
NewtNews-130-11Feb97
====================

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:

 + PDA Panache is your single source for stylus solutions - ORDERS:
   800.270.7196 - FAX: 516.467.6329 - <http://www.pdapanache.com>

 + WinSlurp from Rare White Tiger Creations - Available via WWW at:
   <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/heringermr/winslurp.htm>.

 + 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>

 + TeleType GPS and moving map for the Newton - Never get lost again -
   <http://www.teletype.com/gps/> - <TeleTypeGPS@teletype.com>

 + INFORMED FILLER FOR NEWTON - Custom Electronic Forms Integrated With
   Your Desktop - Shana Corp - <info@shana.com> - <http://www.shana.com>

 + 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>

 + 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. Information from Email
 3. Information from the Internet
 4. Review of Top Weekly Magazine Headlines
 5. Top Weekly Magazine Stories Of Interest
 6. Other PDA News
 7. Edupage, 03Feb96 thru 09Feb97
 8. INNOVATION, 03FEB97
 9. Dear Newton Developer
10. Other Sources of Information
11. News Agent Summary
12. Advertising Notes
13. Product and Service Information
14. Guest Opinions
15. Comments from the Editor
16. Administrivia


Top News
--------

** A MESSAGE FROM THE NEWTON SYSTEMS GROUP **

[EDITOR: I forwarded the actual message to the NewtNews listserver and
many of you who subscribe via email were already able to read the
complete message.]

Mr. Sandy Benett, Vice President, Newton Systems Group sent out a message
late last week on Friday, 07Feb97 to Newton Developers and Customers.  In
summary:

    - Apple is not shutting-down the Newton division
    - Apple is committed to their current products and
      to their developers and customers who have
      supported these products
    - Apple will ship the MP2K and the eMate 300
    - Apple's Newton continues to participate in
      industry events: Demo '97, HIMMS, MacWorld Tokyo,
      FETC, and CEBIT
    - Apple has a complete line of print advertising
      already scheduled for the eMate 300 in education
      publications, and MP2K ads in Mac, Windows, and
      other tech industry magazines
    - Apple plans to continue to revamp their Newton
      website
    - Development of future Newton-based products has
      not stopped.

To read the complete text of the message check out the following Apple
site at: <http://www.newton.apple.com/newton/message_Feb.7.97.html>.

[EDITOR: If you are attending any of the above conferences please let me
know.   I'd like to find some attendees to send NewtNews reports about
what is going on at these shows.]

** GETTING YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE NEWTON TO APPLE **

John Catlin <john@theonly.com> & Edward Martin <Edmartin@marsoftware.com>
both suggest that those interested in letting Apple management know about
your Newton opinions, should do so, by send a specific and brief email
message to: <webmaster@newton.apple.com>. [EDITOR: Please do not spam
this address.]

MacCentral (an excellent daily Macintosh ezine) was running a Newton poll
last week at: <http://www.maccentral.com/news/0297/feb05.shtml#vote>.  In
summary, 2416 people voted, with 62% wanting to keep the Newton at Apple
with little overt changes; 17.6% wanted Apple to make a much smaller
Newton (thus changing the focus of the current group); 18% wanted Apple
to try to move the Newton technology to third-parties; and 2.4% wanted
Apple to discontinue the Newton completely.  You can check out the
complete results via the following URL:
<http://www.maccentral.com/news/0297/feb10.shtml>.

** NCU 1.0 BETA 5 POSTED **

Debra Kuck <newton@web-quest.com> reports that you should be able to find
very soon the Macintosh and Windows versions of Newton Connection Utility
1.0 beta 5 at: <http://newton.info.apple.com/newton/solutions/ncu.html>.
Bug reports, comments, etc. ... should be sent to the following email
account: <newton@web-quest.com>.

** VT100 AND TELNET BETA TESTING **

As we go to press, we have learned of a new open beta of a Newton 2.0
VT100 and Telent (using NIE) client.  You can get more information at:
<http://www.scrawlsoft.com>.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

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


Information from Email
----------------------

** CDW TAKING MP2K ORDERS **

O'Grady's Power Page <http://www.ogrady.com/> reports that Newton vendor
CDW <http://www.cdw.com/> is offering a 'special offer' to PowerPage
readers who want to pre-order MessagePad 2000s.  For more information
call Bruce Modell at: 800-400-4239 x.8219 or email him at:
<BRUCMOD@cdw.com>. [EDITOR:  I conversed with Bruce over email last week.
He said that we would give NewtNews readers the same deal.]

** CLUBPDA LIST SERVER ANNOUNCEMENT **

Jarrod McKitterick <JARRODM@pacbus.com> reports that ClubPDA is now
running a list-server to keep people informed of the latest in the PDA
world.  This is expected to be a low traffic list with less than 10
messages a week.  The messages will include product announcements,
product information, product availability, and ClubPDA special deals on
products related to: Apple Newton, US Robotics Pilot, Sony MagicLink,
Sharp Zaurus, Psion, and Windows CE (Casio, Compaq, HP, NEC, and
Philips).  For more information check out: <http://www.clubpda.com/>.

** EXPLORE AZERBAIJAN WITH YOUR NEWTON **

Jeff Iverson <j5rson@prairie.lakes.com> has announced a new
'HyperTextBook' for the Newton called "Explore Azerbaijan with your
Newton."  Azerbaijan, a republic in the Transcaucasus region of western
Asia, is bordered on the north by Russia, on the northwest by Georgia, on
the east by the Caspian Sea, on the south by Iran, and on the west by
Armenia. Formerly a republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
(USSR), the republic includes the regions known under the Soviets as the
Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Soviet
Socialist Republic (ASSR), which is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan
by a mountainous strip in Armenia.  This book is US$19 shareware.  For
more info: <http://prairie.lakes.com/~j5rson/business/ebooks.html>.

** FORMIT RELEASED **

Chris Heimark <CHeSSy@webleap.com> reports the official release of FormIt
for Newton & Macintosh.  This system was designed to let a Newton user
design a stationary form for data collection and to allow for easy data
upload to a Macintosh desktop system (a Windows version should be
completed by May97).  You can get more information about this product
via: <http://www.webleap.com>.

** NEWTON RUMORS **

Don Crabb's Gossip of the Day for 04Feb97 focused on the then latest news
about Apple.  The blurb did have several Newton mentions.  Don did go out
on a limb and say the Newton division would be sold sometime this week
(10-16Feb97).  For more info check out: <http://www.tipworld.com>.

It should also be noted that Lee Gomes, staff reporter for The Wall Street
Journal also had an article with Newton mentions on 05Feb97.  The article
was called "Apple Unveils Reorganization, But Analysts Are Unimpressed"
and the Newton mention was again linked to Apple "studying the sale of
its slow-selling Newton hand-held computer."

** MP2K PART OF CONCEPT CAR **

There is a very interesting MP2K mention being circulated by the PR
Newswire and an article in reference to this 'unique' use of an MP2K in
the March 1997 Car & Driver on page 27.  Ford Motor Company's new Mercury
L'Attitude  -- a new concept family wagon with many sport utility aspects
was recently featured at the 1997 Chicago Auto Show.  One of many new
cutting edge innovations is the integration of a "portable Apple Newton
MessagePad 2000 computer housed in the front console."  This enables the
L'Attitude to be email, fax, and Internet ready along with being able to
access maps, routes, and trip logging.  Since the MP2K is mobile a
"driver [can stay] in touch [while doing] activities such as hiking and
camping."

