

NewtNews-131-25Feb97
====================

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:

 + 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>

 + PDA Panache is your single source for stylus solutions - ORDERS:
   800.270.7196 - FAX: 516.467.6329 - <http://www.pdapanache.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, 17Feb96 thru 23Feb97
 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
--------

** MP2K AND EMATE OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED **

Apple officially announced at MacWorld Tokyo 1997 that the MessagePad
2000 and the eMate 300 will be shipping in the United States in March
1997.  The MP2K will ship in Europe, Japan, and Australia in April 1997.

A single eMate will cost US$759, or they can be purchased in packages of
8 for US$699 per unit.  A MP2K without a keyboard and software bundle
will sell for under US$1000, and a 'bundled' MP2K will retail for under
US$1100.

[EDITOR: Monday, 24Mar97 is the expected MP2K availability date.]

** NEW PROJECT MANAGER FOR NEWTON **

Sine of the Times has announced that they are now shipping their US$69.95
BluePrint 1.2 -- a project management solution for Newton 2.0 with the
following features:

    - multiple projects
    - task outlining
    - start & finish date relations
    - completion bars, priorities, notes
    - automatic time scheduling
    - printing & faxing

For more information check out: <http://www.sineware.com> or send an
email to: <sales@sineware.com> or call: 888.SineWare or 519.725.6520.

** NEW NEWTON WEB SITE **

Jeff Wright <wrightad@airmail.net> reports the creation of a new Newton
specific Web site that he hopes will become a favorite place to visit for
NewtNews readers.  You can check out the site via the following URL:
<http://www.fw3.com/newtworld>.


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

** SHORT REPORT FROM HIMSS'97 CONFERENCE **

Joseph Wagner <jwagner@mich.com> was kind enough to forward to NewtNews
his thoughts on what was interesting at the recent HIMSS '97 conference
held in San Diego, California.  Apple did have a small booth at the
conference, but it was nearly totally focused on the Newton (MP130, MP2K,
and eMate 300).  The booth was staffed with representatives of companies
who are building medical solutions for the Newton along with several
Newton evangelists.  PocketDoc by Physix was one of the solutions being
shown on the MP2K along with a version on a Windows CE device, and a
Win95 enabled Fujitsu PC tablet computer.  Joseph (as a MP120 user) was
extremely impressed with his 'test drive' of the MP2K, and also found the
form factor to be better than his MP120.

** WHAT IS UP IN THE STYLUS WORLD? **

Paul Schiller <panache@li.net> reported some "PDA Panache 97" news to
NewtNews.  Here is a short summary of Newton related news: a MessagePad
2000 stylus alternative is in the works, and they some new stylus inserts
for Cross and for Mont Blanc pens.  These new inserts feature a 'safety'
retractable tip that gets 'engaged' if you press to hard.  It should also
be noted that PDA Panache has: Pilot, Windows CE, and 'generic' styluses
also available.

** REVIEW OF CLUBPDA SPECIALS **

ClubPDA List <clubpdalist@list.pacbus.com> runs specials on a weekly
basis.  In the past they have had 'software deals' on PelicanWare's
QuickFigure Pro, Ascribe's Newt Tools; Balcones' Leverage 2.0; and
LandWare's proCALC.  ClubPDA has also announced a major price reduction
on their current stock of MP120s from their list price of US$439 to
US$299.  The product number for the is deal is: #A102-1214.  For more
information about how to get in on these deals and for general
information about ClubPDA check out: <http://www.clubpda.com> or send an
email to: Chris Parker <Chrisp2@pacbus.com>.

** FOLLOW UP TO ANIMAL TRACKING STORY **

Last issue NewtNews relayed a story about a research project using
Newtons to help track animals in the Karoo Desert in South Africa. It
turns out that this Newton application was completely written in NS BASIC,
and was the 3rd place winner in the NS BASIC's recent programming contest.

** OTHER NS BASIC CONTEST WINNERS **

George Henne <gh@nsbasic.com> reports that the 1st and 2nd place winners
of the NS BASIC Programing contest are:

    - Courtney Teska's "Biology Field Research: Water
      Temperature in Cup Plants"
    - Jonathan 'Kip' Knight's "ARM Disassembler"

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

** MORE CDW MP2K INFORMATION **

Bruce Modell <BRUCMOD@cdw.com> reports strong demand for pre-orders for
the MessagePad 2000.  He also reports that the CDW price for the MP2K
without the Keyboard has been adjusted down to US$940.  For more
information about pre-ordering your Newton from CDW contact Bruce by
phone at: 800-400-4239 x.8219 or send email to: <BRUCMOD@cdw.com>.

** EUROPEAN NEWTON DATABASE **

Anthony Matthews <businet@pacificnet.net> reports that Laurent Ruben the
European Product Assistant in the Newton System Group is trying to build
a database of Newton software and hardware accessories solutions.  Please
send the following pieces of information -- Name of the product; Trade
mark of the product; Name of the distributor; Distributor's country;
Phone number; Email; Web link; and Average price -- to the following
email address: <L.ruben@euro.apple.com>.

** SOME JAPANESE NEWTON INFORMATION **

Michael Ruttley <100015.3557@compuserve.com> reports that you should be
able to find the Japanese system patch for Newton 2.0 units via this URL:
<http://www2.apple.co.jp/FTP-database/reference/MessagePad130-2.0-J.HTML>.

Robert Kawaratani <bobk@gol.com> reports that the Newton Shop in Tokyo
was taking reservations for the Japanese capable version of the MP2K at
MacWorld Tokyo Expo 1997 last week.

** SMALL KEYBOARD POINTER **

A while back NewtNews had a reference article about a new small keyboard
created by MIT's David Levy.  You can get more information about this Sub
Miniature Ergonomic Keyboard via the following URL:
<http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/org/i/invent/www/levy.html>.

[EDITOR: If anyone has more information about this device or other
devices that Levy is working on, please forward the information to me.
Thanks!]

** ANOTHER SOURCE FOR COMMENTS AND FOR ORDERS **

Ray George <digsol@ovnet.com> reports that you can also send comments
about why the Newton is important technology to Apple's management via:
<leadership@apple.com>.  Ray would also like to let NewtNews readers know
that his company Digital Solutions is also taking backorders for the
MessagePad 2000 via: 800.272.8552 or you can send email to:
<digsol@ovnet.com>.  The 'pure' MP2K is listed as US$949, and the
'spreadsheet, keyboard, case' version of MP2K is US$1099.

** ANOTHER NEW SITE AND NEW NEWTON REFERENCE BOOK **

Chris <jfrost@hiwaay.net> reports that he has posted a new book to a new
site about the Newton.  The book is a complete list of Newton errors that
you might encounter along with a description.   The site can be found at:
<http://fly.hiwaay.net/~jfrost>.

** MORE RUSSIAN NEWTON NEWS **

Alex <fuzeev@maccentre.ru> reports that Paragraph's FreeStyle is now
available from his company MacCentre Company for Russian users.  If you
purchase a Newton from MacCentre you will get a free pre-installed
version of Cyrillic Freestyle on your Newton.  For more information check
out: <http://www.newton.ru>.

** UPDATE ON NEWTON USER GROUPS **

Christoph Haas <2haas@informatik.uni-hamburg.de> reports the creation of
a new German Usergroup with a 'German-only' savvy World Wide Web page at:
<http://ww.ap-connect.com/newton>.

