NewtNews-135-01Apr97
====================

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:

 + 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>

 + 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>

 + QuickFigure Pro v.3.1 - New version of the spreadsheet solution from
   PelicanWare! - <sales@pelicanware.com> - <http://www.pelicanware.com>

 + RidgeNet - ARA, SLIP, PPP access to the Internet from Ridgecrest, CA.
   <http://owens.ridgecrest.ca.us/RidgeNET/RidgeNETWelcome.html>


Table of Contents
-----------------

 1. Top News
 2. Comments from the Editor
 3. Information from Email
 4. Information from the Internet
 5. Top Weekly Magazine Stories Of Interest
 6. NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton
 7. Other Related Technology
 8. Edupage, 24Mar97 thru 30Mar97
 9. INNOVATION, 17Mar97
10. Dear Newton Developer
11. Other Tidbits of Information
12. Advertising Notes
13. Product and Service Information
14. Guest Opinions
15. Administrivia


Top News
--------

[EDITOR: No April Fools in this issue.  Sorry for those that expected
something, but I've been way too busy to be creative. ;-)  If you are
looking for humor check out: <http://www.tidbits.com>.]

** MP2K IS OFFICIALLY SHIPPING **

Apple is now officially shipping the MessagePad 2000.  The MP2K offers
Internet access, send/receive email & fax, personal productivity
software, and at a fraction of a laptop's weight at 1.4 pounds.  The MP2K
also incorporates the 160-MHz StrongARM processor that performs up to 10
times faster, and can easily exchange information with Windows and Mac OS
desktop systems.  The MP2K also offers exceptional power management
features, two Type II PC Card slots, and a 100 dpi screen that offers 16
levels of gray along with backlighting.  Other features include sound
recording & play back, keyboard support & interface, and IrDA & LocalTalk
networking support.

** POCKETWEB V2.1 IS AVAILABLE **

Markus Lauff <markus@teco.uni-karlsruhe.de> reports that the latest
version of PocketWeb 2.1 is available via the URL listed below.  This
version uses NIE that uses a special PDA proxy that lets you display
pictures.  PocketWeb v2.1 is postcard-ware for non-commercial use.  To
learn more: <http://www.teco.uni-karlsruhe.de/pocketweb/>.

** ANNOUNCING NEWTON INTELLIGENCE **

David Bills <dfbills@syr.edu> and Raven Zachary <raven@rinzai.com> are
please to announce the opening of Newton Intelligence -- a Hotline server
for the Newton Community.  This is a place for Newton users to come
together to discuss issues, exchange information, access programs, and
take part in chat forums with Newton programmers and hopefully employees
at Apple.  Newton Intelligence will also mirror the AMUG Newton archives
and provide access to other programs and files not centrally available on
the Internet. Membership is free and instructions on getting an account
are available via email.  The Hotline Server is at:
<hotline://orion.syr.edu>, and you should be able to find out more
information via the following URL: <http://www.rinzai.com/ni/>.

Hotline is a new client/server technology for Internet and intranet
communications.  Currently, it supports file transfer, chat, and news.
Hotline currently is available for the Macintosh, and a future PC version
is planned.  For more information: <http://macline.fwparker.org>.

** UNIFEP FOR RUSSIAN ANNOUNCEMENT **

Richard Northcott <richard@enfour.com> reports that Enfour (Tokyo) and
Paragon Hi-Tech (Moscow) have announced the release of a Russian language
solution for the Newton called "UniFEP for Russian" -- a Unicode
implementation of the Cyrillic character set and a full localization.
Over 100O Newtons have been sold in Russia so far.  Sales of this new
solution are expected to reach 300 units per month.

To get access to this US$99 software for the MP120/130 check out the
following companies Kami New Technologies <http://www.kamiu.ru> and
MacCentre <http://www.maccentre.ru>.   Support for the MP2K and the eMate
300 is expected by May97.  You can also get more info via the following
sites: <http://www.enfour.com> and <http://paragon.mda.de>.

** EQUATE IS PURCHASED! **

Gary Amstutz <garya@walletware.com> has announced that his company,
WalletWare <http://www.walletware.com> and Balcones Software (developers
of the Newton database package called Leverage) have teamed up to
purchase Equate and Equate Connect (spreadsheet solution for the Newton)
from Holosoft <http://www.holosoft.com>.  WalletWare is the developer of
ExpensePlus for the Newton.

Equate offers "notepad-like data entry, spreadsheets of any size, and can
directly open & save Microsoft Excel files using the optional Equate
Connect software, which is currently available for Windows users."
WalletWare expects to deliver a version 2.0 of the Equate Connect for
Macintosh soon after the acquisition.


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

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  QuickFigure Pro 3.1 - Spreadsheet for Newton 2.0 or better operating
  systems. Supports 255 x9999 cell worksheets, landscape mode, direct
  cell entry, worksheet linking, delayed recalc, and over 70 functions.
  Includes QF Exchange for Import/Export with Excel from Mac or Windows.
  From PelicanWare at $59.95+S&H (Upgrades $25+S&H). For more info:
  <info@pelicanware.com>. To order 800.655.6398 or visit resellers.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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

** 70/30 ON THE MORE NEWTON FORMAT **

Email feedback last week was 70% in favor of my announced decision to
focus more attention on the Newton in NewtNews, and less on the 'other'
stuff.  I appreciate all the comments and suggestions.  I think that when
I do find 'other' information I will report on it.  Specifically, many
are interested in future wireless connectivity technology, Windows CE,
and PalmPilot developments.  But I will not unfortunately be able to
'search' out this information like I have in the past.  Sorry.

Some people continue to hound me on this issue.  It basically comes down
to two things: my own personal interest, and the complete lack of
interest by PalmPilot, Macintosh, and Windows CE developers to advertise
in NewtNews.

** WHERE IS THE NEWTON TEXT-TO-SPEECH UTILITY? **

Many of the new MP2K owners are wondering where Apple's text-to-speech
utility is?!?  Apple showed this utility at the Developer's Conference
back in Nov96, and also at MacWorld SF in Jan97.  The presentations made
it seem like this was going to be a 'released' utility.

Word on the street is that folks in the Newton System Group would like to
release it but hasn't been Quality & Assurance (Q&A) tested, so it can't
be officially released.  It also appears that the product came out of
Apple's Developer Technical Support (DTS) which apparently complicates
things a lot.

** CORRECTIONS **

NewtNews incorrectly listed David Pompea <74736.172@CompuServe.COM>
NewtDb as a product created by Peter Mitchell Software (PMS) in the last
issue.  We are sorry for the confusion, and any problems associated with
this mistake.  David is the author of NewtDb, and PMS has nothing to do
with NewtDb.  BTW, David reports that he just released v1.24 of NewtDb
which has a couple of new features and tweeks.  For more information send
David email at the address listed above.

NewtNews also incorrectly listed Albert Zeeman's email address in his
review information about the recent CEBIT conference.  The correct
address is: <zeeman@worldonline.nl> no the CompuServe address listed.

** NEWTON BEING USED A VERTICAL SOLUTION AT TGIF?!? **

Akin O. <akino@ee.net> reported on comp.sys.newton.misc that his local
TGI Friday's in Columbus, Ohio is reportedly working on a Newton based
solution that uses 7 or 8 MP2Ks in the restaurant.  [EDITOR: If anyone
knows more information about this project please let me know.  Thanks!]