[EDITOR:  Thanks to Mark Khoury <mark_k@netcom.ca> for the pointer to the
Car & Driver Newton mention.]

** NEW SUBMARINE GAME! **

Bob Verduzco <bob@iambic.com> has announced the version 1.0 release of a
new game for the Newton called Sub Patrol by iambic Software.  In Sub
Patrol you command one of three surface ships, two destroyers or a patrol
boat. An increasingly aggressive enemy traverses the waters beneath your
ship launching torpedoes to the surface.  Accumulate points by sinking
enemy subs and progress through higher levels of difficulty where you
accumulate more weapons.  For a limited time you can order Sub Patrol for
a special price of US$$29.95 and get free shipping and handling.  For
more information or to order check out: <http://www.iambic.com>.

** NEWTON NEWS FROM RUSSIA **

Alexander Fuzeev <fuzeev@maccentre.ru> reported some recent news from the
Russian company MacCentre.  They have a new Newton KeyPlug Lite that lets
you connect a low energy consumption keyboards (ie. Cherry keyboard) and
Newton KeyPlug Pro for connection to standard IBM-compatible keyboards.
Another unique built-in NotePad dictionary of Russian-English idioms
dictionary for doing business correspondence.  For more information check
out: <http://www.newton.ru>.

** NEWTON USED IN WILDLIFE TRACKING **

Etienne Posthumus <EtienneP@sni.co.za> reports that there was a recent
South African national television program called 'Carte Blanche' that
examined a wildlife tracking project used in the Karoo desert.  This
project uses Newtons to track animals using software that was developed
by the Computer Science Department at the University of Cape Town.  The
interface on the Newton is so 'good' that even 'illiterate Bushmen
trackers' can use the system.  For more information about the actual
Newton project check out the following World Wide Web site at:
<http://www.cs.uct.ac.za/~jedge/html/project/TrackFrames.html>.  For more
information about the TV program please checkout the following site at:
<http://www.mnet.co.za/carteblanche/main.html>, and choose 'The
Programme' then 'The Week That Was' and finally look at 'Hi-Tech Tracker'.

** NEW VERSION OF NT PROJECT POSTED **

Tom Unkefer <nomadict@ix.netcom.com> reports that the latest beta of NT
Project version 1.0b2 for the Newton is now available on the Nomadic
Technologies WWW page at: <http://www.nomadict.com>.  NT Project is a new
complete project management and scheduling solution.

** MEDICAL APPLICATION UPDATED **

Rick Adams <jradams@kagi.com> reports that JRAd Consulting has released a
free update to Palmedic, version 1.1 -- a patient management software
package.  This software is ideal for the medical student who wishes to
remain organized on rounds.  A demo version of Palmedic has been posted
to: <http://marlin.utmb.edu/~jradams/>.  It should be noted, that if you
are a full time student, you can purchase the software direct from Rick
for a 20% discount.

** NEW MEDICAL REFERENCE PRODUCT **

K2 Consultants <k2@skyscape.com> and Mosby-Year Book have announced a new
medical product called Ferri -- an ART compatible medical reference of
"The Practical Guide to the Medical Patient" by Ferri.  ART references
'books' offer: advanced compression, graphing, graphics, searching,
hypertext links, and extensive table of contents.  The SRP is US$60 or
US$89.95 bundled with Archimedes Medical Calculator.  To order check out:
<http://www.1stopsoft.com/newmed.htm>.

** JAPANESE NEWTON SHOP IN THE RIGHT LOCATION **

Bob Kawaratani <bobk@gol.com> took the information about the new Newton
Shop's location in last weeks NewtNews and visited the new store in the
Shinjuku area.  Bob report that the store is pretty small, but it is in a
great location with the following stores: Yodobashi Camera, Softmap, and
T-Zone close by.  It is also well stocked with Newton software and
accessories "attractively displayed."

** WHICH HANDHELD COMPUTER IS BEST? **

Ziff-Davis magazines has announced a new review of 'six leading of the
newest PDAs' including Windows CE machines via the following URL:
<http://www5.zdnet.com/products/content/grids/handheld.html>.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  GET AMIGO NOW!  Did you know you can order AMIGO the premier 8000+ word
  English/Spanish Dictionary Reference Tool and Translation program for
  the Newton over the Web at: <http://www.unboxed.com>?   Did you know
  that the price online is $5 less than the snail mail price and it comes
  with a full year of upgrades?  Don't delay, this Fall there will be a
  new version and a price increase.  More info: ACCSYS <rkaplan@well.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Information from the Internet
-----------------------------

** ASTRONOMICAL TIME UTILITY **

Richard Parker <rwp@primenet.com> has announced the version 1.0 release
of Sidereal -- a Newton utility that automatically computes and displays
the local mean sidereal (astronomical) time based upon the home location
that is set in the Time Zones application, and the time from the Newton's
internal clock.  This utility is US$5 shareware.  For more information
check out: <http://www.primenet.com/~rwp/rezco/index.html>.

** SUPER HERO CREATION TOOL **

Richard Parker <rwp@primenet.com> also recently announced the version 1.0
release of Champions -- a Newton 2.0 utility that assists in the
onerous process of creating characters for the Hero System Champions
role-playing game system.  This utility is freeware.  For more info check
out: <http://www.primenet.com/~rwp/rezco/index.html>.

** BUTTON BAR ARTICLE AVAILABLE FOR FTP **

Mike Engber <engber@apple.com> suggests that those Newton developers who
would like to learn more information about the new Newton 2.1 button bar
and screen orientations check out the following document recently posted
at: <ftp://ftp.apple.com/pub/engber/newt/articles/BehindBars.rtf>.

** UPDATE ON FREE NEWTON SOUNDS **

Robert Bruce <rbruce@tactile.com> reports that many Web browser folks had
problems downloading the free sounds posted to Tactile Systems WWW pages
last week.  The following pointer should work better:
<http://rainbow.rmi.net/~rbruce/tactile/sounds.html>.

** NEWTON RESEARCH PROJECT UPDATED **

Mike Pinkerton <mpinkert@cc.gatech.edu> has updated his thesis pages that
are now called LlamaShare -- a project that makes use of several key
Apple technologies (OpenDoc and Newtons) in studying the user-interfaces
(UI) and applications for using information stored on mobile devices in
desktop environments.  For more information, including several screen
shots, check out: <http://www.cc.gatech.edu/fce/llamashare/index.html>.

** MODERATOR FOR COMP.SYS.NEWTON.MISC **

Mike Nowak <mnowak@umich.edu> has announced that the new moderator of the
USENET newsgroup comp.sys.newton.announce will be Michael Kaufman who is
currently moderator of two other groups comp.sys.psion.announce and
comp.sys.psion.reviews.  If you'd like to make a submission please send
your message to: <psion@acm.org>.  Admin requests can be forwarded
directly to: <kaufman@mcs.com>.

** MORE UPDATES FROM SERG KOREN **

Serg Koren <archimag@netaxs.com> has recently released:

    - Newt'sPaper 02/09/97-1:
      <http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/NewtsPaper.html>
    - Newt'sWeather 02/09/97-1
      <http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/NewtsWeather.html>
    - open beta on Newt'sBrot:
      <http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/NewtsBrot.html>

The first product, Newt'sPaper, is a full fledged NNTP newsreader for the
Newton for those running Newton Internet Enabler (NIE) on their Newton.
This new version has several bug fixes and the first release of the
Newt'sPaper electronic book manual.