NWNUG (NorthWest Newton User Group) is the "Suburban Chicago land" Newton
User Group (NUG).  The group meets every 1st Tuesday of every month and
currently has a 25 member base.  You can get more information by
contacting Steve Kramer at: <stevenkr99@aol.com>.

Jeff Fabijanic <jeff@spdcc.com> reports that their have been several
changes to the The Boston PDA Users Group and to Newton Programmers
Collective (NPC).  The Boston PDA Users Group meets in at MIT (Cambridge,
MA) in RM 3-1333 at 7p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.  The NPC meets
in the same room on the 4th Tuesday of each month.  You can get more
information by sending email to Jeff or by calling: 617.983.3056.

** SOLAR POWERED NEWTON ADD-ON **

Keep It Simple Systems <darrel@wildwestweb.com> has announced that they
are now shipping their US$99 Luna II solar charging unit for the Newton.
This device is a highly efficient polycrystalline solar panel, integrated
into a stand-alone carrying case that is compact, and lightweight.  The
Luna II provides 1.8 watts of solar energy (160 mA at 7.5 volts - equal
to the output of Apple's AC Adapter for the Newton), the Luna II augments
the power of the internal battery when the MessagePad is running, and as
a battery charger when the Newton is turned off.  When assisting the
internal battery, the panel will extend the users runtime from 100% to
700% (depending on power consumption of the MessagePad, and other,
environmental considerations).  This allows a user of a MessagePad and a
LUNA II to attain nearly unlimited runtime from their Newton, no matter
how far they are from an AC outlet.  For more information call: 406.442.3434
or 800.327.6882; or fax: 406.457.0460.

** NEWTON CONNECTIVITY TO LOTUS NOTES **

Rob Colver <rcolver@commontime.com> reports that his company CommonTime
has announced a new Newton connectivity solution, called Cadenza, that
enables a mobile Newton user to interact with Lotus Notes.  Release 1 of
Cadenza is expected by the end of Q1'97.  The software will initially
support: access to Notes, searching Notes views, and downloading select
files.  The next iteration of Cadenza is expected to support: Notes forms
to Newton stationary translation.  For more information please check out:
<http://www.commontime.com>.

** NEWTON VT100 EMULATOR IN BETA TESTING **

Sanjay S Vakil <sanj@mit.edu> has announced the v0.95b release of "PT100"
for Newton 2.0 -- a VT100 emulator for the Newton that supports modem and
serial sessions.  PT100 will retail for US$25 and you can get more
information by checking out at: <http://www.scrawlsoft.com> or sending
email to: <help@scrawlsoft.com>.

** ADDING DRAM TO THE MP2K **

The rumor mill is stirring up the potential news that Newer Technology
maybe offering DRAM upgrades for the MessagePad 2000 -- making it
possible to have an MP2K with more than 9-MBs of internal storage on the
MP2K.

** ALL HIGHWAYS AVAILABLE WITH TELETYPE GPS **

TeleType GPS has announced the release of their "Highway Navigator"
feature for their Newton and Windows CE GPS software/hardware bundles.
Using new data overlay package with TeleType GPS moving map software lets
you gain access to all the U.S. Interstate highways as you use your GPS
receiver.  Pricing starts at US$549 and upgrades are available for
current customers.  For more information check out the following URL:
<http://www.teletype.com/gps/gpspr.html>; call: 888.TELETYPE or
617.734.9700; or FAX: 617.734.3974.

** WORKOUT UTILITY RELEASED **

Waverley Software Design has announced a new completely customizable
training journal called Workout Log for Newton 2.0.  The software lets
you track, graph, and summarize personal workout data including templates
for running, swimming, cycling and weight lifting.  The retail price for
this product is going to be US$59.  For more information contact Matt
Brown by email at: <WaverleySD@aol.com> or by phone at: 415.322.5356.

** NEW DEVELOPER TOOL **

Serg Koren <archimag@netaxs.com> has announced an open-beta of a new
US$35 shareware visual application development environment for Newton 2.0
called "VisualNewt."  The core feature of this product is to let you
design and draw a user interface with checkboxes, pickers, gaugues, etc.
... and then add the "guts of your application" by generating
NewtonScript that you can edit and modify.  VisualNewt can also interact
with Steve Weyer's Newt Development Environment (NDE).  This interaction
lets you create completely standalone Newton packages directly on your
Newton.  For more information please check out the following URL:
<http://www.netaxs.com/~weyer/newton/releases.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 World Wide Web
        at: <http://www.1stopsoft.com>?  AMIGO is available for
        US$24.95 and it comes with a full year of upgrades. For more
        information contact ACCSYS by email at: <rkaplan@well.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

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

** JOBS WANTS NEWTON OUT OF APPLE **

Rich Simons <richs1@tiac.net> reported on the USENET newsgroup
comp.sys.newton.misc that the recent issue of FORTUNE magazine has a
not-so-nice Newton mention on page 108 -- "[Steve] Jobs suggested that
Amelio dump the Newton hand-held computer, a John Sculley favorite."

** FTP UTILITY ANNOUNCED **

ceMis based in Brisbane, Australia has announced newtFTP -- a NIE savvy
FTP client released for the Newton MessagePad that lets you easily browse
packages and documents before creating a selected transferring session.
The software is expected to ship by Q2'97 and you can get more
information by check out: <http://www.cemis.com.au>.

** NEW NEWTON FTP SITE **

J. Leko <leko@ix.netcom.com> reports that the Tennessee Valley Newton
User Group has created a new anonymous FTP sites for Newton 1.x & 2.0
shareware and freeware via: <http://newton.uah.edu>.  For more info send
email to: <newton@newton.uah.edu>.

** FORM TOOL RELEASED **

Chris Heimark <CHeSSy@webleap.com> reports that FormIt for Newton and
Macintosh has been released.  This tool works with Notes Stationery and
with Newton Works that ships with Newton 2.1.  It is ideal for the
'non-programmer' to great form based solutions, and to upload collected
data to desktop systems.  A Windows hosted version will ship in May97.  A
30-day trail version has been posted to: <http://www.webleap.com>.  You can
also get more information by calling: 610.296.0549.

** NEW NEWS FROM SILVERWARE **

SilverWARE <info@silverware.com> recently made two announcements:

    - German version of MoreInfo 4.0
    - for US$49.95 users of other Newton contact
      managers can upgrade to MoreInfo 4.0 until
      31Mar97

SilverWARE is also the author of several other Newton products:

    - PowerNames: utility which provides instant
      access to your frequently used names
    - FlightRecorder: allows Newton users to record
      their plane flights within the Newton's built-in
      Date Book
    - AffiliatePlus: extends the built-in affiliate
      function in the Name File.

For more information check out: <http://www.silverware.com> or send an
email message to: <info@silverware.com>.  You can also reach SilverWARE
by phone at: 508.521.5262.

** INTERNET APPS UPDATED **

Serg Koren <archimag@netaxs.com> has posted a host of fixes to
Newt'sPaper (Newton USENET newsreader) and Newt'sWeather (Internet
weather information tracker) on 16Feb97.  For more information check out:
<http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/>.

** SITE POINTER FOR THE NEWTON BOOK OF NEWTNEWS **

Mark Richard Heringer <HeringerMR@pobox.com> reminds NewtNews readers
that you can download the Newton Book version of NewtNews from the
following site: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/9987/>.