** QUICK MP2K THOUGHTS **

So far so good.  The MP2K is one 'excellent' Newton.  It is fast, and the
word processor is just what I needed.  Most of NewtNews was edited and
written on the MP2K, and it worked much better than I expected.  I still
need to explore the Internet connectivity and test out more of the 3rd
Party solutions that are cropping up like wild fires.  Expect more stuff
during next weeks Supplement.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
        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 Email
----------------------

** NEW LIFE BALANCE RELEASED **

Llamagraphics has announced version 1.1 of Life Balance, the "smart To-Do
list for the Newton that responds to changing situations and priorities."
This version is also completely compatible with the new MP2K and the
eMate 300, and will be a free update for current customers.  This version
also contains a host of new customer suggested new features and several
bug fixes.  The retail price for Life Balance is US$69.95 and can be
ordered directly by calling: 800.505.6198.  You can get more information
by checking out the following site: <http://www.Llamagraphics.com/> or by
sending email to: <LLAMAGFX@aol.com>.

** WRITESTUFF FOR NEWTWORKS SHIPS! **

LandWare Sales <sales@landware.com> has announced the writeStuff toolset
for NewtWorks that enables:

    - Stylesheets: Fast and flexible document
      formatting with user definable style sheets.
    - ScribeWorks: Handwriting recognition within
      NewtWorks.
    - proPoint 2.0: Powerful caret popup menu that
      supports styles, glossaries and more.
    - WordCount: Quickly calculate document
      statistics.
    - Tabulator: Convert spaces to tabs and visa
      versa.
    - CharPicker: Quickly insert any character using
      this fast popup palette.

The writeStuff toolset has a suggested retail price of $29.95, and for a
limited time can be purchased with Landware's merlin/WordSleuth (spell
checker/thesaurus) for $49.95.   For more information check out:
<http://www.landware.com>.

** MORE GOOD INDUSTRY PRESS NEWTON OPINIONS **

Jeff Pittelkau <acidtest@macuser.com> has a Newton mention in his 28Mar97
edition of his "The ACID TEST" column posted to the WWW at:
<http://www.zdnet.com/macuser/onlinecol/pittelkau2.html>.  The title of
the article is "Newton: Apple's Golden Egg" and has some very good
comments ("rocks") about his experience using the MP2K.  Jeff does note
that Windows CE brings a "healthy does of competition" that will very
soon be expanded beyond handhelds to cellular phones and set-top boxes.
This threat is something Apple can't let get past them.  The two things,
according to Jeff, Apple needs to bring Java and the QuickTime Media
Layer to the Newton OS to make it much better and give it long life.

** OFFICIAL RELEASE OF WINDOWS NTK **

Apple is now shipping their Windows 3.1/95/NT savvy version of their
object-oriented development tool called Newton Toolkit (NTK).  This
version will let Windows programmers build Newton 0S based solutions.
Platform requirements include 486DX processor or better, CDROM, 8MB RAM
for Win3.1 users, 16MB RAM for Win95/WinNT users.  The retail price is
expected to be US$150.  To order check out the following site at:
<http://www.devcatalog.apple.com>, you can also check out the press
release featured at the top of Apple's World Wide Web site at:
<http://www.apple.com>.

It should be noted that the press release for this announcement included
quotes from AllPen Software's Wayne Yurtin, Physix's Dr. Tom Giannulli,
and Monsanto Corporation's Jeff McKune.

** SPEECH RECOGNITION MOVES TO NEWTON **

Dragon Systems <http://www.dragonsys.com> has announced that they have
developed and ported their "high performance speech recognition software"
to Apple's new Digital StrongARM-based MessagePad 2000.   This solution
is "well-suited to many restricted vocabulary tasks, it features
continuous digit string recognition in a variety of modes found in high
volume applications." Some ideal usages of this technology include:

    - Voice dialing phone numbers
    - Ordering item quantities, weights, and part numbers
    - Specifying zip codes for sorting
    - Recording meter readings and mileage records
    - Reporting quality control measures
    - Reading Universal Product Codes (UPCs)
    - Command/control of Network Computers (NCs)
    - Changing channels on TV set-top boxes

Pricing information and availability were not announced.  For more
information about DEC's StrongARM processor check out the following WWW
site: <http://www.digital.com/semiconductor>.  You can also check out
the press release posted to the NewtUser WWW site at the following URL:
<http://www.newtuser.com/news/dragon/970326news-dragon.shtml>.

** ONE DEVELOPERS OPINION ON SPEECH RECOGNITION **

John Schettino <schettino@writeme.com> reported on comp.sys.newton.misc
that on a standard MP2K the speech recognition software by Dragon Systems
should support a 50 word vocabulary that would also be tuned to number
recognition.  This should be very 'usable' on a Newton for many things.
The key is picking the correct 50 words. John envisions something like
"Newton, Assist, Meeting, 4pm Wednesday." or  even better "Newton, record
note."

** MP2K MENTIONED IN TECH REVIEW **

Business Marketing published on 01Mar97 has a Newton mention in an
articled written by Marshal Rosenthal entitled "TECH TOOLS: The Newest
Portable Options."  As the title implies, this is a technology review
article that quickly looks at the following products:  Motorola's two-way
pager the Tango; Sharp's Zaurus 5800FX; U.S. Robotics' PalmPilot; Apple's
MessagePad 2000; Compaq's Windows CE savvy PC Companion; and Nokia's 9000
Communicator. The article highlights the MP2000 Internet capabilities but
does note in a 'slightly negative way' the size (weight) and price.

** NEWTON NON-FILE SYSTEM GETS RESPECT **

Brian Hayes <Hayes@amsci.org> has a Newton mention in an article called
"Reinventing the computer" published on 11Jan97 in American Scientist.
The article is an indepth look at the history and the 'future' of
computer science with major topics being covered like: OS religious wars
even though the basic hardware design is very much standard; the growing
trend of being "Lost in the Files" and how to manage them; what
technology exists for "Filelessness"; moving from programming to
"Deprogramming" (OpenDoc, ActiveX, JavaBeans); and finally Brian shares
his thoughts on the 'computer appliance' as a commodity.

The "Filelessness" section has the Newton mention -- Apple's PDA "uses a
persistent-object system where data objects live in soups."  Documents on
a Newton are 'filed' anyway you want and are accessed by directed or free
searches.  Soups are "equally accessible at all times."  The article also
mentions, and goes into a short review of the Unix/Newton application
called 'Lifestreams' created by Eric Freeman and David Gelernter.

** NEWTON HWR GETS HISTORY LESSON **

John Jerney <jerney@volksware.com> has a Newton focus article in the
'Report from Silicon Valley' section of the Daily Yomiuri (25Mar97)
entitled "Russians are coming ... to Sili".  The article looks at the
Apple, the Newton, and the Russian engineers that worked on the
handwriting engine used in the recently released Apple MessagePad 2000
and eMate 300. The article does a great job of point out many of the
strengths of these units: StrongARM processor; market focus; and
innovative hardware design.  The article then goes into indepth review
with Q&A with Stepan Pachikov the entrepreneur who started ParaGraph
International in 1988 which was then the Soviet Union.  The focus of this
part of the article is on the history of ParaGraph and what role they
played in getting HWR into the Newton.

[EDITOR: John Jerney is editor of mobilis, a monthly Web magazine about
mobile computing and communications.  You can check it out via the
following URL: <http://www.volksware.com/mobilis>.]

** NEWTON BOOK OF 'THE SECRET AGENT' **

Looking for something to read on your new Newton MP2000?  Check out the
freeware Newton books of 'The Secret Agent' by Joseph Conrad at
<http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/9987>.  This book is
referred to in Tom Clancys latest Op-Center novel --  Acts of War --
on page 27 as "one of the first great espionage tales."

Created as three LANDSCAPE Newton books only for the MP2000, they
demonstrate the capabilities of the Newton's built-in book reader
software and, unlike most other Newton books, use the entire screen of
the MP2000.  Each of the three Newton books are about 400K in size.  Book
one contains chapters 1 to 5, book two has chapters 6 through 9, and book
three finishes with chapters 10 to 13.