Newt'sWeather, the second product listed above, is a NIE enabled weather
report client that has a host of cities pre-programmed in it for easy
access.  This version adds support for major cities in Europe, Asia,
Africa, and Australia.

The third product released is the US$15 shareware Newt'sBrot 1.0 -- a
Mandelbrot fractal analysis application that is ideal for studying
fractal mathematics and for generating digital images.

** NEWTON REFERENCE, VOL. 3  UPDATED **

Clay Irving <clay@panix.com> reports the latest release of Volume 3 of
the Newton Reference via: <http://www.panix.com/~clay/newton/>.  This
version is now database-enabled and has an improved reference links for
information about the MP120, MP130, and the MP2K.

** AVAILABILITY OF THE EMATE?!? **

Several posts from several different Newton developers on the USENET
newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc seem to confirmed the news that initially
the availability of the eMate 300 will be restricted to those in the
Education Channel.  It appears that 'parents' wishing to purchase an
eMate for their child may be able to do so via the school's Apple sales
representative.

** SNUG POINTER **

Stanford Newton User Group <snug@pobox.com> reminds NewtNews readers that
they meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.  Their next meetings
will be 11Feb97 and 25Feb97.  The location for the meeting is:

    Printer's Inc Bookstore Cafe
    310 California Ave
    Palo Alto, California

For more information check out: <http://pobox.com/~snug/>.

** SOLVED -- NIE 1.1 CONNECTION TO LANROVER **

Joel Dunn <joel_dunn@unc.edu> reported on comp.sys.newton.misc that he
recently got NIE 1.1, GoFetch, and the Shiva LanRover to work together
using PAP/CHAP.  If you are having similar problems using the above
hardware, send J

** NEW VERSION OF NT PROJECT POSTED **

Tom Unkefer <nomadict@ix.netcom.com> reports that the latest beta of NT
Project version 1.0b2 for the Newton is now available on the Nomadic
Technologies WWW page at: <http://www.nomadict.com>.  NT Project is a new
complete project management and scheduling solution.

** MEDICAL APPLICATION UPDATED **

Rick Adams <jradams@kagi.com> reports that JRAd Consulting has released a
free update to Palmedic, version 1.1 -- a patient management software
package.  This software is ideal for the medical student who wishes to
remain organized on rounds.  A demo version of Palmedic has been posted
to: <http://marlin.utmb.edu/~jradams/>.  It should be noted, that if you
are a full time student, you can purchase the software direct from Rick
for a 20% discount.

** NEW MEDICAL REFERENCE PRODUCT **

K2 Consultants <k2@skyscape.com> and Mosby-Year Book have announced a new
medical product called Ferri -- an ART compatible medical reference of
"The Practical Guide to the Medical Patient" by Ferri.  ART references
'books' offer: advanced compression, graphing, graphics, searching,
hypertext links, and extensive table of contents.  The SRP is US$60 or
US$89.95 bundled with Archimedes Medical Calculator.  To order check out:
<http://www.1stopsoft.com/newmed.htm>.

** JAPANESE NEWTON SHOP IN THE RIGHT LOCATION **

Bob Kawaratani <bobk@gol.com> took the information about the new Newton
Shop's location in last weeks NewtNews and visited the new store in the
Shinjuku area.  Bob report that the store is pretty small, but it is in a
great location with the following stores: Yodobashi Camera, Softmap, and
T-Zone close by.  It is also well stocked with Newton software and
accessories "attractively displayed."

** WHICH HANDHELD COMPUTER IS BEST? **

Ziff-Davis magazines has announced a new review of 'six leading of the
newest PDAs' including Windows CE machines via the following URL:
<http://www5.zdnet.com/products/content/grids/handheld.html>.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  GET AMIGO NOW!  Did you know you can order AMIGO the premier 8000+ word
  English/Spanish Dictionary Reference Tool and Translation program for
  the Newton over the Web at: <http://www.unboxed.com>?   Did you know
  that the price online is $5 less than the snail mail price and it comes
  with a full year of upgrades?  Don't delay, this Fall there will be a
  new version and a price increase.  More info: ACCSYS <rkaplan@well.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Information from the Internet
-----------------------------

** ASTRONOMICAL TIME UTILITY **

Richard Parker <rwp@primenet.com> has announced the version 1.0 release
of Sidereal -- a Newton utility that automatically computes and displays
the local mean sidereal (astronomical) time based upon the home location
that is set in the Time Zones application, and the time from the Newton's
internal clock.  This utility is US$5 shareware.  For more information
check out: <http://www.primenet.com/~rwp/rezco/index.html>.

** SUPER HERO CREATION TOOL **

Richard Parker <rwp@primenet.com> also recently announced the version 1.0
release of Champions -- a Newton 2.0 utility that assists in the
onerous process of creating characters for the Hero System Champions
role-playing game system.  This utility is freeware.  For more info check
out: <http:Apple MPs - Mfg Lifetime Guarantee
     4MB $128 (#41071)  8MB $224 (#41073)  10MB $274 (#41074)
   - Revelar Connection Utilities $53.95 - Windows (#10070) Mac OS (#10071)
   - King James Bible for Newton $34.95 (#10260) Archimedes $39.95 (#62030)
   - FreeStyle Handwriting Recognition $39.95 (#10151)
   - MessagePad Wireless Communications Case $73.95 (#31150)
  To receive special pricing please mention source code [#151]
  To order call 800-279-4732 or 219-882-5228 or fax 219-845-0578
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Review of Top Weekly Magazine Headlines
---------------------------------------

** JUST NEWS **

    - Be, Inc. is no longer building BeBox hardware and will
      instead focus all energy on software and OS development
    - Apple to focus on single Power Mac family of products
    - IBM and Motorola plan to have 300-MHz PowerPC chips in
      systems by end of Q2'97

** MAJOR TRENDS **

    - Major laptop players to challenge midrange desktops
    - Digital signatures and certificate technology continues
      to mature
    - Apple, CI Labs, Object Management Group (OMG), and IBM
      offer Sun 'JavaDoc'
    - Intel keeps processor chip prices high as demand increases

** MINOR TRENDS **

    - Total Cost of Ownership (TC0) vs. Total Benefit of
      Ownership (TBO)
    - IBM plans to use Pentium Pro chips only in server
      products
    - NT 4.0 Server woes: security, remote access services
    - SQL standards? -- SQL3 may be fractionalized by vendors

** NOISE **

    - Some ISPs want to offer 'rent' application services
    - Microprocessor shipping date: more pie in the sky?!?
    - 'The Channel' and VARs unhappy with Office 97 pricing

** 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>


Top Weekly Magazine Stories Of Interest
---------------------------------------

** NEW WIRELESS DEVICES **

Mark Moore has an article entitled "Latest Two-Way Devices Widen Wireless
Capabilities: Next generation two-way pagers are pouring the foundation
for electronic commerce of the future" on page 41 of PC Week published on
03Feb97.  Focus: Wireless Access' new US$399 SkyTel-savvy AccessLink
NB-PCS pager <http://www.waccess.com>; and Motorola's not yet released
US$399 PageWriter <http://www.mot.com>.  SkyTel's SkyWriter service costs
US$34.99 for 100 messages <http://www.skytel.com>.