** NS BASIC NEEDS EXPERIENCED TESTERS **

George Henne at NS BASIC is looking for experienced NS BASIC testers who
will run their formal test suite on a host of systems.  You should have
at least the following qualifications:

    - An MP120 2.0, MP130, MP2K or eMate
    - Already using NS BASIC
    - Ability to describe what went wrong
    - A sharp eye
    - Lots of patience

before you consider sending email to: <gh@nsbasic.com> for more info.

** MULTIMEDIA ON YOUR NEWTON **

Lee Moon <leemoon@aol.com> has announced a Mac OS utility called PALMEDIA
Media Transfer 2.0 that allows you to send images (PICT & JPEG), movies
(QuickTime), and small System 7 sound files to the Newton. The software
users Steve Weyer's Slurpee (on the Newton) and HyperCard 2.x on the Mac
to complete the process.  PALMEDIA Media Transfer (Mac OS) is freeware.
PALMEDIA Player (Newton) has a $10 shareware fee.  For more information:
<http://members.aol.com/LeeMoon/>.

** SCREEN SNAPSHOT ON THE NEWTON **

Brian Hall <brian_hall@markspace.com> the developer of PageNOW! for the
Newton reports great success using Landware's X-Port to take screen
snapshots of his PageNOW! product.  To see the pictures checkout:
<http://www.markspace.com/pagenow_newton.html>.

** DIGITAL MAPS ON HANDHELDS **

There has been an interesting thread about "Urban Street Atlas" on USENET
newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc.  If you are interested in this subject you
should check out HotBot <http://www.hotbot.com> or your favorite search
engine.

** NEWTON INTERNET ENABLER 1.1 POSTED **

Apple's Newton Internet Enabler (NIE) Version 1.1 for Newton 2.0 with
the following new TCP/IP capabilities:

    - Support for TCP and UDP protocols over PPP and SLIP
    - A domain name resolver
    - A dialer with scripting capability
    - Support for PAP and CHAP authentication

can be downloaded from the following site:

    - <http://devworld.apple.com/dev/newton/tools/nie.html>

** SOME UPDATED NEWTON LINKS **

A host of Newton sites have been updated lately.  Browse the following
links and learn a great deal about the Newton:

    - Newton Products and Solutions listed:
      <http://www.newton.apple.com/newton/newton.html>
    - The Newton Solutions Guide
      <http://www.jointsolutions.com/newton_3/>
    - Newton Reference
     <http://www.panix.com/~clay/newton/>
    - NewtonCentral: <http://newton.theonly.com/>
    - Newton Modem list:
      <http://devworld.apple.com/dev/newton/commsoln/modsetup.html>
    - Win2Go [WinLinx in Germany]: <http://www.pica.de/winlinx/>
    - Filez search engine: <http://www.filez.com>
    - Newton Classifieds <http://pobox.com/~bnet/newton/index.cgi>
    - Newton Doctor <http://pobox.com/~bnet/newton/doctor/index.cgi>
    - Newton FAQ <http://pobox.com/~bnet/newton/faq/>

[EDITOR: Information collected from posts to USENET newsgroups by Andrew
Plumb <Tekmage@io.com>, Clay Irving <clay@panix.com>, Alan Yacavone
<yacavone@worldnet.att.net>, John Catlin <john@theonly.com>, and Smittie
<smittie@enfour.com>]

** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A BROWSE **

    - Wireless LAN Alliance: <http://www.wlana.com>
    - Konexx: <http://www.konexx.com>
    - TeleAdapt: <http://www.teleadapt.com>
    - Inmarsat: <http://www.inmarsat.org>
    - JFAX: <http://www.jfax.com>
    - CitySearch: <http://www.citysearch.com>
    - Lycos' Maps: <http://www.lycos.com/roadmap.html>
    - Yahoo's Maps: <http://maps.yahoo.com>
    - Vicinity: <http://www.mapblast.com>
    - Geosystems: <http://www.mapquest.com>
    - VISA Maps: <http://www.infonow.net/powersearch.html>
    - U.S. State Department Warnings:
      <http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html>
    - ParaSoft RunTimes: <http://www.parasoft.com/newsltr/janfeb97.htm>
    - RSAEuro: <http://www.sourcery.demon.co.uk/RSAEuro.htm>
    - Apple Library for Object Embedding (ALOE) DR1:
      <http://opendoc.apple.com/dev/ALOE/aloemain.html>


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
$ NS BASIC  $ The latest implementation of this cool programming tool has an
$   3.6     $ easy to use graphic screen layout function, plus indexed file
$   with    $ communications, graphics and more!  Program directly on Newton
$  Visual   $ or with a PC or Mac.  Create packages in the Extras drawer and
$ Designer! $ much more. 260 pg handbook. Cost is $99+5 S&H for all Newtons.
$           $ <info@nsbasic.com>,  <http://www.nsbasic.com>,  416.264.5999
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  PDA & HANDHELD DIRECT - December96 Specials - Cool Stuff for your Newton!
   - Apple MessagePad 130 $689 (#22003) Free Win2Go Software with Purchase
   - Type II PCMCIA Flash Memory for all Apple MPs - Mfg Lifetime Guarantee
     4MB $128 (#41071)  8MB $224 (#41073)  10MB $274 (#41074)
   - Revelar Connection Utilities $53.95 - Windows (#10070) Mac OS (#10071)
   - King James Bible for Newton $34.95 (#10260) Archimedes $39.95 (#62030)
   - FreeStyle Handwriting Recognition $39.95 (#10151)
   - MessagePad Wireless Communications Case $73.95 (#31150)
  To receive special pricing please mention source code [#151]
  To order call 800-279-4732 or 219-882-5228 or fax 219-845-0578
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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

** JUST NEWS **

    - Apple continues to restructure executives and
      organizations.  Offers a host of new products.

** MAJOR TRENDS **

    - LDAP support: Netscape, Novell prep new products
    - Plastic Fiber: fast, flexible, and cost effective
    - Internet 'Push Technology' coming from all corners

** MINOR TRENDS **

    - Netscape and Microsoft seem to be compromising on
      some of the latest 'open standards'
    - eXtranet: business-to-business linking over the
      Internet, U.S. sales to boom from US$569.3 million
      to US$2.2 billion

** NOISE **

    - Death of ISDN? Telecos hint less support?
    - Death of the Browser?  Will it be 'Pushed' out?

** 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
---------------------------------------

** SAVE THE NEWTON, SELL THE NEWTON **

Henry Norr <henry@norr.com> has an article called "All we are saying is
give Newton a chance: Sell it!" on page 18 of MacWeek published on
17Feb97.  To read the complete article online check out the following
URL: <http://205.181.112.110/mw_1107/op_decade.html> or start at the top
of: <http://www.macweek.com> and work your way to Henry's column archive.

There is also a short mention of the Newton being on the "chopping block"
in an review article of the recent Apple reorganizations on page 10 of
InfoWorld published on 10Feb97.

** MP2K WIRELESS MENTION **

Merman Hehling has a MessagePad 2000 mention in the 17Feb97 edition of
Computer Reseller News on page 67.  The article is entitled "Wireless
Helps You Plug In: Remotely, of course, and with a vengeance and is
focused on the new growing trend for wireless connectivity in the
business environment with more emphasis on Internet/intranet access.
Some companies working on making this happen include: AT&T, RAM Mobile
Data, Apple, Metricom, and Pacific Communications Sciences, Inc. (PCSI).
The only 'handheld computer' mentioned in the article as being Web savvy
(email, HTML, GIF) is the new MessagePad 2000.  The article also has
details on: AT&T's CDPD service; Metricom's Ricochet wireless Internet
service; and PCSI's Personal Access Link (PAL).

