a fax number so NewtNews could not verify this. [p.
33]
    
* NEWTON APPS MAKE IT WORTHWHILE
    David Pogue takes a long look at the Newton because the software
is written with the motto "Do one thing very well." Macintosh
programmers could take a lesson from the current excellent
products by Newton programmers.  He reviews: TimeReporter 1.1,
Expense Plus 1.0.1, MobileCalc 1.0.3, QuickFigure 2.0.1,
Accountable 1.0.3, PocketMoney 1.0.2, Tapworks, and Gulliver
1.2.2. [p. 157 - 158, continues 160]
        
* LEVY GIVES YOU HIS BOTTOM LINE ON EWORLD
    Steven Levy does a review of his impression of eWorld. Check
it out if you are thinking about making the jump. [p. 163 - 166]
        
Product and Service Information
-------------------------------
* Special Newton Classic special offer.  Mention "Newton_News" 
and I will discount to $245 (includes shipping in US) - 
normally $259.  VISA/MC accepted. E-mail: Mike Rybinski 
(p00383@psilink.com) or call/fax for details 703.644.4516: 
MR Associates Int.
        
* Special Newton Software Offer. Mention "Newton_News" and we will 
give you $5 off any Coherent Visual software product! Available: 
Rahmel Utilities for Newton, Common Words, and Spanish FlashCards.
VISA/MC accepted. E-mail: Coherent Visual (cvisual@cerf.net) or 
call/fax for FREE catalog 619-944-8973, fax: 619-944-8522. 

* Mention "Newton_News" when ordering Clear Lake Research's
ChessPad and receive a 25% discount off the SRP of $69.95.
ChessPad is a combination of a digital chess book and a portable
chess set. It contains 28 annotated games from the greatest
players of all time and 100 chess problems. Demos on AOL, eWorld,
and CompuServe. Phone: 713.663.7513; email: (DavidL62@AOL.COM).

* BBS in a Box, by the Arizona Mac Users Group, is a Macintosh CD
which also contains Newton files - over 270 files (11 megs
compressed). There is also an ISO version which can be mounted on
a PC. Newton_News readers can get the CD for $45 plus shipping.
E-mail (ashley@amug.org) or call 602.553.0066.

* QuickFigure Pro Gives You the Power of Visualization:
QuickFigure Pro is the ONLY Newton spreadsheet which allows you
to create graphs and charts directly from your spreadsheet data.
Create line, bar, and pie charts, and then print and fax them.
From PelicanWare, Inc., $39 plus S&H. Email (donv@teleport.com)
for more details, or 800.655.6398 for ordering. 
  
* The WEDGE, a desk stand for your PDA and pen. Features: holds your
PDA at a convenient working  angle, keeps your pen handy, sleek
lines,  made of durable clear Lucite, inexpensive.  For more
information: Email: (Mellow.S@eworld.com) Call: 800.882.8382; Fax:
505.662.2752. [$15.95 + $4 S&H]

* The BARRIER, screen protection system engineered specifically for
the Newton Message Pads. Features: long life, glare reduction,
improved writing surface, no adhesives, easy installation. For
more information: Email: (Mellow.S@eworld.com) Call: 800.882.8382;
Fax: 505.662.2752. Package of 4 ($21.95 + $2.50 S&H)

* WriteWare offers multi-function pen/styluses, and retrofits 
for the Newton. The Stealth Stylus II is a dual function
Pen/Stylus while the Super Stealth Stylus is a Pen/Stylus/Pencil
in either plastic or metal case. Email (WriteWare@eWorld.com) for
a full catalog and pricing. Orders may be placed at International
DataWares, Inc. at 800.222.6032.

* PDA Panache has fine styli available for both the Original MP
and MP110.  Our Telescoping110 pen is available in either 24K
gold or sterling silver for $29.95.  Original MP styli are
available in aluminum for $9.95 or gold (polished or brushed) for
$19.95. We can be reached for Visa/MasterCard orders at:
800.270.7196, FAX:516-467-6329 or email (PDAPanache@eworld.com)

Comments from the Editor
------------------------
* NEWTON INFORMATION KEEPS ON FLOWING
    Like every week, there just seems to be a ton of information
on the Newton floating around.  I unfortunately was unable to
spend much time online this week because of my work schedule. I
hope I didn't miss much.  If you saw something cool about the
Newton online, please let me know.
    
* STILL COLLECTING SCREEN PROTECTOR FEEDBACK
    Thanks to everyone that has been sending me tidbits about their
impressions on screen protectors.  On the down side, I don't
think many people are successfully using them, because I have
been getting a lot of negative responses. If you like your screen
protector, please let me know so I can balance out my review.
    
* SCHEDULE IS REALLY NEAT
    I finally had a need to use Assist's Schedule during the week.  I
made a note in the Notepad and then selected the time I wrote and
used Assist's Schedule.  It works like a charm.  Very slick.
Another great function! My Newton can really make me smile some
days.
    
* WHO WHERE THE FIVE APPLE FELLOWS?
    Last week, deep in the blurb about Steve Capps I asked who the
other four Apple Fellows were. No one answered.  The reason for this 
I think is because I wasn't direct enough. So the first three people
with the correct answer, can become an official NewtNews WWW beta
testers.
    
* WWW SITE GETTING READY FOR PRIME TIME
    I am still busy at work on the World Wide Web (WWW) for NewtNews.
Things are working out good, just some minor details to work
out.  I hope to have it up and running sometime by the middle of
October.
    
Administrivia
-------------
If you'd like to contribute some information that you have -- 
anonymously or not -- write to: sholden@nosc.mil (Steve Holden)
You can also send any comments, corrections, reviews, or 
suggestions to the address above. 
 
Non-profit, non-commercial publications may reprint articles if
full credit is given. Others please contact me. I don't guarantee
accuracy of articles. Publication, product, and company names 
may be registered trademarks of their companies. TidBITS is 
copyright 1990-1994 Adam & Tonya Engst (ace@tidbits.com).

Use Easy View or any other setext browser to read this as an 
outline. 

The Newton book version of NewtNews is being published by 
Steve Shannon (steve@cd-rom.com).

You can anonymously FTP the latest and past issues of NewtNews 
in both text and Macintosh Newton book format from ftp.netcom.com 
in the /pub/btorres/Newton_News directory.
 
This is the official home of NewtNews. There is also a very
useful document in this directory called NewtNews_Info.txt. 
Please read it. It will tell you about the email listserver and
other important information.  The FTP site is administered by 
Bob Torres (btorres@netcom.com). 

You can also find Newton_News, in both Macintosh and Windows
Newton Book format, if you anonymous FTP to newton.uiowa.edu
and try either the /pub/newton/misc/Newton_News or /submissions
directory.

Disclaimer:  I am doing this on my own time, and on my own computer 
***********  not the government's or my employer's.
