NewtNews-137-22Apr97
====================

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:

 + 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>.

 + PowerTrans 3.0 - Multilingual Customizable Translator and Vocabulary
   Trainer - Speech on MP2K, eMate - Demo at: <http://www.travel-cs.com>

 + 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>

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

 + MORGAN - Organize your books, CDs, tapes, records, videos and other
   collections! - <products@catamount.com> - <http://www.catamount.com>

 + INFORMED FILLER FOR NEWTON - Custom Electronic Forms Integrated With
   Your Desktop - Shana Corp - <info@shana.com> - <http://www.shana.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 Print Sources Of Interest
 6. NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton
 7. Other Related Technology
 8. Edupage, 14Apr97 thru 20Apr97
 9. INNOVATION, 14Apr97
10. Dear Newton Developer
11. Other Tidbits of Information
12. Advertising Notes
13. Product and Service Information
14. Guest Opinions
15. Administrivia


Top News
--------

** BOOMING SALES?!? **

Apple sent out a press release on Friday afternoon, 18Apr97, at 5:03 P.M
(EDT) that reports that since the MessagePad 2000's introduction on
24Mar97 that it is "selling briskly at both the corporate and retail
levels."  No hard data was available to back-up the 'booming sales'
headline, but sources close to the 'real' numbers say that all 10,000 or
so first run MP2Ks have been sold to Apple's retail channels.  The only
real hint of real information was the phrase "our bookings rates are
running five times as high as they were a year ago."  The only other new
piece of information was -- Steve Elms at Newton Source was quoted as
saying that 60% of MP2K purchasers at Newton Source are Windows users,
and 40% are Macintosh users.  For more information check out:
<http://www.newton.apple.com>.

** NATIONAL NEWTON ASSOCIATION CREATED **

Steve Kramer <stevenkr@xnet.com> reports the creation of the National
Newton Association -- a non-profit Association of Newton User Groups in
the United States that's has been formed to create a closer relationship
between Apple Computer (or any computer company that purchases the
Newton) and the respective Newton User Groups.  The relationship will
provide Newton User Groups with more immediate support and dialog with
the Newton System Group.  As well as provide Newton User Groups with
accreditation programs and evangelizing materials for supporting the
Newton.  For more information send Steve an email message to the address
listed above.

** DIGITAL CAMERA AND NEWTON MAKE TRIP DOCUMENTATION POSSIBLE **

Brian Adair <adairb@gatwick.geco-prakla.slb.com> and MacCentral WWW site
<http://www.maccentral.com> bring NewtNews readers news of a new Newton
to digital camera transmission solution.  The test environment appears to
be an expedition in Tibet by Sir Chris Bonington, and will include an
AFGA digital camera <http://www.afgahome.com/ephoto> and a MP130 using a
network connection and custom Newton software developed/engineered by
Logica.  For more info: <http://www.bonington.com/sepuweb/sepuhow.html>.

** INTERNET CONFERENCING ON A MP2K?!? **

Michael Walsh <walsh@cs.odu.edu> reports that you can learn more info
about an innovative VisualPhone being developed by a Russian company via:
<http://paragon.mda.de/video.htm>.  This MP2K system is being developed
specifically to help deaf people communicate better between each other
when separated by long distance.


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

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  NewtCase 3.0 - The Ultimate Newton Utility Suite. A powerful suite of
  utilities designed for Newton 2.0.  Customize your Newton and get more
  power and control over packages.  Includes: Package Manager, Extensions
  Manager, NewtInfo, SleepAid, GestureLaunch, Desktop, and SoupKitchen.
  From PelicanWare at $49.95+S&H (Upgrades $20+S&H). For more info:
  <info@pelicanware.com>. To order 800.655.6398 or visit resellers.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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

** GOOD REVIEW OF CURRENT APPLE PRESS **

Edupage did a great job of highlighting the latest and greatest important
Apple and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison news.  Check out the blurbs below if
you are interested.

The Newton System Group to be sold rumors continue to stream in -- Sun
Microsystems is still a favorite, but two new names cropped up last week
via email: Samsung and Texas Instruments.  The rumors of the sale of the
NSG is really making the rounds -- NewtNews even caught a mention on the
Xinhua English Newswire.

** NEWTON RUMORS **

Heard anything new about the eMate 1000?  This Newton is suppose to be
'ideal' for the serious business executive, and will offer a StrongArm
processor in a 'leather' enhanced eMate 300 design.

Apple has apparently decided to not move forward with releasing anytime
in the near future the 'heavily demoed' Text-To-Speech solution created
by Newton Developer Technical Support folks.   Other things like Java,
Ethernet and AppleTalk savvy Newton Internet Enabler (NIE), and future
IMAP/LDAP email support are much more important at the moment.

** SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT EXTERNAL KEYBOARD **

This past week or so I have been hooking my Newton to the keyboard next
to my workstations at home and work.  It makes for a big difference. Much
bigger than I thought.  The main thing I've noticed is that I use my
Newton even more with the keyboard plugged in and ready to go.  Adding a
To Do item, a Calendar Entry, etc. ... is much easier with a keyboard
when you are in this 'desktop computing' environment then I had ever
thought.  Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade the Newton's HWR for the
world, but in some instances it isn't always the best way to get data
into your Newton.

I suggest others do a 'paradigm shift' on occasion.  If you have a
'paradigm shift' that you have found to be interesting with your Newton
let me know!

BTW ... have I mention how fast the MP2K is?


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  Need more Newton information?!?  NewtNews suggests you check out:
    + Newton Reference: <http://www.panix.com/~clay/newton/>
    + Always Newton Central: <http://www.theonly.com/newton.html>
    + NewtUser: <http://www.newtuser.com>
    + NewtWorld: <http://www.fw3.com/newtworld>
    + The Ultimate Newton: <http://shell.rmi.net/~rbruce/>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

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

** AIRPORTS FOR NEWTON **

Iverson Software has released a collection of 5,000 codes used to
identify airports in a Newton Book package.  This shareware $10 package
can be downloaded via Iverson Software's great collection of electronic
books at: <http://prairie.lakes.com/~j5rson/business/ebooks.html>.

** ANNOUNCING POCKET DIABETICARE 1.10 BETA 8 **

Darin Capp <OrcaWare@kagi.com> reports that OrcaWare has released version
1.10 Beta 8 of their Pocket DiabetiCare package for the Newton.  This new
version includes glucose meter connectivity to meters like the Lifescan
One Touch II and Profile meters.  The software costs US$20 and can be
downloaded via: <http://www.halcyon.com/dcapp/OrcaWare/>.

** HYPING NEWTON INTELLIGENCE **

Raven Zachary <raven@rinzai.com> reports that he is expanding the number
of folks who can participate in the Newton Intelligence Hotline server
system by enabling mirroring via an IRC Channel (#newton at IRC server
irc.webmaster.com 6667) and via a very easy to add Java applet to a
standard WWW browser.  To learn more about the Java solution check out:
<http://www.rinzai.com/ni/chat.html>.  To learn more about Newton
Intelligence check out: <http://www.rinzai.com/ni/>.

** CREATIVE DIGITAL'S REFERENCE AND CONFERENCE NEWS **

Creative Digital Publishing has some late breaking news:

    - On 25Apr97 they will ship their latest Handheld
      Computer Almanac -- "definitive guide to products
      and services for the handheld computer industry,
      from organizers to ruggedized terminals."  You can
      download an order form (US$24.95 + S&H) via:
      <http://www.cdpubs.com>.
    - Their upcoming Handheld Systems Conference
      agenda has gone final and you can find all the
      sessions, speeches, and speaker bios posted via:
      <http://www.cdpubs.com>.
    - There will be a Windows CE pavilion at the
      conference, and their will be 'free' exhibits open
      from 1-5 p.m. on 25-26Apr97.

For more information call: 415.621.4252.

** MORE INFO ON PREVIOUS NEWTON COUPON FOR MP2K **

On 19Apr97, MacInTouch <http://www.macintouch.com> reported the following
in regards to the previous Newton owners deal on purchasing a MP2K:

    The deal requires a coupon, however, and not all
    MessagePad owners have received the coupon.  If
    you have registered an earlier MessagePad, and you
    have not received the coupon, you can email:
    <mp2000promo@newton.apple.com> with the serial
    number of your early MessagePad to get it.  The
    offer is:

    "Purchase a MessagePad 2000 and receive EITHER a
    free keyboard OR an $80 mail-in rebate on the
    Megahertz XJA3288 modem.  Once you get the coupon,
    send it in along with a copy of the MP2000 receipt
    (and if you want the rebate also include a copy of
    the XJA3288 sales receipt and the UPC code cut
    from the XJA3288 carton)."

** EUDORA PRO FOR THE NEWTON INFO **

If you'd like to try out a demo of Eudora Pro for the Newton use this
URL: <ftp://ftp.qualcomm.com/quest/newton/>.  Technical support issues
should be sent to: <eudora-support@qualcomm.com>.  You can purchase the
software on the WWW via: <http://www.eudora.com/newton.html>.  The list
price is US$49.95, and the software supports the MP2000 and the MP130
running Newton 2.x with NIE 1.1 recommended.