** NEW PILOTS ON THE WAY **

U.S. Robotics is just about ready to announce two new Pilot based PDAs --
$299 PalmPilot Personal Edition, and $399 Professional Edition PalmPilot.
The differences are based on built-in software features.  The
Professional will offer TCP/IP and email functionality.  These new units
are also expected to support an 'external modem and Network HotSync
software.' [Mark Moore, PC Week, 10Feb97, page 6]

Jim Balderston had a quick review of DEMO 97 with similar news about the
new Pilot devices on page 3 of InfoWorld published on 10Feb97.  The
article also had a short mention of a WyndMail's new wireless email
software for Windows CE <http://www.wynd.com>.

** CLIP-ON PILOT MODEM FINDS NEW HOME **

Nikean Wireless Devices had previously announced a 'snap-on' wireless
modem called 'Minstreal' for the Pilot PDA, but has run into funding
problems.  So, NovAtel Wireless has picked up the product and expects to
have this CDPD savvy device available by Jul97. [Mark Moore, PC Week,
10Feb97, page 6]

** WINDOWS CE MOBILEPRO MENTION **

Short blurb on page 44 of Computer Reseller News published on 10Feb97 has
some details about NEC's Windows CE HPC called the MobilePro 200 (2-MB
RAM, US$499) and the MobilePro 400 (4-MB RAM, US$649).

** SYMANTEC's PCANYWHERE OF WINDOWS CE **

Symantec (800.441.7234) was showing off their pcAnyWhere CE software
product at the recent DEMO 97 conference held in Indian Wells,
California.  This 'remote-access' software for Windows CE should make it
easier for HPC users to access via remote links their office based
servers and applications the same way that desktop and laptop PC users
can.  Other features include: remote-control, and text-transfer.
Symantec is also considering porting their ezZoom and ezScroll products
to Windows CE.  The 'solution' will require a client and a server
application and will retail for US$80.  A client-only version will cost
US$40.

** OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST **

    - "Smart Phones Get Smarter: Handhelds due this
       year from major vendors will integrate digital
       cellular voice with advanced data capabilities" by
       Mark Moore, PC Week, 10Feb97, page 18
    - "Acorn's Modular Galileo OS Due for Network
       Computers" by Lisa DiCarlo, PC Week, 10Feb97, page
       44
    - "REVIEW: SkyTel SkyWriter Two-Way Pager Is Much
       Improved" by Matt Kramer, PC Week, 10Feb97, page
       78
    - "NetPCs ease cost woes: new features help with
       centralized management" by Jeff Bliss, Computer
       Reseller News, 10Feb97, page 7
    - "Handheld market gets storage muscle" (SanDisk,
       Philips, Iomega) by Kelly Spang, Computer Reseller
       News, 10Feb97, page 125
    - "Cellular callers to dial up Internet using PDA
       features: Mobile Web access on the way" by Ilan
       Greenberg, InfoWorld, 10Feb97, page TW/1
    - "Smart-Card Readers: Latest smart cards get
       friendlier with PCs" by Chris Jones, InfoWorld,
       17Feb97, page 8


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
   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 Griffiths <dpg100@york.ac.uk> has posted Addbit v2.00 for the
Psion which allows for multiple bitmaps to .pic files via the following
site: <http://www.york.ac.uk/~dpg100/silicon/addbit.htm>.

PSynn83165 <psynn83165@aol.com> has posted version 1.4a of the conversion
utility conver3a.  For more info: <http://members.aol.com/psynn83165>.

Jim Pollock <jpollock@ix.netcom.com> has a new DOS based IR file transfer
solution called IRSEND fore the Siena/3c.  To download the software check
out: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/3947/>.

Martin Dunstan <mnd@dcs.st-andrews.ac.uk> has released a Psion savvy
family tree program called Geni 1.20.  The software is GEDCOM friendly.
For more info: <http://www-theory.dcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/~mnd/export/geni/>.

Andy Clarkson <Andrew.Clarkson@Smallworld.co.uk> has posted Plan 4.2 for
the Psion via: <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/andyc>.  This
new iteration supports: task details, resource details, dependencies,
calculation of task end dates, Gantt & PERT charts, and cost estimating.

Alan Roberts <alanr@rd.bbc.co.uk> has posted a demo of his UK$10 Bell
Ringing program (version 2.30) for the Psion 3a/3c via the USENET
newsgroup comp.sys.psion.binaries.

Al <alanrichey@aol.com> has announced the v1.9 release of his personal
accounts suite called S3ABANK for the Psion.  This version has over 40
enhancements over v1.8, and can be downloaded via the following URL:
<http://members.aol.com/alanrichey>.

Ian Penson <ianpenson@enterprise.net> has created a Psion 3A and Windows
solution to aid designers of Public Address installations by calculating
sound pressure levels and line losses for a range of speakers and cable
sizes stored in updateable databases.  The software is called PATools and
can be downloaded via: <http://homepages.enterprise.net/ianpenson>.

Ronald Queloz <qlz@siemens.ch> has put the finishing touches on v1.3.10
of his vacation/leave tracking tool called VacTrac for the Psion.  You can
get it via: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/3591/>.

** PILOT **

Iain Barclay <isb@pobox.com> has posted version 0.5 of his Pilot savvy
SimpleTerm utility via: <http://www.pobox.com/~isb/pilot.htm>.  Iain is
still working on VT100 support, but has added support for a host of baud
rates in this version.

Olivier Meirhaeghe <olivier.meirhaeghe@smartcode.fr> reports that
Smartcode Software <http://www.smartcodesoft.com> has released their
Internet-savvy email package called HandStamp 2.0 for the U.S. Robotics's
Pilot PDAs.  This new version is a free upgrade to v1.0 customers and
should be available for download by 24Feb97.

On the rumor mill side of things, the Pilot Pen Company is 'reportedly'
in the lawsuit mode with a major trademark infringement suit in the works
against U.S. Robotics for the Pilot trademark.  Not sure what the legal
merits of the case are but some 'developers' have been referring to the
U.S. Robotics' Pilot as the "The Device Formally Known As A Word That Also
Describes A Person Flying An Airplane" or 'TDFKAAWTADAPFAA' for short.

Palmeta Software is now shipping their Pilot email savvy solution called
Palmeta Mail v1.5.  You can download a 30-day demo via the following URL:
<http://www.palmeta.com/>.  The retail price of Palmeta Mail is under
US$40.  For more information send an email to: <lelija@palmeta.com>.

** WINDOWS CE **

NEC has started to heavily advertise their MobilePro HPC with their 2MB
product retailing for US$499.  This HPC is powered by the NEC VR 4101
processor.  For more information call: 888.306.4636.

Philips has also started their major ad campaign for their 'small' HPC
called the Velo 1.  This unit includes a built-in modem and weighs less
than a pound.  For more info: 888-FOR-VELO or <http://www.velo1.com>.

Looking for Windows CE handwriting recognition software?  Many folks are
reporting the CIC's Jot <http://www.cic.com> does a very good general
letter-by-letter recognition.  There are also at least two other products
on the horizon -- one called SmartWriter (shipping) and the other
Calligrapher (in beta testing).