These books are from Rare White Tiger Creations and these landscape
Newton books are only for MP2000.  They were built from using Steve
Weyer's Newt's Cape.  More information on Newt'sCape can be found via the
following URL: <http://www.netaxs.com/~weyer/Newton/newtscape.html>.  For
more information about Rare White Tiger Creations send an email message
to: <Rare.white.tiger.creations@pobox.com>.

** MP2K SHIPPING NEWS **

Bob Lafleur <lafleur@csdg.com> reports that Cyberian Outpost is also
advertising for the MP2K and has a pretty good collection of PDA stuff
via this URL: <http://www.cybout.com/cgi-bin/plist6?platform=PDA>.

Martin Bax <mbax@dial.pipex.com> reports that he has gotten his MP2K from
Teleadapt in the United Kingdom for UK$699 + VAT + S&H.

Bruce Modell <BRUCMOD@cdw.com> reports that there are three different
SKU's for the MP2K --
    - MessagePad 2000 with Newton Keyboard [8MB ROM,
      5MB RAM (1MB of DRAM, 4MB of Flash RAM)], Order
      No. H0225LL/A   EDC 83061
    - MessagePad 2000 [8MB ROM, 5MB RAM (1MB of DRAM,
      4MB of Flash RAM)], Order No. H0136Z/A  NO EDC
    - MessagePad 2000 same as H0136Z/A without
      spreadsheet [8MB ROM, 5MB RAM (1MB of DRAM, 4MB of
      Flash RAM)], Order No. H0226LL/A  EDC 83316
CDW continues to take orders for the MP2K via: 800.400.4239 ext 8219.

Best deal on the MP2K?  Joe Svatek <jspace@ix.netcom.com> and others in
the Houston area probably got the best deal (and most likely at the
expense of some sort of mistake) on a MP2K.  The Houston store called
"MicroCenter" sold MP2Ks for US$839 last week.  The deal apparently
doesn't exist anymore.

Chris Parker <chrisp2@clubpda.com> has posted ClubPDA and ClubMac MP2K
availability details information to the following Web site at:
<http://www.pacbus.com/ClubPDAHome/PDAResourcesFolder/PDARMP2K.html>.

** WHO WROTE THE MP2K EMAIL PACKAGE?!? **

If you want to contact the authors of EnRoute, which is bundled on the
new MP2Ks, then you want -- NetStrategy -- and you can get more info from
the following site at: <http://www.netstrat.com> or send an email message
to: <support@netstrat.com>.

Celso Maiolo <celso@netcom.ca> did report last week that Netstrategy was
experiencing ISP and DNS woes, so access to their site might be flaky. If
you absolutely need to get contact Netstrategy about Enroute or other
issues send Celso email to the address listed above.

** MORE SPECIAL NEWTON DEALS **

Cafe PDA <cafepda@aol.com> circulated a USENET newspost on the group
comp.sys.newton.misc that offered a host of Newton deals including
special pricing on: MP130, 2-MB card, 4-MB card, 10-MB card, Apple
Leather Case, NewtBoot Case, Calise Executive Leather Case, Newton
Holster (belt loop version), and Newton Holster (clip on version).  For
more information: <http://home.earthlink.net/~cafepda/> .

** QUICK SUMMARY OF NEWTON UPDATES **

Sanjay Vakil <help@scrawlsoft.com> reports that Scrawl Software has
posted a minor updated to their terminal emulation and telnet solution
called PT100 -- version 0.971b.   For more information check out the
following site: <http://www.scrawlsoft.com>.

Serg Koren <archimag@netaxs.com> has posted Newt'sWeather 03/23/97-1
release.  This version ads weather information support for specific
locations in Canada.  To learn more check out the Newt'sWeather site at:
<http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/NewtsWeather.html>.  You
can also get more information about a special deal going on for
Newt'sPaper (Serg's USENET newsreader for the Newton) via the following
URL: <http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/NP/Sale.html>.

Tom Unkefer <nomadict@ix.netcom.com> reminds NewtNews readers that you
can check out their N*Project software via the following URL:
<http://www.nomadict.com>.  The software is still in Beta form though,
but many folks have mentioned on comp.sys.newton.misc that the software
is very usable and relatively problem free.

** MORE MODEM INFORMATION **

Jim Bailey <jdb@shore.net> has posted details including modem setups he
personally wrote on getting a Motorola Montana 28.8 PC-Card modem to work
with Newton devices via: <http://www.tiac.net/users/jdb/index.html#MT1>.
You can also get more information via the official Motorola site at:
<http://www.mot.com/MIMS/ISG/Products/montana/software.html>

John Schettino <schettino@writeme.com> reports that you can find some
detailed modem power requirement data posted to the following URL:
<http://members.aol.com/pdcchrisd/addpcm.htm>.

You can also check out Apple's Newton Modem compatibility list via this
URL: <http://devworld.apple.com/dev/newton/commsoln/modsetup.html>.

** E&B IS LOOKING FOR MP2K NEWTON GLOVE INPUT **

Marton Carungay <martonc@macconnect.com> reports that E&B Cases has plans
to release a 'nice deluxe leather case' for the MP2K but is also
interested in learning if folks would like a MP2K product like the old
PalmTree Newton Glove.  If you are interested in a MP2K Newton Glove that
offers a 'play-through bodysuit' then send a 'nice email message' to:
Julie at E&B Cases via: <julie@ebcases.com>.


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

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  PDA and Handheld Direct - MP2000 Coming March 21st
   - Apple MessagePad 2000 Standard Model only $949.00 Product (#22005)
   - Apple MessagePad 2000 Business Bundle only $1099.00 Product #22008
   - Apple Message Pad 130 w/ Newton 2.0 OS $655.00
   - Type II PCMCIA Flash Memory for all Apple MPs - Mfg Lifetime Guarantee
     4MB $128 (41070) 8MB $224 (41073) 10MB $274 (41074) 16MB $424 (41077)
   - Revelar Connection Utilities for Win $49.95 #10070 Mac $49.95 #10071
   - Newton Keyboard only $69.00
  To receive special pricing please mention source code #158
  To order call 800-279-4732 or 219-882-5228 or fax 219-845-0578
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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

** MICHIGAN STATE NEWTON USERS GROUP (MSNUG) **

Douglas Luckie <luckie@pilot.msu.edu> has announced a new Newton User
Group (NUG) called the Michigan State Newton User Group (MSNUG). The
meetings will be held on the 2n Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at at
Beaner's Coffeehouse near Michigan State University.   For more
information send Douglas email.  Or check out the following Web site at:
<http://pilot.msu.edu/~luckie/msnug.htm>.

** EXPANDED NEWTON INTERNET COVERAGE **

Michael Lambert <MichaelLambert@webintosh.com> has announced a new WWW
site called Webintosh <http://www.webintosh.com> (main focus will be on
Macintosh and PowerBook Internet product) that will include Newton
Internet product coverage by Dan Hughes (the 'man behind the Cyberdog
Pound Web site').

** ANOTHER GPS SOLUTION FOR THE NEWTON **

Jeff Bailey <jeff@ria.com.au> reports a new update to the 'very
successful' MapPad GIS for Newton that offers 'precision DGPS mapping
system as well as MapPad for Car Navigation.'  For more information
please check out: <http://www.ria.com.au>.

** MORGAN - THE NEWTON MEDIA ORGANIZER **

Hardy Macia <hardy@catamount.com> has decided to name his media
cataloging solution formerly known as Mediabox to MORGAN - the Newton
Media ORGANizer.  Hardy's beta testers are also testing version 1.0b1.
This version will work with Revelar Connection Utilities for Mac OS and
Windows, and there will be no more changes to the data structure so those
beta testers can be insured that current data entered will be 'safe'.