** MORE MP2K CASE SUGGESTIONS **

Greg Spencer <73007.141@compuserve.com> thinks that the 'compact camera'
bag called "Eagle Creek Padded Travel Pouch" (PTP-B4610K) is a great MP2K
case that can hold a great deal of other stuff.  It also has detachable
strap/waist belt with a quick release buckle.  He paid CANADIAN$37 + tax.

Lance Allgower <allgower@xroads.com> suggests the under US$20 Cambridge
Personal Day Planner.

Eugene Gerstein <eugene@netmedia.net.il> suggests the US$20 Case Logic
PDC-1 found at CompUSA.

Dan Nakamoto <nakamoto@cris.com> likes the Passport At-A-Glance Organizer
that retails for under US$20, and you should be able to find a dealer via:
800.849.7929. Dennis Miller <denmilr@concentric.net> also likes this
case.

John Ormsby <jdorsmby@ro.com> found a "Five-Star" organizer sold by Mead
at Office Depot for US$15 what will work with a MP2K.

You can also get more info via the following site that has a host of
cases highlighted: <http://www.student.uni-kl.de/~oehl/newtoncases.html>.

** NEWTON'S USED FOR DATA COLLECTION **

John Meyer <j.m.meyer@larc.nasa.gov> reports that Sony booth workers were
using Newton MessagePad 130s equiped with a magnetic card readers at the
recent National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention held in Las
Vegas, Nevada. The units were used to scan attendees cards to add them to
Sony's customer mailing list.

** YAZI 1.01 RELEASED **

Scrawl Software <http://www.scrawlsoft.com> has announced the
availability of YAZI 1.01 (updated for Newton 2.1 keyboard and other
enhancements) -- a "text adventure engine" which takes "datafiles" as
input and allows you to play them on the Newton.  Some of the games you
can download include: Ballyhoo, Cutthroat, Deadline, Enchanter,
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Leather Goddess of Phoebes, Lurking
Horror, MiniZork I, Moonmist, Planetfall , Seastalker, Sorcerer,
Spellbreaker, Starcross, Wishbringer, Zork I, II and III.  For more info
send email to: <help@scrawlsoft.com>.

** VISUALNEWT NEWS **

Serg Koren <archimag@netaxs.com> reports that he has made a decision to
move VisualNewt forward as a Newton 2.0 package that will only run under
Newton 2.x operating systems.  Registered users of VisualNewt who are
using Newton 1.x can get a refund.  Send email to the address above for
more information.

Serg also recently announced that Steve Weyer as agreed to license to him
Newt Development Environment's (NDE) plug-ins, so VisualNewt users will
not have to own NDE to get VisualNewt to work.  So there will now be two
new products VisualNewt Lite (US$40 no plug-ins), and VisualNewt (US$55
full NDE plug-ins).

You can learn more about VisualNewt and many of Serg's other Newton
products (Newt'sPaper, Newt'sWeather, etc. ...) via the following URL:
<http://www.netaxs.com/~archimag/Newton/MyStuff/VisualNewt.html>.  You
can learn more about Steve Weyer's NDE check out the following WWW site:
<http://www.netaxs.com/~weyer/newton/newtdev.htm>.

** WRITESTUFF V1.1 UPDATE AVAILABLE **

Clinton Logan <clinton@landware.com> at Landware has updated their
writeStuff -- eight add-on tools for NewtWorks -- to version 1.1.  This
update is free for registered users.  The tools include: AutoText,
Stylesheets, ScribeWorks, proPoint, Wordcount, Tabulator, and CharPicker.
For more information check out: <http://www.landware.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
-----------------------------

** ALARMCLOCK 2.3 -- WAKING YOU UP, EVERYDAY **

Foundation Systems <http://www.tow.com/> has released a bug fixed version
of AlarmClock -- version 2.3 --  that resolved a problem with ICS' Button
Bar enhancer, and BarKeep.  AlarmClock is an 'easy-to-use' alarm clock
for the Newton that is loud, has big buttons, auto wakeup, auto shutoff,
adjustable snooze, and recurring alarm features.

** ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF ART GALLERY FROM K2 **

Sandeep Shah <k2@skyscape.com> reports the release of a CD-ROM called ART
Gallery that showcases K2's Advanced Reference Technology based products
for the Newton.  To learn more check out the following Web page at:
<http://www.skyscape.com/k2> or call: 617.497.1243.

** BULLS USE NEWT TO WIN BIG! **

Marton Carungay <martonx@macconnect.com> reports that you can learn more
about how the Chicago Bulls organization uses Newtons to "improve their
on-the-court teamwork" via the following ZiffNet WWW site at:
<http://www5.zdnet.com/zdnn/content/zdnn/0417/zdnn0007.html>.