Microsoft has posted a host of Windows CE 'Power Toys' to the following
site: <http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/hpc/software/default.htm>.  You
also might be able to find some interesting things posted to this other
site: <http://www.windowsce.com>.

Nigel Ballard <pelham123@pobox.com> recently posted several tidbits of
information worth a mention -- expect a European specific mention
regarding Windows CE at CeBIT, and the folks responsible for the cursive
handwriting recognition engine for the Newton, Paragraph, have a Windows
CE HWR solution coming soon.  For a ton of good info check out Nigel's
WWW page at: <http://www.pobox.com/~pelham123>.

** MAGIC CAP **

Brenda Holloway <brendah@CYBERGAL.COM> recently reported making some
changes to her Magic Cap stuff posted to the World Wide Web via:
<http://www.mbay.net/~brendah/articles/>.

Dean Yu <dean@genmagic.com> recently responded to a question on USENET
newsgroup comp.os.magic-cap about the possibility of Magic Cap 1.x
applications running on Rosemary (codename for the next iteration of
Magic Cap).  In summary, it appears that since Rosemary runs on a
different CPU, that Magic Cap 1.x applications are not binary compatible
and will need to be 'ported' to Rosemary.

** OTHER **

Presentations magazine published in Feb97 has a small article about the
new Ricoh G-1200S 4.4 pound tablet PC powered by an Intel 486DX2/50-MHz
CPU.  For more information check out: <http://www.ricoh.com>.

Randolph Wicks <wicks@commedia.smsu.edu> suggests that those interested
in running Linux on a PDA check out the HP200LX and the following links:
    - <http://www.linux.org.uk/Linux8086.html
    - <ftp://ftp.linux.org.uk/pub/linux/8086
    - <ftp://shadow.cabi.net/pub/ELKS

Amanda Walker <amanda@intercon.com> has an interesting IBM PC-110 WWW page
at: <http://walker.reston.va.us:8080/pc110/>.

Chris Mumford <cmumford@airmail.net> has posted the US$5 shareware
application called hp48 Explorer 1.1 -- a utility for transferring files
between Windows 95/NT and HP48 Series calculator.  To download
<ftp://ftp.paradigmsim.com/pub/outgoing/hp48>.

Seamus Waldron<seamus_waldron@cix.compulink.co.uk> has converted the
following built-in PC-110 modules: ToDo list, Address Book, and Scheduler
to English from Japanese.  For more information about this project check
out: <http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~seamus-waldron/pc110_misc.html#pw>.

An interesting thread with some potential was started recently on USENET
newsgroup comp.sys.palmtops by <fao@moore.uk.sun.com>.  The Subject: for
these posts contains "PDA_WAR CHAPTER" with the Chapters 1 and 2 posted
recently.  For more info do a search via HotBot <http://www.hotbot.com>
or use your own favorite search engine.

Harold Goldner <hgoldner@concentric.net> reports that those folks
interested in a Sharp Zaurus SDK check out the CompuServe's Zaurus Forum
for a product called "Pili".

Simon 'Gadget Man' Coulthurst <gman@globalnet.co.uk> aka 'Gadget Man'
answered a question recently on USENET newsgroup comp.sys.palmtops with
details about some of the 'weaknesses' he found in the Nokia 9000 -- no
global search, no search in Diary/Organizer, and no delete/archive in
Diary (all deleting has to be manual).

Here are two 'recently updated' PDA/Handheld savvy sites:
    - The Palmtop Network: <http://www.palmtop.net/~craig/>
    - PDA Central: <http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~tsolin/pda>


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  K2 consultants, Inc. has the best Medical titles for Newton. Just out is
  Dr. Ferri's popular book for internists with special offers! Get the hit
  references like Lexi-Comp Drug Handbook, 5 Min. Clin Consult, Archimedes
  Programmable Calculator, etc.  KJV Bible, Ole spanish translator & more,
  all working with our renowned ART engine. See ART make a big splash at
  <http://www.skyscape.com/k2> or <http://www.1stopsoft.com> for info/sales.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Edupage, 17Feb96 thru 23Feb97
-----------------------------

** SPEEDING UP OF HTTP PROTOCOL **

The World Wide Web Consortium in Cambridge, Mass., an industry
standards-setting group, says that a redesign of the http protocol that
has been the basis of the Web since 1990 will speed up downloads by two
to eight times.  Browsers supporting the new H.T.T.P./1.1 protocol will
be available in the spring.  (New York Times 17 Feb 97)

** COMPANIES NOT RUSHING TO THE INTERNET **

A Deloitte & Touche survey of almost 1,500 companies around the world
found that the overwhelming majority have no plans to use the Internet
for business transactions, and only one in 20 companies polled conduct
business via the Internet.  (Toronto Globe & Mail 18 Feb 97)

** EXPERIMENT SHOWS STUDENTS DO BETTER ONLINE **

A sociology professor at California State University at Northridge
conducted his own experiment to test online learning, randomly dividing
his statistics class in half, and teaching one half by lecture and the
other half by Web assignments, online discussion groups and e-mail.  The
students who'd been banned from the physical classroom scored an average
of 20% higher than those who'd attended in-person.  "The motivation for
doing this was to provide some hard, experimental evidence that didn't
seem to exist anywhere," says the prof, who plans to expand his research
to determine whether the online students performed better because they
spent more time collaborating with their classmates, or because of the
online format of the class.  (Chronicle of Higher Education 21 Feb 97)

** TELEDESIC LOOKS AT SCALING BACK **

Teledesic Corp., the high-profile, $9-billion satellite communications
project backed by cellular magnate Craig McCaw and computer mogul Bill
Gates, is exploring options to scale back its 840-satellite system,
beginning initially with just 288 "birds." The satellites will occupy a
low-Earth orbit, 400-700 miles above the Earth, circling in 12 orbital
planes or "rings," with 24 satellites in each ring. A spokesman for
Teledesic says the company "has not altered" its original plan, but may
start off with a more modest arrangement.  (Wall Street Journal 19 Feb
97)

** SOFTWARE PIRACY ESTIMATED AT $4 BILLION **

According to provisional data released Feb. 13 by the Business Software
Alliance and the Software Publishers Association, software company losses
due to international piracy totaled around $4 billion last year.  The
data shows China ranking number one in illegal copying of programs,
followed by Brazil, Russia, Italy and Canada. (BNA Daily Report for
Executives 14 Feb 97)

** HIGH-SPEED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS **

Israel-based New Media Communications has licensed its high-speed
wireless modems to CellularVision Technology & Telecommunications, which
plans a commercial rollout of its wireless communications service in
Manhattan in about six months.  The modems, which are linked to little
6-inch-by-6-inch antennas, can download at speeds up to 54 megabits per
second, although users won't be able to take advantage of those speeds
right away.  Most of today's PCs can handle only about 10 megabits per
second, but as technology improves, the higher capacity will come in
handy, say CellularVision execs. The modems use local multipoint
distribution service technology to provide connectivity.  (Business Week
24 Feb 97)