** MORE PAGING NEWS **

Paging Network <http://www.pagenet.com> has recently enabled one-way
email paging for some of their 700,000 alphanumberic pager subscribers.
The service is currently free, is called e-Worx, includes message
filtering, and includes some services with CNN Interactive. [PC Week,
03Feb97, page 84]

RAM Mobile <http://www.ram-wireless.com> has a new two-way 'packet radio'
pager coming soon called Inter@ctive that will includes QWERTY-style
external keyboard.  The device has been co-developed with Intel and
Research in Motion.  [PC Week, 03Feb97, page 84]

April Streeter examines the state of paging with a Mac OS focus on page
29 of MacWeek published on 03Feb97.  The article is called "Alphanumeric
paging poised for big growth."  Products highlighted include: Ex Machina,
Mark/Space Softworks, InfoRad, and Desktop Paging Software.  The article
includes a side-blurb called "Two-way communications try to tango" with a
picture of Russ Eddy at Zydeco Foods using a Newton and talking on a cell
phone.

** WIRELESS NET ANALYSIS **

PC Week published on 03Feb97 has several wireless pointer articles worth
a browse if you are interested.  Paul Korzeniowski <paulkorzen@aol.com>
tackles the subject "Wireless WANs Unfit for Net" on page 71.  An article
called "Buyer's Guide: Wireless LANs are now more promising" by Kristina
Sullivan on page 73.  And there is also a case study by Kristina Sullivan
that focuses on "U.S. Military Stores Get Wireless Charge: WaveLAN brings
flexibility, savings to U.S. Army-Air Force Exchange Service sites" on
page 73.

** WANT TO BE A CELLULAR PROVIDER?!? **

If you are interested in being a cellular provider, time is running out.
There is a picture on page 34 of InfoWorld published on 03Feb97 that
highlights the locations in the United States where cellular licenses are
still available.  The FCC is in the process of auctioning off these Rural
Statistical Area (RSA) licenses at the moment.

** METRICOM TRIES TO GROW **

Ken Presti examines the current 'recruiting effort' by Metricom to sign
up Richochet technology resellers in metropolitan areas on page 1 of
Computer Reseller News published on 03Feb97.  The primary focus appears
to be to partner with corporate VARs and integrators using a product
called Richochet Gateway.  This system integrates several wireless
transceivers and a SPARC-based workstation to handle up to 500
simultaneous LAN connections with no modem bank at speeds between
14.4-28.8-Kbps. It should be noted that Metricom will be facing strong
competition soon from Bill Gates and Craig McCaw's Teledisc Corporation
and RadioMail both of which are using cellular digital packet data
(CDPD).


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
   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>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
   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>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Other PDA News
--------------

[EDITOR: News collected via snail mail, major publications, USENET
newsgroups, email, and the WWW.]

** PSION **

Daniel Pfund <pfund3@uni2a.unige.ch> reports that the 2nd meeting of the
Psion Club Series3 Suisse-Romand will take place on the 15Feb97.  For
more information: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/>.

Eric Nichols <enichols@enichols.erols.com> has posted v1.04 of his Gold
Caddie game for the Psion to comp.binaries.psion and to the following WWW
page at: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/5820/gc.html>.

Ajai Khattri <ajai@nwt.com> reports that those interested in Psion Siena
IR print drivers check out: <ftp://ftp.nwt.com/siena/drivers/>.  Those
wanting similar drivers for Psion Series 3c to JetEye printer adapter
should check out: <ftp://ftp.nwt.com/s3c/drivers>.

** PILOT **

The rumors continue to trickle in on the possibility of new U.S.
Robotics' Pilots coming soon.  It looks like two products will be coming:
Pilot Personal and Pilot Professional.  Both of these will come with: new
ROMs; new Palm OS enhancements; same form factor but better manufacturing
and plastic; backlighting; and networking features.  The Professional
will come with more memory, a TCP/IP stack, and an email client.  There
is also talk of a 14.4 modem the same size as the Pilot that attaches to
the unit.  [EDITOR: An announcement could come very soon.]

Little Wing Software Development <Marketing@LWSD.com> has announced that
their pilotClock -- a multi-function alarm clock, stopwatch and timer
program for the U.S. Robotics "Pilot" PDA has been certified as "Pilot
Compatible".  For more information check out: <http://www.lwsd.com>.

Bill Roy <bill@palmeta.com> reports the release of the desktop to Pilot
HotSync solution called Palmeta Mail v1.5.  This new version lets you
sync your Pilot in/out email boxes with your desktop PCs outbox.  For
more information check out: <http://www.palmeta.com>.

Mobix Communications is reportedly nearly done completing a porting of
their Mobitex SDK library -- MobiCell/RT -- to the Pilot platform.  This
SDK will allow you to write applications that use the Mobitex wireless
network which in the United States is operated by RAM Mobile Data.  For
more direct information check out: <http://www.mobix.co.il>.  Those
interested in more general information are urged to read:
    - Ericsson: <http://www.ericsson.se/ERM/mobitex/intro>
    - RAM Mobile Data: <http://www.ram-wireless.com>
    - Bell South Mobile Data: <http://www.data-mobile.com>

Olivier Meirhaeghe <olivier.meirhaeghe@smartcode.fr> reports that
SmartCode Software is now shipping version 1.0 of their POP/SMTP/PPP
Internet email client for the Pilot called "HandStamp".  For more
information check out: <http://www.smartcodesoft.com>.

Brenda Christensen <brenda_christensen@goldminesw.com> reports that the
new version 3.2 of GoldMine for Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 supports
data synchronization with the U.S. Robotics's Pilot and the Timex Data
Watch.  This new version also supports alpha-numeric messaging.  For more
information check out: <http://www.goldminesw.com>.

** WINDOWS CE **

PC Week published on 03Feb96 has a short blurb about HP's future Windows
CE device on page 3.  The unit is expected to be called the HP 300LX and
will offer a 80-column, 640 x 240 pixel LCD screen.  No shipping date
mentioned in the blurb.  The blurb did mention a new 'enhanced' version
of the HP200 LX will be available soon for US$599, and will be marketed
towards Windows 3.1 and DOS PC users.

Ken Landau <kl@landware.com> reports the release of EncloseIt for Windows
CE.  This new product lets you attach any Windows CE file to an email
message using uuencode.  For more information check out the following
URL: <http://www.landware.com>.

Several different programming specific threads on comp.sys.handheld have
highlighted the fact that Windows CE is not Windows 95.  Specifically you
can't just compile Windows 3.1 or 95 applications for Windows CE.  There
are also no current support for Microsoft Foundation Classes.  Many
current developers are also urging potentially new Windows CE developers
to do their development on Windows NT 4.0 systems.

** MAGIC CAP **

Network World published on 03Feb97 has a small blurb in their Net Buzz
column on page 78 about the recent layoff news at General Magic.  The
article does mention that General Magic stock is trading at under $2 a
share.  There is also an interesting quote from a venture capitalist on
what went wrong at General Magic -- "From Day One, the founders couldn't
agree on a cohesive strategy, so the company was all over the map.  It
never had a focus, or a direction."

** OTHER **

Rich Belgard <belgard@umunhum.stanford.edu> has created a non-Japanese
version of Personaware Scheduler for those IBM PC110 users out there.
You can download the file from the following anonymous FTP site at:
<FTP://members.aol.com/RichB89600/CITY1S.TXT>.

Mark <MCSpear@msn.com> reported on comp.sys.palmtop that the following
site has several pictures and specifications on Japanese palmtops not
available in the United States.