** EARTH DAY PACKAGE **

Yischon <yischon@netcom.com> has released a Earth Day (22Apr97) specific
package that displays a rotating globe in grayscale.  For more
information check out: <http://www.deepfocus.com/>.  There is also a
Black&White version that works on non-grayscale Newtons.

** SOME EMATE NEWS **

MacHome Journal recently published a review of the eMate 300 in an
article entitled "eMate 300: So Close, Yet So Far".  The article is
overall pretty good, but has some inaccuracies.  For more information
check out: <http://www.machome.com:80/Reviews/emate.html>.

Also according to this Web page on Apple's Educational Resources page:
<http://204.96.17.75/education/education/ematepromo.html> anyone can
purchase an Newton eMate 300 directly from Apple using a credit card that
is drawn on a U.S. bank.

** MEDIA ORGANIZING TOOL RELEASED! **

Hardy Macia <hardy@catamount.com> has officially released MORGAN - the
complete Media ORGANizing tool for the Newton platform. MORGAN catalogues
books, CDs, comic books, tapes, records, laserdiscs, magazines, and can
be extended by the user track any collection... baseball cards, trains,
cars, Barbie dolls. There are two version so suite your needs and budget:
MORGAN (US$20) [good number of features] and MORGAN Pro (US$60) [tons of
features]. For more info: <http://www.catamount.com/MORGAN.html>.

** ONLINE SURVEY **

Robert Adams <robert@qmark.co.uk> reports that there is an online survey
to track MP2000 demand via: <http://www.qmark.com/tryitout.html>.

** NEWTON PROGRAMMER WANTED **

Dave Elliott <delliottpx@aol.com> reported the following recently on the
USENET newsgroup comp.sys.newton.programmer:

    I am looking for an experienced developer for work
    on what appears to be an untapped market for
    handhelds.  Target audience is 100,000 in the US
    with an expected increase in app usage (assuming
    no piracy) of about 15,000 per year.  Since they
    don't already have their own Newtons, they would
    probably have to buy one along with some other
    apps (bundling?). Simple stuff for a programmer
    but must be able to synchronize with data on a PC
    running Win95.  Thought I'd throw it out here
    before going to one of the local companies with
    experience. Please reply, if interested, and
    advise what experience you have.

** NEW JAPANESE NEWTON SHAREWARE **

Marton Carungay <marton@macconnect.com> reports some new Japanese created
Newton products were highlighted on Newton Reference recently --
NewtWars, VideoGameFont, and a clock utility for Newton.  Most of the
pages are in Japanese, so compatibility with Newton OS 2.1 might be in
question.  For more information check out 'Newton Reference' or
<http://www.inagaki.nuie.nagoya-u.ac.jp/newton/nagoya-u/newtwars/>.

** SOFTWARE DIGEST WAS UPDATED **

Ian Robinson <ian@stormont.compulink.co.uk> reports that the Newton
Software Digest was updated on 15Apr97 with details about the following
packages: Barkeep Demo; EZ Access 2.0; Funny; HWRWorks 1.1; London Demo;
Master of Ballantree; MoreInfo 4.04 Demo; Powernames 2.14 Demo; Promedex
1.12; Rate A Course; Super NotePad 1.62; and WW 1.0.  You can get more
info at: <http://www.compulink.co.uk/~stormont/newton/weekly.htm>.

** NEW ENROUTE FEATURES **

Celso Maiolo <celso@netcom.ca> reports that his company Netstrategy, the
developers of Enroute i-net the email client bundled with the MP2K, is
busy collecting a list of features being requested by a number of new
i-net/MP2K users.  If you'd like to get in on the 'feature listing fun'
send your suggestion to: <support@netstrat.com>.

** CHEAPER MP2K **

It seems that MicroCenter <http://www.microcenter.com> has gone back to
offering a version of the MessagePad 2000 for US$839.  Their stores are
located in various places around the United States.  You might be able to
get mail order infomration or a list of store locations via:
<http://www.mei-microcenter.com/index.htm>.

** UNIXNPI - NEWTON PACKAGE INSTALLER FOR UNIX **

Richard Li <clli@ee.cityu.edu.hk> reports the Linux savvy beta of UnixNIP
that will install packages from a Linux platform to a Newton.  For more
information check out: <http://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~clli/unixnpi.html>.

** COLLECTION OF UPDATED NEWTON LINKS **

Thomas Rhee <cafepda@earthlink.net> reports that Cafe PDA has moved to
its new WWW site at: <http://www.cafepda.com>.