** PASSWORD-SHARING THWARTS WEB REVENUES **

Web entrepreneurs who charge subscription fees for accessing their Web
sites are finding their customers are passing along their passwords to
friends, relatives, etc., thus diminishing Web operators' potential for
making their venture pay off.  "Everybody on the Internet who sell
subscriptions has this problem to one degree or another," says a producer
for SportsZone.  A technical fix is possible, but Web site operators are
reluctant to make things more difficult for legitimate subscribers to log
on.  Meanwhile, Internet Billing offers software that allows Web sites to
limit how many times the same password may be used each day -- a solution
that would probably keep some of the piracy down, but runs the risk of
alienating paying customers who just want to log on a lot.  (Wall Street
Journal 21 Feb 97)


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


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

** TRENDS: MANAGING THE CUSTOMER ASSET **

The CEO of Vantive Corp., which makes software that integrates
information from marketing, help desks and field services to provide
accurate and up-to-date customer profiles, says successful customer asset
management will separate the winners from the losers in the coming years:
 "The problem that we see in business today is that there are two trends
taking place.  One is that the cost of acquiring new customers is
increasing.  At the same time, the Harvard Business Review tells us that
over the next five years the average corporation will lose half its
customers.  That's a prescription for disaster.  What we think is the
fundamental transition that's taken place over the last four years is
that business relationships are transaction-based.  You call up an 800
number and you speak to somebody and they treat you as the 92nd
transaction.  In contrast, some companies, like Lands' End... manage
their customer asset.  If you call them up, and you've done business with
them before, you don't even have to give them a customer number.  They
know who you are by your phone number.  They can answer the phone and say
your name.  They also have available to them all the information about
you... including your clothing size.  Companies are beginning to use
technology now to re-establish a relationship with customers.  And we
think that is going to be the foundation of the competitive company in
the future.  Because if you have a relationship with a company, you'll
buy again from that firm."  (Investor's Business Daily 12 Feb 97)

** STRATEGIES: "NONTRADITIONAL" MARKETING -- DEADHEAD STYLE **

In the traditional approach to the marketing of music, it's the
recordings that represent the profit center, and live concerts are
primarily intended simply to drive up record sales.  But the rock group
The Grateful Dead turned tradition upside down, and made studio
recordings just an afterthought of its primary focus:  live concerts,
always exciting and always different.  The result of this nontraditional
marketing strategy? The Dead were able to maintain long-time affectionate
relationships with their audiences, which became a close-knit "family."
Harvard Business School marketing professor Benson P. Shapiro says that
the group was able to retain the cachet of its brand name by NOT making
records:  "What the Dead did is make sure they didn't let records or CDs
cheapen their image or make it pedestrian."  Their real "product" is not
the music itself, but the community of people who share an interest in it
-- a club in which members can say of non-members:  "I'm in, you're out."
 The same kind of spirit has developed around brands such as Nike,
Harley-Davidson, BMW, and others. (Glenn Rifkin, "Lessons From The
Grateful Dead,"  Strategy & Business Issue 6 1Q 1997)

** INNOVATIONS: THE INTERNET CHANNEL **

WorldGate Communications is planning commercial introduction of a service
that offers Internet access via a cable TV station for a projected $4.95
a month.  The service requires WorldGate software, which is included in
current set-top boxes from General Instrument or Scientific Atlanta, but
no extra hardware:  "This is something unique for the cable operators to
do -- universal access without the consumer laying out a dime for the
hardware," says WorldGate's chairman.  Meanwhile, Oracle and Thomson
Consumer Electronics plan to announce a March launch of their NetChannel
service, which will offer Internet access for $19.95 a month.  NetChannel
will use intelligent agent software to customize caching of viewers'
favorite Web sites for speedier access.  "Speed is very important, and
consumers need to have a rich and entertaining experience," says
NetChannel's president. "It's not really about accessing the Internet;
it's about expanding the television experience."  (Broadcasting & Cable
27 Jan 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
---------------------

** TEXT EMOTICONS PALETTE **

This was in the last issue of NewtNews:

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

This request generated several potential solutions including:

    - Landware's KwikMenu & KwikText
    - Landware's Merlin/WordSleuth
    - Stand Alone Software's Vitamin A
    - Namba One Systems' CaretPro

[EDITOR: Thanks to Don Modesto <modesto@gol.com>, and Ruben
<ruben@mailmac.macbbs.com.br> for their help in answering this request!]


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

** SPRINT NEWS **

Sprint is offering a new service in Las Vegas that will provide customers
with access to local news stories, movie listings, stock quotes, sports
scores, even hotel and casino performance schedules available at the
touch of a button.  The service is being launched with help from
Connecticut-based ISP SmartServ and uses Sprint's PowerTouch 350
screenphone.

Sprint is now showing a new 30-second TV commercial in the San Francisco
area heralding their new Sprint Internet Passport (SM) service.  The
service is available 7/24, and includes over 200 local Internet access
points in the United States.

Sprint <http://www.sprint.com> has declared a dividend of $0.25 per
common share and $0.375 per share on both the 1st & 2nd series
convertible preferred stock.

Sprint Healthcare Systems has announced a new project underway for the
California Medical Association (CMA).  Sprint will be offering a
customized version of their Sprint Internet Passport(SM) service to CMA's
34,000 members, and will get the CMA's World Wide Web site up and running
on the Internet.

** NEWTON IS A WEAPON FOR ROAD WARRIORS **

Black Enterprise magazine published on 01Feb97 has an article with a
Newton mention called "Weapons for the road warrior: mobile technology
that will make business trips easier" written by Muhammad Tariq.  The
article focuses on select technology what would "make the difference
between making the sale or losing an account."  Here are the technologies
evaluated in this article: Winbox FX; Apple PowerBook 1400; Sharp
WideNote Notebook Computer; Citizen PN 50 (Black-and-White Portable
Printer); Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 (MP2K); and Sharp Zaurus
ZR-5800FX.  The MP2K is 'billed' as a laptop alternative that offers
Internet and office-ready capabilities.  Along with strong desktop
connectivity, accurate handwriting recognition, multitasking, and
extensive PIM functionality.

** POSTAL SERVICE CHANGES WIRELESS PLANS **

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recently requested proposals on providing
a nearly US$1 billion wireless system, but has decided to re-evaluate
their needs and requirements.  The system would have needed to support
over 300,000 units, but the costs associated with having a single vendor
provide not only the equipment but also the wireless services was
identified as one of the largest stumbling blocks.  USPS still has plans
to build a large wireless system, but will instead focus on building it
using more commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, software, and
wireless services from multiple vendors. [Colleen O'Hara, Federal
Computer Week, 17Feb97, page 3]

** NEWTON IDEAL FOR EXPENSE TRACKING **

Ann Monroe has a Newton mention in an article entitled "Manage your
expenses" in Home Office published on 01Feb97.  The article is focused on
'three easy steps to speed up payment of your out-of-pocket costs' by:

    - Step 1: Gathering Proof of Payment
    - Step 2: Expense Entry
    - Step 3: Streamline Invoicing

The Newton mention comes under the Step 2 topic -- use a MP130 running
Pocket Quicken to "tally your expenses immediately" and then export this
data later to your desktop Quicken.

[EDITOR: This is a 'great' Newton mention and probably one of the reasons
that Apple went after Intuit to develop their Quicken Newton product in
the first place.  Unfortunately, Intuit is 'reportedly' not continuing
development, so it should be noted that there are other 3rd Party
products that are also ideal to use in this situation: Catamount's Pocket
Money, MAR Software's Bills To Pay Pro, True North's Out of Pocket and
WalletWare's Expense Plus.]