** SOME RUMORS **

Ron <ST8SALE@aol.com> reports that the O'Grady PowerBook Web page:
<http://www.ogrady.com> has news of an "accordion" style Newton keyboard
(a lot like the IBM Thinkpad) being developed by Kazuo Kawasaki. Its
called the "Sweetpea" and is a project from NewtonShop in Japan.  For
more information check out this Japanese Web site sited by O'Grady as a
source: <http://www.cyborg.or.jp/~iinuma/html/ACKeyboard.html>.

** NEWTON SMARTCARD SYSTEMS CHALLENGE **

Guy Kawasaki's MacWay listserver recently posted the following message
from Rafael Quezada <abacus@gte.net>:

    Recent news that a European Smart Card venture is
    using the Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 as a
    portable Internet-access and cash-transaction
    device; has created an interest to duplicate the
    program here in the USA.  Using Newton in
    conjunction with Mondex (SmartCard) wallets to
    facilitate shopping and banking protocols and
    allow electronic purses to operate over fixed and
    mobile networks, the program makes it possible for
    internet content providers to sell snippets of
    information, stock-quotes, movie and sporting
    event tickets, and countless other products.  The
    new Millicent by Digital Electronics Corporation
    makes it possible to buy and sell in increments as
    small as 1/10 of one cent American.

    Is there any reason that the Europeans should be
    ahead of us in this capability?  Parties
    interested in responding to the challenge should
    contact Rafael Quezada at Abacus Digital Card
    Systems 310.441.0772 or by email at:
    <abacus@gte.net>.

** NEWTON DEVELOPERS WANTED FOR WIRELESS DRIVER SOLUTION **

Guy Kawasaki's MacWay listserver also recently posted the following
message from Bruce Sanguinetti <bruce@breezecom.com>:

    BreezeCOM has recently released a NEW Wireless LAN
    PC Card.  The range and data throughput of which
    sets a new standard of performance for the
    wireless LAN industry.

    Since the card's release, 100's of requests from
    both Macintosh Powerbook and Apple Newton owners
    have been received, wanting to use this card.

    BreezeCOM is requesting developers interested in
    writing drivers for this card to reply to this
    email.  It is most important that with your reply
    you indicate your level of experience, and if
    references will be available to contact should you
    become a candidate.

** LOOKING FOR MORE RECENT NEWTON NEWS?!? **

Brian Park <bpark@ece.uci.edu> reports that you can get more info by
searching on "Apple" at: <http://www.infoseek.com:>.

There have been Newton ads published in the following magazines lately:
Wall Street Journal (NYC, Chicago editions for sure), and USA Today.  You
can see the ad mentioned above by checking out the following site:
<http://www.newton.apple.com/newton/productinfo/mp2000/mp2000_intro_ad.html>.

Lee Spivack <lspivack@parablecorp.com> reports that the latest copy of US
magazine with Jennifer Aniston on the cover has an article that covers
various portable computers including a 'really good' picture of the eMate
300.

Bryan Oakley <oakley@healthcare.com> posted a pointer the to the article:
<http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayTC.pl?/970324comp.htm#pen>.
There is also information posted to the following Inforworld URL at:
<http://www.infoworld.com/threads/get.cgi?18039>.

Bob Strenger <bloby@skypoint.com> has created a new MessagePad 2000
specific web site at: <http://www.skypoint.com/~bloby/newton>.

David MacNeill <dmacneill@pencomputing.com> reports that he has posted
several of his Newton Notes columns that are run in Pen Magazine in Adobe
Acrobat PDF format and a review of the eMate 300 via the following URL:
<http://www.pencomputing.com/PCM_14/content.html>.

Rik Ahlberg <rik@newtuser.com> has posted his review of the MessagePad
2000 as the top cover story at NewtUser: <http://www.newtuser.com>.

Jesse Garnier <jgarnier@stonehopper.com> reports seeing a 'lukewarm
review of the MP2K" in the Apr97 edition of Windows Magazine.  The
article was critical about the Newton's HWR abilities and the 'high
price.'

F. Todd Wilson <wilson3@fas.harvard.edu> reports a MP2K Newton mention
recently via: <http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?CRN19960325S0085>.

The San Francisco Chronicle (SFC) ran a small blurb heralding the release
of Apple's MessagePad 2000 in an article entitled "Apple's David for
Industry's Goliath" published on 22Mar97.

** MORE ON NEWTON USED BY USMC **

F. L. Beaver <fbeaver@hiwaay.net> reports the publication of another
'Hunter Warrior' article by David Wood in his local pager called
Newhouse News Service.  The article shows a picture of an American Marine
writing some information on a MP130 about an enemy vehicle.  Plugged into
the Newton is a GPS receiver "which automatically records his precise
location".  Here's the kicker - the Newton is wrapped in a camouflage
glove-like case!  Here's an excerpt:

    "MOJAVE DESSERT, CALIFORNIA

    "Isolated a hundred miles deep in enemy
     territory, Sgt. David Burns and his five-man
     Marine squad are burrowed into the rock of a
     barren mountain peak . ... In his mountaintop
     lair, Burns whispers the numbers and types of
     targets to Lance Cpl. Jomoore Toney, lying beside
     him.  Toney taps the data into a handheld
     computer, an off-the-shelf but reprogrammed Apple
     'Newton' Messagepad 130.  A button transmits it in
     a digital burst to a remote fire control center.
     There, a commander may decide to strike the
     targets with artillery fire from 20 miles away,
     air strikes from jets flying off a carrier at sea,
     or a missile shot from even farther away."

** NEWTON OS 2.1 EASTER EGGS **

David Bills <dfbills@syr.edu> reports that there are two easter-egg games
available in the ROM of the MP2K: Poker and Patience.  All that you
needed to access them is to download the following file available in PC
or Mac format down to your Newton.  For more information check out:
<http://www.easter-eggs.com/downloads/Easter_Eggs.sit>

** ENABLING HWR IN WORD PROCESSOR **

Ben Gottlieb <gottlb@interaccess.com> reports that Stand Alone Software
has posted an updated version of their freeware extension called HWRWorks
that enables HWR in the NewtWorks word processor via the following site:
<http://www.standalone.com/newton>.

** STATUS OF CHAT FOR NEWTON **

Rob Bruce <rbruce@tactile.com> reported recently on the newsgroup
comp.sys.newton.misc that Tactile is putting the finishing touches
on their 'ChatBuddy' Newton application that will enable IRC client
participation.  If you are interested in 'stress testing' (serious beta
testers only) then send Rob email at the address listed above.

** MP2K CAR MOUNTING KIT?!? **

Looking for a car mounting kit for your MP2K?  David MacNeill at Pen
Computing <dmacneill@pencomputing.com> suggests you check out the
offerings from Hi-Rizer via: <http://www.hi-rizer.com>.  You can also get
more information by calling: 209.745.0567.

** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A BROWSE **

    - Knowledge [newsletter]: <http://www.knowledge.com>
    - Rach's The Legtop Podeum [mobile]: <http://www.podeum.com>
    - Microtek [scanners]: <http://www.microtek.com>


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


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

[EDITOR: This is a collection of articles of potential interest to
NewtNews readers from the leading technology print magazines.]

** MAJOR HANDHELD REVIEW - MP2K GETS PICTURE ON COVER **

InfoWorld devotes their 24Mar97 issue's "Comparison" section to "Handy
Handhelds Hang on" that starts on page one, and is continued on page 86.
A small picture of the MP2K and keyboard is shown on the cover.