In the search of a small travel PC Card savvy modem?  Rony Van Hove
<hove@dlep1.itg.ti.Com> suggested on several of the handheld specific
newsgroups to check out Option International at: <http://www.option.com>.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
   This space for rent.  For more info: <newtnews@pobox.com>.  Thanks.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Edupage, 03Feb96 thru 09Feb97
-----------------------------

** NETSCAPE'S NAVIO PLANS **

Netscape's Navio division, a joint venture with seven electronics and
computer companies, including Nintendo and Sony, will soon see its TV
Navigator software incorporated into Zenith Electronics television sets.
The company has ambitious plans to launch a new product every three
months, with possibilities including a phone browser that connects to
global telephone directories, a gas pump that includes a readout showing
local traffic conditions, and a ticker that runs on your TV set showing
the current prices of your stock portfolio.  "It will take about two more
years to start in full swing," says Netscape chairman James Clark.
(Business Week 10 Feb 97)

** NINTENDO AND SONY IN CLOSE GAME **

Nintendo has caught up to Sony in the market for next-generation video
game players, with each company selling between 1.3 million and 1.4
million of their newest players in the U.S. during the 4th quarter.
During the same period, Sega sold between 500,000 and 600,000 comparable
units.  The Nintendo product in this competition is the Nintendo 64
system based on the 3D graphics chips from Silicon Graphics.  (Wall
Street Journal 3 Feb 97)

** THE EYES HAVE HAD IT **

Tenax Software Engineering has come up with a new tool for managing
information overload -- its Cornix Java applet allows you to read Web
pages with "ease and comfort at speeds of up to 1,000 words per minute."
The Cornix applet displays the text of a Web page one word at a time in
100-point type (almost 1-1/2 inches high), eliminating the side-to-side
eye scanning that can cause eye fatigue.  Tenax reports that most people
double their reading speed almost as soon as they start using Cornix,
with average person, reading about 240 words per minute, increasing to
nearly 500 wpm. Tenax claims some enthusiastic readers have even reached
"warp" speeds of 8,000 or so wpm.  (Information Week 27 Jan 97)

** LOOK OUT -- HERE COME MORE DOMAIN NAMES! **

The Internet Society's International Ad Hoc Committee has mandated the
creation of seven new Internet domain names, including ".firm" for
businesses, ".store" for retailers, ".web" for businesses related to the
Web, ".rec" for entities dealing in recreational activities, ".info" for
purveyors of information, and ".nom" for users desiring personal
nomenclature.  Adding to the confusion, there will now be 28 new
companies registering addresses, a huge leap from one -- Network
Solutions Inc. -- which has handled all Internet domain registrations up
until now, under contract to the National Science Foundation.  "Network
Solutions had a monopoly; this creates competition," says Donald Heath,
president of the Internet Society.  The new names should be in place by
the end of the year, says Heath.  (Wall Street Journal 6 Feb 97)

** APPLE:  OUT OF THE SAND AND OFF WITH THE GLOVES **

Apple CEO Gil Amelio told company shareholders:  "As most of you know,
I've dealt with troubled companies before. I am well acquainted with what
it takes to bring them back to health. When I joined Apple, I said the
journey back would take about three years. Today, we're about a third of
the way there. We're working hard to move faster, but unfortunately there
are no shortcuts, no magic bullets."  He's asked Apple employee to do
three things: "Manage the fundamentals to keep us on a firm business
footing; focus on the strategic core of our business so we concentrate
our efforts where we can make a difference and win;  and attack the
competition. We're taking our heads out of the sand.  We're taking the
gloves off. And we're ready for action."  (San Jose Mercury News Center 6
Feb 97)

** NEXT-GENERATION MEMORY CHIPS FROM NEC **

Calling its new 4-gigabit dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chip the
largest yet developed, NEC says the new chip can store more than 4
billion bits of information -- enough to hold 47 minutes of full-motion
video, or 256 times the capacity of the 16-megabit DRAM chip now commonly
used.  NEC says it will begin selling the 4-billion bit chips around
2000.  (New York Times 7 Feb 97)

** HAYES HAS A DEAL FOR YOU **

Hayes Microcomputer Products is offering current modem users a trade-in
on a new 56-Kbps device for just $99.  To take advantage of the offer,
users must register on Hayes' Web site, <http://www.hayes.com>, and they
will be contacted when the 56-Kbps models are ready.  Users who mail
their old modems to Hayes along with $114 (which includes $15 for
shipping and handling), will receive a K56Flex-based modem, normally a
$200 value. (MacWeek 10 Feb 97)


INNOVATION, 03FEB97
-------------------

** TRENDS: THE NEXT KILLER APP -- RICH E-MAIL **

The last killer application?  E-mail.  The next killer application?
E-mail. Out of the labs and soon to change the world comes "rich e-mail"
that carries video, interactive forms and hyperlinks.  With Netscape and
Microsoft both moving quickly (an early example, called InBox Direct, can
be found on Netscape's Web site), a new way of life is about to be
experienced by workers, customers and friends.  Finally, we may be in
sight of the paperless office, when it's routinely possible for all forms
to be managed and routed electronically.  Electronic billing will become
commonplace very soon, when "one of those MBAs at your local utility will
realize how much money his company can save by sending bills
electronically to customers with PCs."  Of course, personal
communications will be changed radically, both for the good (allowing
Grandma to see digital photos of the kids) and for the bad (forcing you
to sift through junk messages in stereophonic sounds). But everyone will
want rich e-mail, and "everyone" is another way of saying "mass market."
(J. William Gurley, "E-Mail Gets Rich,"  Fortune 17 Feb 97 p146)

** STRATEGIES: CHANGE GOES FROM INSIDE OUT **

John Kotter of Harvard Business School says that strategy is not enough
-- it's a necessary but not a sufficient condition for achieving an
organization's success, and in some cases accounts for only 10% of the
work. The other 90%?  That's all the work necessary to bring the strategy
alive, which involves the entire organization.  Using terms like
"strategy formulation" and "strategy implementation" is dangerous,
because it implies that one group of people makes the big decisions and
that what everyone else does is somehow non-strategic, when in fact what
everyone else does is crucial to making the strategy successful.  And you
help them do that by delegating managerial responsibilities to lower
levels in the organization, and encouraging people to be creative people
in discharging those responsibilities.  "Successful change tends to work
from the inside out. That probably applies to individuals, too.
Successful leaders usually start by changing themselves, not others,
which gives them more credibility when they begin to talk to their
employees."  ("A Conversation With John P. Kotter,"  Strategy &
Leadership Jan/Feb 97 p18)

** INNOVATIONS: TRUEPOSITION PINPOINTS CELL PHONE CALLS **

The FCC has given cell phone operators until October, 2001 to come up
with a way to geographically pinpoint the origin of wireless 911 calls,
but Associated Group has a plan that could be implemented much more
quickly. Their TruePosition idea calls for adding special receivers to
thousands of cell sites around the country that would give 911 calls
special treatment. Rather than being picked up by just one tower, a 911
call would be handled by three or more towers.  Atomic clocks at each
tower would track the time it takes for the call to reach the
TruePosition receivers.  Computers at the call-processing centers could
then triangulate the data to create an electronic map for rescue workers.
The Associated Group says the technology has already been tested, and
could be installed nationwide well before the 2001 deadline.  (Business
Week 3 Feb 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 40 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
---------------------

** FAX UTILITY **

Todd Zabel <TEZabel@compuserve.com> is looking for a Newton FAX utility
that lets you specify the margins so that text in a FAX formatted and
properly wrapped to be about 4" wide by 4" tall, instead of 8.5" by 11"
without having to use hard carriage returns.  This utility should also
work with printing.

** TEXT EMOTICONS PALETTE **

Steve Deyo and his Newton at: <sdeyo@aol.com> would like a popup palette
that would let him have access to text emoticons [ :-), ;-), ;-(, etc.]
whereever he wished.