** INFORMATION WEEK INFO **

The latest Information Week <http://www.informationweek.com> published on
17Feb97 has several tidbits of information NewtNews might find
interesting:

    - Information Week editors picked Microsoft's
      Windows CE as part of their choice for a contender
      in the 'Thin Client' OS arena on page 14.
    - Bob Francis has an article with a picture of the
      new HP 200LX Windows CE HPC and a short mention of
      the Philips' Velo 1.  It should be noted that IDC
      estimates 301,000 Windows CE HPC will be sold in
      the U.S. this year, and that by year 2000 some
      876,000 will be sold.

** WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS **

AT&T Wireless Services (800.552.3373) is now offering PocketNet service
that offers analog cellular and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) in a
single phone.  For US$40 you get basic cellular service and 500-Kb of
data transmission -- anything over the 500-Kb limit will be billed at
$0.08 a single Kb.  The device will support handheld device mobile
language (HDML).  [Denise Pappalardo, Network World, 17Feb97, page 8]

** INDEPTH CDMA ANALYSIS **

George Glider <gtg@gilder.com> has an indepth analysis and history review
of CDMA with a great deal of technology information in an article called
"Over the Paradigm Cliff" on page 29 - 35 of Forbes ASAP published on
24Feb97.

** WIRED, MAR97 **

Short blurb by Jessie Scanlon on page 55 about the new Geoworks enabled
Nokia 9000 communicator -- a wireless smart phone with complete Net
access.  In related news, according to the same page, smart phones are
'WIRED' and two-way pagers are 'TIRED.'

By the end of Mar97, Sony plans to have a 'developer' version of their
Playstation (all black) available for purchase.  This $750 device will
come with Metrowerk's Codewarrior C compilers/debuggers for Mac/Windows
so you can easily 'hack' the next great Playstation game.  In related
news, Sega is suppose to be on the same path of making development for
their Saturn systems easier -- they will soon be offering a BASIC SDK.
[page 56]

Tim Barkows' Fetish has the US$299 Uniden America's AXIS (a cordless Web
phone - more info: 888.777.2947) on page 69; Philip's "Newton killer" the
Windows CE HPC Velo 1 (US$599 -- more info: 888.367.8356) on page 72; and
Acorn's NewsPAD (more info: <http://www.acorn.co.uk>).  For more info
check out: <http://www.wired.com>

The stock portfolio tracking column on page 100 finally dumped Apple
stock and has a Newton slam "After the 'failure' of the Newton..."
followed by a major inaccuracy "... Newton 2000 has many 'WAD' features,
though it can't receive faxes yet."

The Hype List by Steve Steinberg <hypelist@wired.com> has tagged "Smart
Pagers" as 'mass-media meme' last month, and this month has retagged smart
pagers as "about to die from overexposure' on page 172.

** COOL TOOLS **

Theresa Riley has several 'Cool Tools' blurbs on page 37 of the Mar97
edition of Yahoo Internet Life <http://www.yil.com> with pictures by
Chris Rogers.  You can learn more about:

    - EarthCam: $700 phone-savvy Web camera
    - Nokia 9000 Communicator: runs Geoworks
    - U.S. Robotics' Pilot 5000
    - Compaq's PC Companion Windows CE HPC
    - Logitech's Surfman controller


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

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

** HANDHELD **

Wynd Communications has announced WyndMail for Windows CE offering
nationwide wireless communication services starting at US$29.95 a month.
WyndMail will be bundled on HP's not-yet-released HP300LX and 320LX
systems. [Farcast & iNews]

River Run Software Group has announced that their email solution called
Mail on the Run! which has been already announced for Windows CE will be
available for HP's 300LX and 320LX Windows CE palmtops. [Farcast & iNews]

SanDisk has announced that HP's 320LX system will be using SanDisk's
CompactFlash storage cards in the 320LX's built-in slot. [Farcast & iNews]

Ardis has also announced support for the HP300LX and 320LX palmtop PCs,
and will offer bundled solutions with HP and other software developers.
[Farcast & iNews]

Odyssey Computing has announced that by Mar97 that they will have their
Windows CE savvy version of Pocket On-Schedule available for HP's 300LX
and 320LX HPCs. [iNews]

Nikkei English News is reporting that Citizen Watch has a new pen-input
PDA in the works called Pensquare C112P that will retail for Yen$35,000
and should be shipping by 15Mar97.  The HWR software will allow for the
input of Japanese and English numbers and characters. [iNews]

Dauphin Technologies has announced plans to turn R.M. Schultz & Associates
into a wholly-owned subsidiary for manufacturing of their Dauphin handheld
PC systems. [Farcast]

** MOBILE **

Aether Technologies is now offering a complete 'investment communicator'
called the AirBroker which offers "unlimited, interactive, real-time
market information, headline news, and a cellular voice connection."
[iNews]

Business Wire had several articles circulating details and highlights
from Demo 97 including: Java based systems, Windows CE handhelds, and
touch screen phones with Internet access. [iNews]

Geoworks has announced plans to acquire the UK's Eden Group to 'extend'
their underlying communications system software resources as they 'emerge
as leaders' in building smart phone solutions. [iNews]

AMD has announced that they are now shipping in volume their new flash
memory cards that support the Miniature Card standard." [Farcast]

Pocket Communications has awarded Mitsubishi Wireless with a contract
worth US$129 million to build GSM phones for their future wireless
networks. [Farcast]

** WIRELESS **

Motorola has a new FLEX chip called the 68175 that is shipping in volume,
and they have a new 'Wireless Message Gateway' terminal that can handle
200 FLEX pages per second. [iNews]

Motorola recently won a US$16 million contract to supply GSM network
equipment to China Unicom for a digital cellular phone network in the
Jiangsu province of China.  In related news, Motorola also signed a
similar agreement in the United Arab Emirates, and in Ireland. [iNews]

Bell Atlantic NYNEX is now offering Caller ID and Message Waiting
Indicator for Voice Mail to their cellular phone service customers in
Connecticut and western Massachusetts. [Farcast]

The digital phone service Eesti Mobiiltelefon based in Estonia has
announced that Ericsson has been awarded a US$20 million contract to
prototype of GSM 1800 network in Tallinn, Estonia.

** APPLE **

Apple CEO Gilbert Amelio was reported last week in Reuters as saying that
the recent restructuring is aimed at cutting costs by US$400 million a
year.  In related news, Amelio also acknowledged that between Jan-Mar'97
(Apple's fiscal Q1'97) will most likely be a net loss quarter. [iNews]

Apple has announced that their product development, market, sales,
support and operations effects in regards to information systems are
going to be sharply focused and streamlined using NEXTSTEP technology.
[iNews]

At a recent multimedia fair called 'MILIA', Apple officials were quoted
as saying the "have not yet decided" what they plan to do with their
Pippin multimedia and game station.  Apple was also showing a DVD-ROM
based Macintosh prototype, and reiterated their plans to standardize
their complete line of systems with DVD-ROM savvy players. [iNews]

Apple has announced that the executive in charge of software developer
relations -- Heidi Roizen -- has decided to resign to spend more time
with her family. [Farcast & iNews]

Apple has reportedly finished their acquisition of NeXT software after
securing regulatory approval. [iNews]

Apple Japan is reportedly planning to team with several large retailers
to open 12 specialized Macintosh computer outlets by the end of May97.
[iNews]