The front page though doesn't mention the Newton or MP2K but is a Windows
CE 'love fest' that has 'inspired vendors' and is 'extremely useful and
versatile for mobile users but also easy for IS departments."

This article is very long and detailed (some details are right others are
wrong) and was written by John Broderick, and Anne Kaliczak.  The
reviewed handhelds with their score were: Casio Cassiopeia (7.7), NEC
MobilePro 400 (7.3), Apple MessagePad 2000 (6.7), Sharp Zaurus 5800FX
(4.1), and Casio Z-7000 (3.5).

The listed Newton pros: great handwriting recognition, easy email setup
and Internet access, and large, clear screen. The cons: a bit bulky and
heavy, relatively formidable learning curve, and expensive.

The article also has tangent articles on: Digital Ocean's Seahorse; Nokia
9000 Communicator; Wireless Service Buyer's Guide; AT&T PocketNet;
Philips Velo1; PalmPilot; and a 'Head to Head' examination of the
subnotebooks - IBM ThinkPad 560 vs. Compaq Armada 4130T.

** SUPPORT ISSUES FOR HANDHELDS **

Mark Moore has a front page article entitled "Handheld PCs Cause Support
Conundrum" in the 24Mar97 edition of PC Week.   As these HPCs come into
organizations via the side door, IS managers are now trying to figure out
how to support them.  As far as Windows CE goes -- in the future --
expect enterprise management tools from Compaq and HP.  The article
points out that with Symantec's pcAnywhere CE, a system administrator can
get access to their main systems from remote locations using a Windows CE
device. The article is continued on page 18. [EDITOR: No Newton mentions
in this article, but the article ends with news about the new PalmPilot
devices.]

In related news, John Dodge has his opinions on where 'HPCs' have been
and are going in an article entitled "Handhelds still walk the Valley of
Darkness" on page 3 of PC Week published on 24Mar97.  If you have a
handheld PC strategy send John email at: <john_dodge@zd.com>.

** MORE NEWTON ADS SPOTTED **

Apple ran their "We're back -- a reason to celebrate" in the following
magazines last week: MacWeek, InfoWorld, PC Week, and Computer Reseller
News. The ads show off the new: PowerBook 3400, Power Macintosh 9600, the
20th Anniversary Macintosh, eMate 300, MessagePad 2000, and QuickTake 200.

** OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST **

    - "Wireless Communication Services (WCS) Major
       Economic Areas (MEAs) -- Where are they?" on page
       44F of InfoWorld published on 24Mar97
    - "Reseller Takes on Wireless Outsourcing" by Mark
       Moore, PC Week, 24Mar97, page 10
    - "Smart Cards Move to Head of Class: [case study]
       Florida State University embraces technology;
       spawns separate business to sell services" by
       Scott Berinato, PC Week, 24Mar97, page 22
    - "New Wireless Handsets Meld Data Services" by
       Mark Moore, PC Week, 24Mar97, page 33 [Examines:
       Siemens' SMS g1250, and Nokia's 9000 Communicator]
    - "Apple-IBM subnotebook due to hit U.S. in
       summer" by John Poultney, MacWeek, 24Mar97, page 1

** 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>


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

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  Get tangled up in other sticky screen protectors?  Time to try The
  BARRIER Screen Protector by RoadRunner Tracks --
      + Installs in 45 seconds without sticky adhesives
      + Clearly Superior Protection
      + Chemical and Thermal Resistant
  For more info: <http://www.losalamos.com/roadrunner> or call 800-882-8382
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton
---------------------------------------------------

** INTRODUCTION **

By Roger Coleman <Roger_Coleman@compuserve.com>

"The instant guide to becoming a Newt Guru"

This is a new column for NewtNews. I am going to search for new and
interesting tips and tricks to help NewtNews readers out.  If you have a
tip for this column, email it to me <Roger_Coleman@compuserve.com> with
"NewtNews-Tip" in the subject field. I am sure to run out of tips before
long, so please pass on those nuggets of knowledge to keep this column
going!  Thanks!

** NEWT-TIP#3: EASY MOVING MEETINGS, TO-DOS AND EVENTS **

Here is a summary of the neat things I have discovered about dragging
items in 'dates':

    You can drag any meeting, to-do task or scheduled
    event onto the side or top of the screen where it
    will 'stick' into the clipboard.  If you drag the
    picture button, you don't have to wait for a
    squeak or select any text (a big plus). You can
    then change the day or view and drag it out again.
    This is particularly handy if you want to move a
    meeting to a time that isn't on the screen. (I
    don't understand why the screen doesn't scroll
    when you drag something off the bottom!).

    You can change to-do tasks into meetings by
    dragging the task to the side of the screen to put
    it into the clipboard, changing to the 'day' or
    'week' view and dragging it out again onto the
    required time. (This is handy if you need to set
    an alarm to remind you to do something at a
    certain time) You can change meetings into to-do
    tasks in the same way.

    Once an item is in the clipboard, you can tap -
    drag it out to duplicate it. This is a handy way
    of setting an alarm to repeat during a day without
    having to use the 'snooze' function.

    You can change meetings into events by dragging
    the meeting into the events part of the screen and
    vice versa.

    None of this works in the 'Days Agenda' view,
    however!

** BONUS -- NEW MP2K TIPS **

Flash Sheridan <FlaSheridn@pobox.com> reports that you can get a list of
available key commands when in a Newton application by holding the
command key down for a couple of seconds.

Jude Mansilla <jude@aol2.com> reports that to change the buttons on the
silk screen toolbar, simply choose "Extras" and from there "drag and
drop" which icons you wish to remove/add from the toolbar.

*** TIPS WANTED! ***

Email your tips, tricks and neat ideas to Roger Coleman at this address:
<Roger_Coleman@compuserve.com>.  Full credit and glory given to those
that summit ideas!


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  PDA Panache is your single source for stylus solutions.  Custom stylus
  upgrades for Newton MP130 and MP2000.  Custom styli for WinCE, USR, and
  Sharp PDAs.  Wide selection of Pocket Styli for all tastes and budgets.
  Duo multi-function stylus/pen combo. Beacon L.E.D. lighted stylus. Stylus
  inserts for Cross & other popular pens.  More info: 800.270.7196 or
  516.467.4042, FAX: 516.467.6329, <http://www.PDAPanache.com> (secure)
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Other Related Technology
------------------------

[EDITOR: News collected via snail mail, major publications, USENET
newsgroups, email, and the WWW.  For more information about Farcast check
out: <http://www.farcast.com> and for more information about iNews use:
<http://www.individual.com>.]

** WIRELESS **

A consortium lead by Daewoo Telecom has announced that they have awarded
Motorola with a US$180 million contract to provide CDMA equipment and
services. [iNews]

** MOBILE **

Thomas Diessel <diessel@bms.de> reports that those folks interested in
more info about the recently announce Motorola GSM/DCS1800 mobile phone
can find our more via: <http://www.eplus.de/technik/handys/travel.htm>.

Paul Gilna <pgil@lanl.gov> suggests that those interested in learning
more about Nokia's new voice/data/sms/paging PC Card that supports
GSM check out: <http://www.club.nokia.com/mobile_office/phone/index.html>.
The card current is only designed for use on non-USA GSM systems, but
a USA savvy card is expected considering the growing number of GSM
systems going online in the USA.