Other Sources of Information
----------------------------

** SPRINT NEWS **

Brent Cunningham has a 'Corporate Profile' of Sprint in an article
entitled "Sprint bets big on wireless technology: US$10 billion network
to provide digital services in 65 markets by year's end" on page 30 of
InfoWorld published 03Feb97.  Other Sprint market focus areas: Global One
alliance, and local phone service & long-distance phone service in the
United States.

Sprint reported that earnings rose by US$245 million over last quarter in
their final financial Q4'96.  Total revenue for the year was US$3.62
billion up from US$3.34 billion.  [Farcast]

Sprint and Universal Studios recently teamed up to provide multimedia
networking to the creation of new movie "Dante's Peak."  The system is
called 'Drums' -- a virtual production study that enables remote
filmakers to participate in videoconferencing and collaboration even
though decision makers may be thousands of miles apart.  [Farcast]

** BIG NEWTON PICTURE **

The main Associated Press article that was circulated to most of the
Business Pages in the USA and Worldwide about Apple's future layoffs and
the possibility of shedding unprofitable businesses included an
'optional' big picture of what appears to be a MessagePad 130, two
Styluses, a Motorola Paging card, a Newton case, and a MP110/120/130
Newton charging station.  The article was written by Catalina Ortiz. [San
Diego Union-Tribune, 04Feb97, C-2]

** UPCOMING PDA CONFERENCES **

The following are being sponsored by PDA, Inc.:

    - Forum for Handheld Computing in Healthcare; 20-30May97;
      Boston, MA
    - Utility Industry Handheld & PDA Forum; 20-22Aug97; St.
      Louis, MI
    - Handheld & PDA Expo and Forum; Feb98; San Francisco, CA

For more information: <info@wmsltd.com> or call: 415.252.8008.

** TECH MAGAZINE LOOKS AT ... **

Computer Technology Review published in Winter 1996 has some interesting
information on:

    - Disk Drives for Mobile Computers, page 6
    - Computers, Telephones ... People Do Business
      On Internet Time, page 28
    - Integrating The IDE FlashChip Into An
      Embedded System, page 42

For more information about this publication send an email message to:
<circulation@wwpi.com>.

** WIRELESS CONTINUES TO MATURE, PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY **

Mary Thyfault has an indepth article about the recent enterprise wireless
opportunities awaiting IS departments in an article entitled "Easier
Wireless Links: New products cut cost and complexity" on page 66 of
Information Week published on 03Feb97.  This article has a great deal of
Windows CE mentions, industry analyst quotes, and news.  The article does
mention that a wireless Windows CE device will cost around US$1500 when
all is said and done.

** NEW STORAGE PC CARD **

M-Systems <http://www.m-sys.com> has a new Series 2000 Flash PC card that
offers up to 128-MBs of storage and a transfer rate of 13.3 Mbps between
the disk controller and host.  No word if this device works with current
or future Newton hardware.  You can get more information by calling:
408.654.5820. [Information Week, 03Feb97, page 82]

** WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF BUSINESS? **

The latest Red Herring published on March 1997 has some interesting
articles on:

    - "AT&T: The Worst Tech Company Ever" by Jonathan
      Burke
    - "Apple: Can Jobs Save Its Skin?" by Editorial
      Staff and John Sculley
    - Focus on CISCO CEO John Chambers in "Routing the
      competition" written by Luc Hatlestad
    - INDUSTRY BRIEF: Networking -- with details on
      Fore Systems, Cascade Communications, and
      Concord Communications
    - Focus on Apple Fellow Guy Kawasaki in "Cheerful
      guerrilla" by Alex Gove

This edition also comes with a supplement that called "H!TS" that focuses
on 'Successful Business on the Web'.  Some interesting articles:

    - Q&A with "Idea Man" Bill Gross
    - "Playboy's new feat: Chrstie Hefner hops on the Web"

** VERY GOOD AGENT REFERENCE **

Timothy Finin <finin@cs.umbc.edu> has recently released another excellent
issues of his UMBC AgentNews webletter.  You can check out the latest
issue at: <http://www.cs.umbc.edu/agents/agentnews/1997/02/>.  This
edition has pointers to more information about: emerging agent standards;
IBM's new Java aglets; filtering tools; meta-search agents; and upcoming
conferences.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  To much info in NewtNews for you?  Does all the Macintosh information
  make you want to puke?  Then maybe you should check out NewtNews-Savvy.
  For $20 you get 52 issues of just lean and mean Newton/PDA/Wireless
  information directly to your inbox of choice.  Send an email message
  with the subject containing 'NewtNews-Savvy' to <newtnews@pobox.com>
  and you'll get a sample issue and an order form.  Thanks for reading!
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  If you are too cheap to pay $20 for weekly Newton/PDA/Wireless info,
  then check out the freeware-monthly-Acrobat-savvy-version of NewtNews
  called NewtNews Pro at: <http://members.aol.com/nnpro/newton.html>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


News Agent Summary
------------------

** HANDHELD **

Microsoft has announced that they will phase out development of Windows
NT for PowerPC machines.  In the same press release, Microsoft did
announce that they continue to working closely with IBM and Motorola to
port their Windows CE operating system to the PowerPC microprocessor.
[Farcast]

AMD <http://www.amd.com> has announced that Everybook, a leather-bound
handheld electronic book, will use their Elan SC4000 microcontroller that
will manage the systems: integrated circuit board, dual active-matrix LCD
screens, a dual screen controller, a PC Card port, storage card
interface, a high- speed modem and battery power consumption.  Everybook
is being designed by JFK Associates: <http://www.jfkinc.com>. [Farcast]

Geoworks has announced new alliances with "two leading providers of
Internet-based content and services: ITN <http://www.itn.net> and
M.A.I.D. <http://www.maid.com>". [iNews & Farcast]

Nikkei English News reports that Sharp has put together a corporate
salesforce to try to sell their Color Zaurus MI-10 PDA to corporate
customers.  The goal for the MI-10 is to account for 200,000 units sold
in fiscal 1997. [iNews]

Pygmy Computer Systems has announced that they are now selling their
Zaurus Mail Server that lets Zaurus users securely access Microsoft
Exchange. [iNews]

Simple Technology's lates memory modules and PC Cards have been
'compatibility approved' to run on Windows CE devices. [iNews]

Liris Interactive and Franklin Electronic Publishers have announced an
agreement to work together to build French electronic publishing devices.
[iNews]

** MOBILE **

Socket Communications <http://www.socketcom.com> recent financial news
was mixed.  Revenue was up by 1% over last year, but the company posted
another net loss for the year (around US$3.3 million).  There was flat
demand for their PageCard product but strong demand for their Ethernet PC
Card. [Farcast]

Teklogix International has announced a multi-million dollar wireless data
communication system contract has been signed with Scandinavian
transportation company DFDS Transport.  The system will allow mobile
users to instantly collect, send and receive information from a IBM
RS/6000 servers using TCP/IP connectivity.  [Farcast]

ARIS <http://www.ariscorp.com> has announced using Oracle Mobile Agents
successfully to complete a wireless mobile computing system for the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) diesel fuel program.  [Farcast]

Cargo Center Copenhagen (CCC) has awarded Unisys with a contract to
deliver a mobile data solution to CCC's ground handling agent system. The
primary handheld device to be used in this solution is reportedly a
Symbol Technologies' barcode scanner.  For more information check out:
<http://www.corp.unisys.com/trans>.  [Farcast]