Apple has recently purchased an enterprise license for Seagate Software's
Holos data-warehousing software <http://www.holossys.com>. [iNews]

The Miami Herald recently ran a story that Apple's actual computer sales
and market share are actually on the rise in nearly all the Latin
American markets. [iNews]

California Public Employees' Retirement System recently, with much press
attention, released a list of their 'financial laggards'.  Top of the
list included Apple and Reebok. [iNews]

** MACINTOSH **

Apple has announced, at MacWorld Tokyo 1997, a host of new products
including 240-MHz PowerBook 3400, several new PowerPC enable desktop
systems, several education market specific PowerPC systems, a new digital
camera the QuickTake 200, and the MP2K & eMate 300.  Several of the
desktop system will be Iomega Zip enabled, and the new PowerBook systems
will be bundled with ForeFront's WebWhacker 2.0 offline browser
technology. [iNews]

Motorola has dropped prices across their complete line of Mac OS StarMax
systems and announced that since mid-Nov96 they shipped 56,000 units.
PowerComputing, APS, and UMAX have also recently lowered prices -- thus
creating 'the first real' Mac OS hardware pricing war.  Motorola also
recently announced that future StarMax systems will be bundled with Be
Inc.'s BE operating system. [iNews]

Apple has announced a new promotion to bundle RunShare server
acceleration software with all Workgroup Server solutions.  Apple has
also pledged free upgrades to AppleShare IP and Mac OS 7.6 support.
[Farcast & iNews]

Apple is now shipping the Indian Language Kit for Mac OS and their
33.6-Kbps GeoPort Telecom Adapter Kit. [Farcast & iNews]

** OTHER **

Microsoft has announced that they are not planning to support or continue
to develop Windows NT for PowerPC systems. [iNews]

NEC is reportedly working on a 'low-priced' Express 5800 PC server system
that offers two 200-MHz Pentium Pro processors and 256-MBs of RAM.
[iNews]


Advertising Notes
-----------------

K2 Consultants <http://www.skyscape.com/k2> are now an advertiser in
NewtNews.

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

* 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.

* 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>


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

** NEWTON MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE **

Jerry McMurry <mcmurry@nosc.mil> sums up his thoughts about his Newton
and the experiences he has had with it with:

    I love my Newton.  I am never without it.  I love
    to pull it out at the doctors' office or hardware
    store and have everyone crane over to see what I
    am doing and go "Uuuu!" and "Aaaaah!"

    I explain, "Well, it's just a computer.  It does
    what any computer can do, just depending what
    software is in it.  The could always make small
    computers, but you can't stand on a street corner
    and type on a regular keyboard.  So that's why we
    enter the data this way [as I wave the pen]!"

    This always [seems to] makes sense to them, [and]
    they nod with understanding.  They see it is not
    just a toy but related to something they know, the
    computer.

** NEWTON MAKES AN EVEN BIGGER DIFFERENCE **

Jon Wright <jon@UNS.com.au> writes:

    In my case I bought a Newton after a head injury
    which affected my memory.  It was a constant
    companion during my recovery and I cannot imagine
    being without it.  At the time it was the only
    Apple product I had ever purchased, and I have
    been working in the computer industry for nearly
    15 years.

    Because of my experience with the Newton, I have
    since bought two Macs and I am an "Apple convert".
    There is no way I would ever have even considered
    Apple as an option if it had not been for the
    introduction via the Newton.

    BTW ... Apple should push the Newton/eMate as the
    primary way of reaching NEW markets - i.e. Wintel
    and non-computer users.


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

** SORRY FOR LIST WOES **

First off, myself and Bob are very sorry with the recent corrupted
versions of NewtNews and the Supplement.  We 'promise' to do better in
the future.  The one good thing to mention is that the machine at io.com
that sends out NewtNews has been upgraded, and is much faster.  So, you
should be able to get NewtNews faster.  Thank you for your support.

** THANKS FOR ALL THE KIND COMMENTS **

Over the last couple of weeks, I have gotten some very nice pieces of
email about how much many of you enjoy NewtNews. I really appreciate
hearing these kinds of comments.  Thanks!  I also like constructive
criticism, but definitely not as much.

** SOUR GRAPES?!? **

I have been getting a lot of email lately from folks asking me how I like
the MessagePad 2000.  I 'think' it is a fine PDA, but to be totally
honest, even though Apple seems to be making a big deal to developers
about seeding members of the press with the MP2K and the eMate, I have
not been blessed, for whatever reason, with the opportunity of being
seeded with a MP2K.

It is not that I haven't asked, I have, but for whatever reason, no luck.
I think from Apple's perspective that they think 'why should we seed an
evangelist over someone who could become an evangelist?!?'  Plus ... my
readers is mostly Newton users, so maybe Apple is thinking it won't make
much of a difference because NewtNews readers already 'get it.'  Seems
weird, but who really knows how Apple thinks and why it acts one way or
another anyway?!?

So ... from the times I have used an MP2K -- over dinner one evening in
San Diego, at the Newton Developer Conference in Nov'96, and at MacWorld
SF 1997 -- I have to say I was very impressed.  But until I get my own
MP2K (I'm waiting in line just like all of you) I'll have to defer
detailed analysis and opinion until then.

P.S. I have had no problems whatsoever being offered Pilot and Windows CE
devices to test.  Hmmm ...


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

NewtNews Copyright 1994-97 Steve Holden.  All rights reserved.
Non-profit, non-commercial publications may reprint articles if full
credit is given.  Others please contact me.  NewtNews doesn't guarantee
accuracy of articles.  NewtNews does not express or imply any
endorsement of any businesses participating in this publication.  My
personal comments may be included in articles NewtNews reports by
highlighting them as -- [SDH: Comments].  Official NewtNews Editor's
comments are highlighted as -- [Editor: Comments].  Publication,
product, and company names may be registered trademarks of their
companies.  All trademarks used in this publication are for
informational purposes only and to the benefit of the trademark owner,
with no intention of infringing on that trademark.

Send contributions and comments to Steve Holden, Editor and Publisher
at: <newtnews@pobox.com>.  Other important NewtNews players include:

    - Reviews Editor: Bob Torres <btorres@io.com>
    - Newton Book: Mark Heringer <4535904@mcimail.com>
    - NewtNews Pro: Dave Hina <daverh@aol.com>
    - FTP site & email list admin: Bob Torres <btorres@io.com>
    - NewtNews Travel Guide: Andrew Wong <swong@email.sdsu.edu>

      SUBSCRIPTIONS: email <majordomo@tristero.io.com> with
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                     message (no quotes)
        UNSUBSCRIBE: email <majordomo@tristero.io.com> with
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                WWW: <http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/NewtNews/>
                     <http://members.aol.com/nnpro/newton.html>
                FTP: <ftp://ftp.io.com/pub/usr/btorres/NewtNews>
                     <ftp://members.aol.com/NewtNews1>
                     <ftp://ftp.amug.org/pub/newton/news/newt-news>
                     <ftp://ftp.scamedia.com.au/pub/newtnews/>
   NEWTON REFERENCE: <http://www.panix.com/~clay/newton/>
 NEWTON CLASSIFIEDS: <http://pobox.com/~bnet/newton>

This edition of NewtNews was written with the help of: Valentines Day
dinner at Ruth's Cris Steak House; celebrating Lynn's B-Day at the Belly
Up; and Clint Eastwood's new movie 'Absolute Power'.

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