Mobile Computing & Communications magazine has awarded Motorola's
PageWriter two-way pater with their 1997 Mobility Award for technological
innovation and excellence. [iNews]

The Arthritis Foundation recently awarded Communication Intelligence
Corporation its prestigious "Ease-of-Use" Seal of Commendation to the
CIC's Handwriter -- an ergonomic editing tool that reduces the use of a
computer keyboard and mouse by allowing users to edit computer documents
with a pen. [iNews]

** PILOT **

Jeff Jetton <yanek@pilotmail.net> has posted two HackMaster extensions to
the following site: <http://www.mindspring.com/~jetton/pilot/>.  These
require Daggerware's HackMaster, a shareware Pilot application:
    - HushHack: disables the sound during any serial
      port operation.
    - BackHack: is a "prank" extension that does
      something very odd (but harmless) to your Pilot.
      Put it on your own Pilot, or, for maximum fun, try
      to sneak it onto someone else's.

PilotMail Online is now accepting new customers.  To learn more check
out: <http://www.pilotmail.net/> or call: 888.44PILOT, or 954.321.5660.
You can also get more info by sending an email message to Yanek Martinson
at SatelNet Communications  <yanek@martinson.com>.

Steven Shmerler <shmerls@earthlink.net> reported on comp.sys.palmtops
that the tech support folks handling the upgrades for older Pilots to the
new PalmPilot units are confused about whether or not future versions of
the Mac Pilot Sync software is going to support the new PalmPilot OS
features like email.  Steven was told that this kind of support was not
going to happen, but others on comp.sys.palmtops have reportedly received
news that the Mac Pilot Sync software will support the new PalmPilot OS
features.  If you have comments about this situation send email to:
<comments@palm.usr.com> and if you have support issues send email to:
<support@palm.usr.com> with 4 zeros in the subject box.

Yeechang Lee <ylee@columbia.edu> reports that Yahoo has recently revamped
their PalmPilot reference pages.  For more info check out the following
URL: <http://www.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Hardware/PDAs/Pilot/>.

** WINDOWS CE **

John Schettino <schettino@writeme.com> reports great success using an
U.S. Robotics' AllPoints Wireless Card with email messaging service from
ZapIt <http://www.dtswireless.com> on a Windows CE device.  John expects
to see an average monthly cost depending on usage of US$20-80.

John also recently reported the following news on comp.sys.newton.misc
that was originally posted to a Windows CE mailing list.  According to
sources on the mailing list Casio as of mid-Mar97 (basically 5 months)
reported 120,000 Windows CE devices sold.

** OTHER HANDHELD **

Geoworks stock took a bad turn down last week after they reported 'dismal
4th quarter earnings forecast.  The NASDAQ stock lost 4-7/8 to 7-1/8.
[iNews]

SouthWest airlines plans to deploy 250 Fujitsu Stylistic 1000 tablet PCs
to pilots of Boeing 737s so that they can better track takeoff and
landing information. [Computer Reseller News, 24Mar97, page 95]

Daniel Seiden <daniel@basiclink.com> reports the creation of a Libretto
mailing list that you can subscribe to if you are interested.  For more
info check out: <http://indy.basiclink.com/employee/dan/libretto.html>.

Buenafe <buenafe@tech-center.com> reports that he has created a new
Toshiba T100X Web page via: <http://www.wavefront.com/~mbuenafe/t100x>.

River Run Software Group has announced that their latest Mail on the Run!
LAN based email access products support the new MessagePad 2000. [iNews]

** APPLE **

Chips and Technologies has announced that Apple is using their HiQVideo
64-bit controllers in the new PB3400. [iNews]

TechWorks has announced that they are now shipping memory upgrades for
Apple's new PowerBook 3400. [iNews]

Apple's stock rose 11% last week on news that Oracle's Chairman Larry
Ellison is again interested in buying out Apple Computer. [iNews]

Apple has announced that MediaX has been chosen to develop a series of
multimedia presentations that will be used to demo the capabilities of
Apple's new Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh computer system that is
expected to ship in Jun97. [iNews]

** MACINTOSH **

Pacific Coast Software's WebCommerce Solution has announced version 2.0
of their "strong turn-key" Web based server that will easily enable
online storefront.  This new version also incorporates WebDNA which lets
you build "live" scripted HTML pages.  The software should be available
by the end of Mar97 for Mac OS and WinNT 4.0.  For more information:
<http://www.pacific-coast.com>.  An example of this solution is ClubMac,
ClubPC, and ClubPDA Web sites which you can check out via this URL:
<http://www.club-mac.com>.

Quality Education Data (QED) has announced that in the K-12 marketplace
that Mac OS systems account for 60% all machines in use in U.S. schools
during 1995-96. IDC/LINK also reports that 18.4% of four-year college
students who own computers own a Macintosh.  The study also found that
55% of all college students at school today own a computer. [iNews]

Miller Freeman, Inc. plans to have a Mac OS Expo at New York's PC Expo
being held 17-19Jun97. [iNews]

** INTERNET **

The major database vendors have agreed on a benchmark for huge database
systems called the TPC-D.  Sun's new Ultra Enterprise 10000 Server
recently scored higher than 2000 -- a new record for a 300-Gigabyte
database benchmark. [iNews]

Kingston is now shipping a 128-MB and 256-MB memory kits for SGI's new O2
workstations. [iNews]

Electronic Information Report recently released tidbits from their 1996
Online Subscriber Survey.  The number of online subscribers rose to 21.1
million in 1996 up 45.5% from the 14.5 million in 1995. [iNews]


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  To much info in NewtNews for you?  Does all the Macintosh information
  make you want to puke?  Then maybe you should check out NewtNews-Savvy.
  For $20 you get 40 issues of just lean and mean Newton/PDA/Wireless
  information directly to your inbox of choice.  Send an email message
  with the subject containing 'NewtNews-Savvy' to <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>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Edupage, 24Mar97 thru 30Mar97
-----------------------------

** MICROSOFT LETS WINDOWS 97 DEADLINE SLIDE **

It looks like Microsoft's update to its popular Windows 95 operating
system, code-named Memphis, will be marketed as Windows 98 or Windows 9x,
rather than Windows 97.  The company has begun telling PC makers not to
expect the new software to be available in time to be installed on
machines for sale during the busy Christmas season.  Some analysts
believe that Microsoft's own customers have urged the company to slow the
pace of its technology overhaul, as many corporations are only beginning
now to switch over to Windows 95.  Memphis is expected to add a speedy
boot-up technology called "OnNow," as well as several changes aimed at
making networked computers easier to manage.  (Wall Street Journal 24 Mar
97)

** SPAM BLOCK **

A California software engineer takes the annoyance caused by unsolicited
e-mail messages seriously, and has developed an anti-spam weapon he plans
to unveil next month.  Dead Bolt allows online users to share their
"blacklists" of spam purveyors so that they can more effectively filter
offending e-mail.  "The problem now is that everyone who is filtering is
keeping their own blacklists and they're not working together to tie
their lists together in a meaningful way," says Dead Bolt's creator.
"What I hope my package will do is allow people to work together over the
Net and filter all this stuff out and finally put these people out of
business ... The problem is that it costs the sender virtually zero
dollars to send out a million messages, and even if the response rate is
minuscule by all standards -- say .001 percent -- they've made money.  So
from an economic selfish point of view, it's in their interest to annoy
the other 99.99 percent of the people."  (Miami Herald 24 Mar 97)

** WEB PUBLISHING SHAKEOUT? **

With the recent demise of such Web publishing ventures such as Politics
Now and Out.com and the reduced activity of many others, industry
analysts are talking about a Web publishing shakeout caused primarily by
the slow growth of advertising support.  Henry E. Scott, president of the
parent company of Out.com says:  "I became increasingly concerned that
the resources we were putting into the Web product could have been better
devoted to our core product, which is the magazine.  Having a Web site is
no longer a sign of being on the cutting edge.  It might be a sign of not
doing much original thinking...  Newspapers have a classified advertising
franchise to protect and just thinking about that you can make a pretty
good case that newspapers need to be involved in the Web.  But it's
entirely unclear to me that a magazine Web site will ever reach
profitability."  (New York Times 25 Mar 97)