SPS Technologies Corporation <http://www.miras.com> has a new 2-MB PC
Card memory card data storage system that plugs into their MIRAS based
GPS and sensor data system that monitors a vehicle.  Using this MIRAS
system gives a company complete data about route, vehicle diagnostics,
and time based information.  The system should be integrated with
cellular, or CDPD by the end of Q1'97.  [Farcast]

** WIRELESS **

Nevada Bell Mobile Services is now offering GSM enabled PCS networking
services -- including voice, data, and pager.  Costs start at under $20 a
month with 20 minutes of 'free' airtime and 40 cents a minute flat per
minute rate after 'free airtime'  Costs peak at just under $90 and offer
300 minutes of 'free airtime' with a flat per minute rate of 20 cents a
minute. [Farcast]

Ericsson has turned on their first Downbanded Cellular system (IS-136
TDMA using the Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) frequency band) for
Hawaiian Wireless in Oahu. [Farcast]

Pace Micro Technology has announced that they will be teaming with
Hitachi Europe to build a 'new' PC Card that will be able to access
satellite data broadcasting.  [Farcast]

PageMart Wireless recently reported their number of wireless subscribers
has increased by 50% over last fiscal year to 1.86 million. [Farcast]

Alcatel <http://www.adn.alcatel.com> has won a major contract in Greece
to provide frame relay and X.25 networks along with some wireless
connectivity.  No cost information was available.  [Farcast]

NCR Corporation has a new wireless price management system called "NCR
DecisionNet" that is "designed to provide consumers clearly labeled
product prices and 100% pricing accuracy throughout a store."  [Farcast]

India's Punjab Wireless has announced a new joint venture with Motorola
to offer radio trunking services in 15 Indian cities including Delhi.
[iNews]

Pilipino Telephone Corporation in the Philippines has awarded Motorola a
US$40 million contract to supply CDMA infrastructure equipment for their
MOBILINE network.  In related news, Motorola also won a US$15 million
contract to expand a Beijing Telecommunications Administration's GSM
network in Beijing, China. [iNews]

Motorola's UK GSM division expects to add 300 new jobs (20% increase) to
their "Swindon-based mobile communications manufacturing facility."
[iNews]

** APPLE **

Apple new restructuring includes the return of Steve Jobs and Steve
Wozniak to a Gil Amelio advisory board.  Expect big changes in the
consolidation of oper analyst quotes, and news.  The article does
mention that a wireless Windows CE device will cost around US$1500 when
all is said and done.

** NEW STORAGE PC CARD **

M-Systems <http://www.m-sys.com> has a new Series 2000 Flash PC card that
offers up to 128-MBs of storage and a transfer rate of 13.3 Mbps between
the disk controller and host.  No word if this device works with current
or future Newton hardware.  You can get more information by calling:
408.654.5820. [Information Week, 03Feb97, page 82]

** WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF BUSINESS? **

The latest Red Herring published on March 1997 has some interesting
articles on:

    - "AT&T: The Worst Tech Company Ever" by Jonathan
      Burke
    - "Apple: Can Jobs Save Its Skin?" by Editorial
      Staff and John Sculley
    - Focus on CISCO CEO John Chambers in "Routing the
      competition" written by Luc Hatlestad
    - INDUSTRY BRIEF: Networking -- with details on
      Fore Systems, Cascade Communications, and
      Concord Communications
    - Focus on Apple Fellow Guy Kawasaki in "Cheerful
      guerrilla" by Alex Gove

This edition also comes with a supplement that called "H!TS" that focuses
on 'Successful Business on the Web'.  Some interesting articles:

    - Q&A with "Idea Man" Bill Gross
    - "Playboy's new feat: Chrstie Hefner hops on the Web"

** VERY GOOD AGENT REFERENCE **

Timothy Finin <finin@cs.umbc.edu> has recently released another excellent
issues of his UMBC AgentNews webletter.  You can check out the latest
issue at: <http://www.cs.umbc.edu/agents/agentnews/1997/02/>.  This
edition has pointers to more information about: emerging agent standards;
IBM's new Java aglets; filtering tools; meta-search agents; and upcoming
conferences.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  To much info in NewtNews for you?  Does all the Macintosh information
  make you want to puke?  Then maybe you should check out NewtNews-Savvy.
  For $20 you get 52 issues of just lean and mean Newton/PDA/Wireless
  information directly to your inbox of choice.  Send an email message
  with the subject containing 'NewtNews-Savvy' to <newtnews@pobox.com>
  and you'll get a sample issue and an order form.  Thanks for reading!
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  If you are too cheap to pay $20 for weekly Newton/PDA/Wireless info,
  then check out the freeware-monthly-Acrobat-savvy-version of NewtNews
  called NewtNews Pro at: <http://members.aol.com/nnpro/newton.html>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


News Agent Summary
------------------

** HANDHELD **

Microsoft has announced that they will phase out development of Windows
NT for PowerPC machines.  In the same press release, Microsoft did
announce that they continue to working closely with IBM and Motorola to
port their Windows CE operating system to the PowerPC microprocessor.
[Farcast]

AMD <http://www.amd.com> has announced that Everybook, a leather-bound
handheld electronic book, will use their Elan SC4000 microcontroller that
will manage the systems: integrated circuit board, dual active-matrix LCD
screens, a dual screen controller, a PC Card port, storage card
interface, a high- speed modem and battery power consumption.  Everybook
is being designed by JFK Associates: <http://www.jfkinc.com>. [Farcast]

Geoworks has announced new alliances with "two leading providers of
Internet-based content and services: ITN <http://www.itn.net> and
M.A.I.D. <http://www.maid.com>". [iNews & Farcast]

Nikkei English News reports that Sharp has put together a corporate
salesforce to try to sell their Color Zaurus MI-10 PDA to corporate
customers.  The goal for the MI-10 is to account for 200,000 units sold
in fiscal 1997. [iNews]

Pygmy Computer Systems has announced that they are now selling their
Zaurus Mail Server that lets Zaurus uage to: Joakim
Jardenberg <joakim@infinit.se> or check out the following URL:
<http://www.forest.net/advanced/securitychallenge.html>.

IDT Corporation is now shipping their beta of version 1.0 of Net2Phone
for Mac OS users.  For more info: <http://www.net2phone.com>.  [Farcast]

** INTERNET **

InfoWorld magazine has choosen Red Hat LINUX 4.0 as the "Best Desktop
Operating System of 1996". [iNews]

Future Diba-powered devices <http://www.diba.com> will be able to access
WorldPages' directory and mapping services <http://www.worldpages.com>
according to a recent press release. [Farcast]

The next iteration of Oracle's <http://www.oracle.com> Web Developer
Suite is expected to support not only Java components but also Microsoft
ActiveX. [Farcast]

Avalan Technology has been selected by Caldera to offer their complete
line of OpenLinux and OpenDos products throughout Europe, the Middle
East, and Africa. [iNews]

** OTHER **

Thinking Machine's has a new version of their scalable data mining
solution called Darwin that supports Sun's new Starfire server.  [iNews]

Symantec <http://www.symantec.com> is busy putting the final touches on
some advanced systems that can detect new and unknown viruses posted to
the Internet.  One system, Bloodhound, searches though the WWW looking
for viruses, and when it finds one it notifies the Symantec AntiVirus
Research Center to spin-up to find an antidote. [Farcast]

Texas Instruments has a new digital signal microprocessor (DSP) chip that
can 'blaze' through 1.6 billion instructions per second.  For more info:
<Wide Web at: http://www.ti.com/sc/C6x>. [Farcast]

Bandai has another 'smash hit electronic game' on their hands.  The
'taking care a chicken game' called Tamagocchi sells for US$16.30 and has
sold over 500,000 games since its recent introduction.  Demand is very
high for the game among high-school girls, and the Bandai Tamagocchi Web
site reportedly currently generating a million hits a week since the game
was released.  [Farcast]


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

* 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>.