** IBM PONDERS APPLE LAPTOP MARKET **

IBM is eyeing the Apple laptop market, and is considering producing and
putting its name on a high-powered portable that would run Apple's MacOS
operating system.  IBM Microelectronics makes PowerPC chips for Apple and
is the sole licensee of Apple's laptop version of MacOS.  The companies
are working together on an Apple-branded sub-notebook, code-named Comet,
destined for the Japanese market.  "IBM could easily take 30 to 40
percent of market share away from Apple because Apple can't meet the
demand," says a Dataquest analyst.  "This is a prime time to do it."  IBM
officials say, "There has been no decision made.  That's not a product
that we've announced."  (TechWire 24 Mar 97)

** "SMART CARD" STANDARD FOR NETWORK COMPUTERS **

IBM, Netscape, Oracle, Sun and Network Computer Inc. have formed an
alliance to develop products using a "smart card"  technology  called
OpenCard Framework designed to give people the ability "to access any
network computer with any smart card, regardless of the (type of)
computer or smart card they're using.''  Instead of carrying around a
laptop computer, a person would just carry the smart card for insertion
into any computer that has been adapted for the new technology.  To
address security concerns, the new technology scrambles the information
being transmitted; a person would have to have a personal identification
number, or PIN, to use the card.  In contrast with a similar project
announced last year by Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Groupe Bull and
Schlumberger, this alliance is targeted to network computers (NCs) rather
than personal computers.  (AP 26 Mar 97)

** PEERING INTO FUTURE, ORACLE SIPS APPLE JUICE **

Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison said in an interview with the San
Jose Mercury News that he is still thinking about buying Apple in order
to "save" it, and has invited anyone with an opinion to send a message to
savapple@us.oracle.com.  Many industry analysts doubt Ellison's
sincerity, however, and say that if he were serious about buying Apple he
wouldn't be talking about it publicly.  Apple CEO Gilbert F. Amelio calls
Ellison's idea "nonsense."  (New York times 28 Mar 97)

** EMBEDDED CHIPS SUFFER FROM YEAR 2000 PROBLEM, TOO **

It's not just aging mainframe computers that will go haywire when the
clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, 1999 -- the electronic devices we
encounter in everyday life could have problems, too, according a letter
drafted by three U.S. lawmakers responsible for overseeing public and
private sector responses to the Year 2000 problem.  "Critical systems
that depend on automated devices include security systems for badge
readers, surveillance and home security systems, parking lot gates, and
vaults.  Other products that rely on embedded computer microchips include
telephone systems, video recorders, bar code readers, automatic teller
machines, medical devices, factory machinery, civilian and military
avionics, process control and monitoring equipment, sprinkler systems,
and air-conditioning systems." (BNA Daily Report for Executives 25 Mar 97)


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


INNOVATION, 17Mar97
-------------------

** TRENDS: VIDEO GAMES GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL **

The video game industry is rapidly changing the way that users interact
with their gaming environment: multiple players located across the
country can play each other simultaneously, and new perspectives allow
the player to "assume" the appearance and personality of the main
character.  id Software's popular multiplayer Quake game has spawned the
phenomenon of hundreds of "clans" -- teams of players -- battling each
other while defining their own rules and environments.  This shift in
game-playing mentality has led designers to develop more free-form
environments for hosts of players to cooperate and compete, with the
players creating the game as much as the designers do.  Meanwhile ,
Apogee Software's Duke Nukem is a "first-person" action game built around
a specific protagonist, and players adopt the talents and personality of
the main figure while shooting their way to glory ("A babe, a stogie, and
a bottle of Jack -- that's what I need right now," mutters Duke during a
lull in the fray.)  Duke's environment is set in Los Angeles with
identifiable landmarks and realistic venues like a movie theater, a
topless bar and a football stadium.  "This is the first game where
personality has taken hold and become something unto itself," says a
senior editor at Gamepro Magazine.  (Wall Street Journal 20 Mar 97)

** STRATEGIES: MANAGEMENT BY MATSUSHITA **

Harvard management professor John P. Kotter's forthcoming biography of
Koonosuke Matsushita expresses high regard for the famous Japanese
entrepreneur.  Some Matsushita aphorisms:

    - Treat the people you do business with as if they
      were a part of your family, because prosperity
      depends on how much understanding one receives
      from the people with whom one conducts business.
    - After-sales service is more important than
      assistance before sales, because it is through
      after-sales service that one gets permanent
      customers.
    - Don't sell customers goods they are attracted to;
      sell them goods that will benefit them.  To be out
      of stock is due to carelessness;  if it happens,
      apologize to the customers, ask for their address,
      and tell them that you will deliver the product
      immediately.
    - It's not enough to work conscientiously;  no
      matter what kind of job, you should think of
      yourself as being completely in charge of and
      responsible for your own work.

(John P. Kotter, "Matsushita:  The World's Greatest Entrepreneur?"
Fortune 31 Mar 97)

** INNOVATIONS: WEBSURFING BY EAR **

T.V. Raman, a researcher in the advanced technology group at Adobe
Systems, has developed a speech interface for desktop computers that
supports a Web browser that takes its cues from the visual structure of
the document -- title, subhead, body text -- and translates the style of
the document into audio cues -- baritone, normal, soprano.  The Emacspeak
software enables the user to request an overview of subtitles, or
interrupt the summary to listen to the full text of any section.
Listeners can then browse through a structured text in the same way a
viewer would skim through a magazine. (Scientific American Mar 97)

** MORE INFO ON INNOVATION **

Innovation is published weekly, with individual subscriptions available
at $15 a year. Topics are organized under the following headers: TRENDS,
STRATEGIES, and INNOVATIONS.  For a six-week free trial subscription to
Innovation, please send an email message to
<innovation-trial@newsscan.com> and in the subject line type the word:
'subscribe'.  You can also use the trial registration form on their Web
site at: <http://www.newsscan.com>.  For more info, send email to:
<gehl@newsscan.com> or <douglas@newsscan.com>


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  NEED A NEWTON PROGRAMMER? NewtNews has a list of over 48 Internet based
  Newton programmers who are interested in working on vertical or
  horizontal market solutions.  Please send email to: <newtnews@pobox.com>
  if you would like the list or would like to be added to the list.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Dear Newton Developer
---------------------

** INTRODUCTION & INCENTIVE **

This area is dedicated to trying to solve NewtNews readers programming
needs, and in turn hopefully lead to the creation of a legitimate Newton
shareware solution for the developer solving the problem.  If a developer
solves such a problem, NewtNews will give them a 50% price reduction for
any advertising service they order for that product in our Products and
Services area.  If you have a utility you need written, please let
NewtNews know by sending an email to: <newtnews@pobox.com>.

** PRINT MERGE SOLUTION?!? **

Jon Glass <JonGl@aol.com> is looking for a mail merge solution that
interacts with built-in Names and Notes.  Jon writes:

    I print a lot of letters, and need the ability to
    merge a person's address and custom field
    information into the letter.  I currently have to
    write in the information every time.  Surely
    somebody could write a Notepad stationary that
    would allow you to insert pop-up fields that would
    print the contents of the field at print time.
    Preferably, it would work with the "letter" option
    in the print slip.

** EXCHANGE RATE SOLUTION **

Olivier Ozoux <o_ozoux@beachnet.com> is looking for an Exchange Rate
updater application that can be downloaded on a regular basis (once a
week) that would update to the latest exchange rates for the majority of
currencies from around the World. Here are two sites that Oliver found on
the WWW that has a lot of the information that would be ideal:

    - <http://www.webpoint.com:80/stocks/tribune/exchange.htm>
    - <http://www.olsen.ch:80/cgi-bin/exmenu>

** INVERSE -- WOULD YOU LIKE?!? **

Brian Hall <brian_hall@markspace.com> is interested in writing a Newton
front-end to Lionel Corps Trainmaster digital train control system
<http://www.lionel.com/tmc.shtml>.  If you'd be interested in such a
solution please send Brian email.


Other Tidbits of Information
----------------------------

** REVIEW OF APPLE'S INTERNET DEVICES **

Cameron Crotty <cameron@macworld.com> has a complete review of how to
browse the Web using the Pippin @World and the Messagepad 130 & 2000 on
pages 147 through 150 of MacWorld published in May97.  The article points
out that the MP2000 uses AllPen Software's NetHopper.  You can get more
info about NetHopper by checking out: <http://www.allpen.com>.

** DEAL ON PALMPILOT **

Now Software <http://www.nowsoft.com> is offering the 'new backlit
PalmPilot Personal' along with an upgraded version of Now Up-To-Date &
Contact 3.6.5 for US$299.95  The offer ends 30Apr97.  You also get Now
Up-To-Date Web Publisher, Pilot Mac Pac, and Now Synchronize for
PalmPilot.  To order called 800.492.9910 and use the code #20638.

** MOBILE GROUPWISE ACCESS **

Nokia (800.456.5553) has some new software for their GSM savvy 9000
Communicator that enables Novell's GroupWise users access to their
Universal Mailboxes. Users can also get access to documents, voice
messages, faxes, and appointments. [Network World, 24Mar97, page 31]

** HEALTHCARE FORUM **

The Second "Annual Forum for Hand-held Computing in Healthcare" is going
to be held 28-30May97 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel located in Cambridge,
MA.  For more information call: 415.252.8008 or use the following URL:
<http://www.pda-expo.com>.

** SOHO NETWORKING **

Dayna Communications <http://www.dayna.com> has a new product line of
switches, hugs, and routers called "NetCenter" that are designed and
priced for the SOHO marketplace.

** WHAT IS UP WITH TDMA?!? **

Nikhil Hutheesing has an indepth look at "TDMA or bust? - As a new
cellular phone technology catches on in the U.S., Ericsson sticks
stubbornly to an older system. Why?" on pages 116 through 117 of Forbes
published on 07Apr97.  The folks at Ericsson are sticking with their
'tried and true' TDMA technology even with the growing acceptance of CDMA
in the PCS marketplace in the United States.


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

* 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>

* 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>

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

* Frustrated by the amount of time required to input long notes?  Looking
for a faster method?  GESTURE MOSAIC is a hybrid keyboard/recognition
system which enables the rapid (30-40+wpm) pen-based entry of text.  Now
updated for OS2.0, you can use it to quickly input text anywhere in your
Newton. FREEWARE versions are available at: <http://www.amtelcom.com/Mosaic>
For more information contact: <amtelmit@aol.com> or call: 800-696-6724.

* ChessPad 2.0 turns the Newton into a digital chess book and a portable
chess set. It contains 28 fully-annotated games played by the greatest
players of all time, 100 brilliant winning combinations by Morphy, Tal,
Fischer, and Kasparov, and 100 chess problems.  ChessPad can also import
games in Portable Game Notation format. Only $39.95. Clear Lake Research
713.663.7513 <DavidL62@aol.com> <http://members.aol.com/clrsch/chesspad.html>

* STAND ALONE offers a variety of Newton applications for Newton 2.0:
   - PACKAGE POPUP: instant access to all your packages, launch
      with a tap, automatically thaw and re-freeze. $15.
   - SECURE-A-NEWT: Password protect folders in your NotePad, Names,
      and Extras Drawer. Protect your info from prying eyes. $20.
   - KEYMAN: Adds function keys, a multi-function calculator, and a
      new keyboard designed for one-fingered typing. $20.
   - NOTEMAN: Instant access to the NotePad from any package. $10.
   - BACKGAMMON: The classic board game, brought to Newton. $20.
   - SUPER SORTER: Fast, Usable list management, featuring fully
      expandable and customizable list creation and editing. $20
For information about any of these or other Stand Alone products,
contact us at: <info@standalone.com>, or (312) 262-5150. Also check
out our Web site at: <http://www.standalone.com/newton>.

* Tim Constantine has several cutting edge Newton solutions: Flash - A
Speed Reading Tutor; CrazyDice - Multi-player Strategy Game, and Clean
Notes - Stationary w/o Lines.  For more info: <timconstan@kagi.com> or
<http://www.kagi.com/timconstan>.  Tim is also available for custom
Newton application development.  Send Tim email if you have a question
about custom application development or about his cutting edge solutions.

* NEW! 8th Volume of the Totally Incomplete PDA CD-ROM for Newton! This
CD-ROM from AMUG CD, Inc. contains over 1400 packages, and 600+ megs in
Mac and PC format. 2.x & 1.x Packages can be downloaded directly from the
CD to your MessagePad. Maximize your Newton experience! $29 + S/H. Call
AMUG 602.497-2244, or email <sales@amug.org> to order! See our Newton CD
web page at <http://cdrom.amug.org/>.

* BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY PACKAGES FROM PELICANWARE
   All packages for Newton 2.0 OS - Upgrades also available.
 - QUICKFIGURE PRO 3.0: Spreadsheet application  $59.95
 - NEWTCASE 3.0: The Ultimate Utility Suite  $49.95
 - NOTION 1.5: High Performance List Manager  $59.95
 - AVAILWORKS 2.0: Text, spreadsheets, drawing, and graphing $79.95.
All from PELICANWARE.  For more details email: <info@pelicanware.com>,
vox: 503-221-1148, fax: 503-221-8709, or <http://www.pelicanware.com>.

* CATAMOUNT SOFTWARE offers the following:
   - POCKETMONEY assists you in balancing your checking, savings,
       credit card and loan accounts. Export and import transactions
       to Quicken, MYM and other desktop based program.
   - NAMIGATOR gives rapid access to Names. I know, I have over 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>.


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

** REAL LIFE USE OF MP2000 **

West Decker <wdecker@houst.sgi.com> writes the following:

    I just wanted to pass on my experiences yesterday
    with Newton 2000 on an important business trip.
    I will start off by saying it performed
    flawlessly.  I couldn't have been more happy.  For
    any of you wondering whether it is a practical
    note taking solution for meetings (or classrooms)
    I can say without a doubt that it shines in this
    regard.  I was in various meetings all day long
    with critical customers (i.e. notes needed to be
    accurate) and I was able to take a total of 5
    printed (that's printed out on 8"1/2 by 11" paper
    at a normal 10 or 12pt font). The handwriting
    recognition and speed was fabulous.  I love the
    Outline feature it makes note taking a breeze.  On
    the flight on the way back I got several
    compliments/inquiries while I was using NewtWorks
    to write up a summary of the meeting in the word
    processor.

    This is one awesome machine!

    --West

** A LITTLE NEWTON HUMOR **

While not a real Newton mention, this is a 'Newton' mention from the
Gag-O-Matic Joke Server <jokes@gag-o-matic.lowcomdom.com>:

    Newton's 3rd Law of Spam -- For every action
    involving a slab of Spam there is an equal and
    opposite reaction (i.e. eat Spam, hurl Spam).

For  more information about how to get on this joke list (only 4-7
mentions) a day: <http://www.lowcomdom.com/joke_of_the_day.html>.


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
                     'subscribe newt_news' as the body of your
                     message (no quotes)
        UNSUBSCRIBE: email <majordomo@tristero.io.com> with
                     'unsubscribe newt_news'
                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: Easter Sunday
celebrations, getting my MP2K, and the great Wildcats vs. Wildcats game
on Monday night.

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