* NEW! 7th Volume of the Totally Incomplete PDA CD-ROM for Newton! This
CD-ROM from AMUG CD, Inc. contains over 1800 packages, and 590 megs in
Mac and PC format. 2.0 & 1.x Packages can be downloaded directly from the
CD to your MessagePad. Maximize your Newton experience! $29 + S/H. Call
AMUG 602.497-2244, or email <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 3000.
   - MPG helps you keep your vehicle records in order. Track fuel
       economy, record mileage for tax purposes, schedule repeating
       vehicle maintenance items for multiple vehicles.
   - SILK makes your MP130 GLOW. Floating silk screen palette so
       the built-in buttons can be seen in the dark.
For more information call 802-863-5256, email <info@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>.

* 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>

* PDA Panache is your single source for stylus solutions. Our stylus
upgrades for your MessagePad are the ultimate in writing comfort and
control. Screen-safe writing tip guaranteed for life.
 - Telescoping styli for all Newtons in Black-Chrome, Gold & Sterling.
 - The "Duo" multi-function stylus/ball pen or pencil combo. With
   "EasyView" orange tip.
 - The "Beacon" LED lighted-tip stylus. Functional, slim and  elegant.
 - Low-cost Stick Styli. Custom Stylus Solutions for VARs/OEMs.
More info or Visa/MasterCard orders at: 800.270.7196, FAX: 516.467.6329,
Int'l: 516.467.4042, or visit our Web site: <http://www.pdapanache.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 (included).
Then, fill out your forms on the Newton quickly and accurately using
automatic defaults, choice lists, calculations and signatures.  Finally,
send completed forms directly to Informed Manager on your desktop for
further processing.  For a limited time when you mention this ad, you'll
receive both Informed Filler for Newton AND Informed Manager (for
desktop integration) for $99US (SRP $390US).  Contact Shana Corp. at:
800.386.7244, email: <info@shana.com> or WWW: <http://www.shana.com>

* MoreInfo 4.0 - This new version adds even more useful features to this
already essential product.  Version 4.0 now allows you to link together
any number of names, meetings, events, to dos, notes or calls all
through a single screen.  A powerful new "At a Glance" screen makes
managing your schedule effortless.  From SilverWARE at $69.95+S&H.  For
more info: <info@silverware.com> <http://www.silverware.com> 508.521.5262

* SOLUTIONS FROM LANDWARE. All work in the Newton 2.0 OS.
  - PROCALC EX: Programmable calc. w/ SAN & RPN, includes: proCALC 12c.
  - QUICKNAMES PRO: Rapid access to names and much more.
  - X-PORT: The 2.0 connection utility. Send/receive notes, contacts...
  - KWIKMENU: the Newton dashboard, includes GestureLaunch Lite.
  - NEWTPAINT: "MacPaint" on your Newton, w/zoom-in and screen shot.
  - SYNC+: Dates to Schedule+ 1.0 or 7.0
LandWare, 201-347-0031, <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.

Guest Opinions
--------------

** TAKE IT TO THE CAPTAIN **

    by David MacNeill <dmacneill@pencomputing.com>

    It was weird, like a bad dream.  The day I received my
    MessagePad 2000, the handheld computer of my dreams, was
    apparently the day Newton died.

    I should have known better than to waste my time reading
    such nonsense on the Internet when I was in such a good
    mood.  CNN had just reported that Gil Amelio had just said
    that Apple "may have missed the boat" with the Newton
    MessagePad.  Strangely, he also intimated that the eMate
    would definitely live.  I've got nothing but praise for the
    MessagePad's stout, keyboard-equipped sibling, but the eMate
    is a purpose-built variation on the original PDA theme.  I
    believe it cannot support the platform on its own.

    The CNN story fueled the recurring rumors that Apple was
    considering selling off the Newton to save the Macintosh.
    The strident upper-case howls of incredulity and outrage
    that paraded across my screen could almost be heard over the
    humming computers in the editorial office, where I sat alone
    that Friday afternoon.  One true believer after another
    begged Gil not to be so short-sighted as to throw away his
    company's last, best hope for future greatness.  I couldn't
    agree more.

    Backlight's on, somebody's home

    I looked at my shiny new MP2K, fresh batteries, jacked in,
    lit up, and newly filled with almost four years of personal
    information.  In short, ready to rock.  As I gave the nasty
    rumor some thought, I must admit that my first emotion was
    one of ironic relief.  I got mine!  Then reality quickly set
    in as I realized that wasn't going to do much for the
    millions of potential MP2K owners out there.  Too shallow,
    even for a gizmo-gonzo like me.  We're not talking about
    limited edition art prints here; this was the smart little
    device that is supposed to bring about the dream of
    ubiquitous, intimate computing.  No, being one of the lucky
    few to own one would be an empty thing, indeed. (I think
    I'll hang on to it, though, just in case.)

    Take it to the Captain

    Captain Amelio is wrong about the MessagePad.  The MP2K must
    live and evolve.  Apple has most certainly not missed the
    boat with the Newton.  They set the standards, invented the
    rules. Now they simply must show the leadership to continue
    the mission.  I am frankly sick of seeing great,
    life-enhancing technologies and products casually tossed
    overboard for short-sighted reasons.  This is no time to
    abandon ship just when it is about to come in.

    David MacNeill
    Executive Editor
    Pen Computing Magazine


Comments from the Editor
------------------------

** RANDOM THOUGHTS ON LAST WEEK **

Last week was very interesting.  Most of the user community was up in
arms because Apple was reportedly placing their Newton support in
question. On the other side of the fence though, many in the developer
community were quietly celebrating the possibility that the Newton System
Group could be 'spun-off' into an independent company or sold to "one of
many who wish to play in the handheld market."  An 'independent' NSG
could make the Newton better by: more aggressive pursuit of licensees,
more R&D resources, and removal of the Apple logo on the Newton (which to
many could increase sales even if Apple kept the Newton).  IMHO, it was
very interesting on how the two very important Newton communities
reacted.

I did hear privately from several of Apple's NSG employees.  Most were
concerned about how the press were spinning this and that.  The other
main concern was that they all hoped that this new 'negative energy'
didn't disrupt to many of their current coworkers from all the hard work
that they still have on their plates.

It should also be noted that the one thing any perspective Newton
purchaser should know is -- trying to move the 'foot soldiers' in the NSG
out of Cupertino, California could be a very bad idea.

** SUPPLEMENT NEXT WEEK **

Next week is a much needed supplement issue of NewtNews.  Look for
several very good reviews in this issue.  Don't forget that Friday is St.
Valentine's Day.


Administrivia
-------------

NewtNews Copyright 1994-97 Steve Holden.  All rights reserved.
Non-profit, non-commercial publications may reprint articles if full
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accuracy of articles.  NewtNews does not express or imply any
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Send contributions and comments to Steve Holden, Editor and Publisher
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This edition of NewtNews was written with the help of: ushering Eugene
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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.


----------------------------------------------
Bob Torres
NewtNews ListMom
btorres@io.com, owner-newt_news@lists.io.com
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