Robert Bruce <rbruce@tactile.com> reports the complete update to his very
useful Ultimate Newton page: <http://rainbow.rmi.net/~rbruce/tactile/>,
and also has a pointer to their recent acquisition -- Solito DX 2.1.
This new version is now available for public beta testing via the
following URL: <http://rainbow.rmi.net/~rbruce/tactile/solito.html>.

Michael Neely <webmaster@newtoninfo.com> has posted his NewtWire Issue 3C
via: <http://www.newtoninfo.com/newtwire>.  This issue has comments from
Michael, a 'Review of The Executive', a 'First Impression of the MP2K,
and 'Titbits from the Net.'

Mike Bothe <mbothe@netuser.com> reports that Sine of the Times is now
distributed a 'free' fix for Eclipse calculator owners that fixes a bug
with the new MP2K units.  For more info: <http://www.sineware.com>.

The folks at Newton Developer Technical Support (DTS) have updated their
"Landline, Wireless, GSM, and Cellular Modems" page on 10Apr97.  You can
check it out at: <http://devworld.apple.com/dev/newton/commsoln/modsetup.html>.

** NEWTON ON MACWAY **

The following Newton related items where mentioned on Apple Fellow Guy
Kawasaki's MacWay listserver over the course of last week:

    - Jennifer Mueller <jmueller@uic.edu> is doing a
      research paper on the Newton and is looking for
      hard sale data on the MP100, MP110, etc. ...
    - Dave Bergevin <bergevin@newton.apple.com>
      reports that the MP2K was declared "The Best
      Handheld Computer" in the Hardware Category in
      Computer Currents' Third Annual Reader's Choice
      Awards
    - Edward Martin <Edmartin@marsoftware.com>
      announced the release of Bills to Pay Pro 3.5.6 is
      MP2K savvy.  For more info check out:
      <http://www.marsoftware.com>.
    - Lou Krieg <lou@gmsw.com> reports that Green
      Mountain Software Corporation is looking for a
      Newton software engineer for a new position at
      their company writing vertical market Newton
      solutions.

For more info check out: <http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com>.

** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A BROWSE **

    - Cool Scissors [Fun]: <http://www.fiskars.com>
    - CB Books Express [Nerd Technical Books]: <http://www.cbooks.com>
    - vCard [PIM Standard]: <http://www.imc.org/pdi/>
    - pURL [Newton Bookmark Manager]:
      <http://members.aol.com/DigObj/pURL.html>
    - EasyData [Newton Database]: <http://www.isis-intl.com/>
    - MP2000 inside pictures:
      <http://members.aol.com/rojasgo/bilder.html>
    - Dot Matrix [Thin Clients]: <http://www.dot-matrix.co.uk>
    - PointCast [Mac OS Client available]:
      <http://www.pointcast.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 Print Sources Of Interest
-----------------------------

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

** THE WORLDS SUCKIEST NEWTON REVIEW **

Benjamin Smith <benjs@ix.netcom.com> reports that the New York Times has
posted another 'hatchet' attack on the Newton.  You can check out the
article if you are subscribed to their WWW news service via:
<http://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/compcol/041597compcol-manes.html>.
The article is written by Stephen Manes [SDH: A pseudo-name for John
Markoff?] and is in the Personal Computing section.

Mr. Manes is unimpressed with: cost (according to him you can get a
laptop for the US$1100 price of an MP2K); handwriting recognition (still
inaccurate); the screen technology (too slippery); poor documentation;
non-attached keyboard and serial connector are 'design flaws'; weighs too
much, too big to fit in a pocket; PC Cards are power hogs; power-eating
backlighting; user interface is 'different enough' from others  to be
confusing and frustrating [SDH: Just say you want a Windows CE device and
move on please.]; the MP2Ks IrDA can only communicate with other
MessagePads [SDH: Wrong!]; voice dictation is rudimentary; and
oversimplified modem setup.

Mr. Manes [SDH: Probably because his editor forced him to] apparently
tried to find some good things to say: desktop syncs with Mac and
Windows; you can read the screen on an airplane; handy stand to prop the
unit up [SDH: Called a 'lid?']; and he was surprised to find a lot of
modems supported the Newton.

Overall, the MP2K was "too quirky and too expensive" and a perspective
user would be better off with a laptop in Mr. Manes opinion.

** MAC MONTHLY MAGAZINES MENTION NEWTON **

MacWorld published on Jun97 had several Newton mentions:

    - page 30: "... the Newton and Pippin -- remain in
      the fold, at least until Apple decides what to do
      with them.]
    - MP2K ad on page 41
    - page 42: follow-up details on the above quote
      from page 30.  Notes the expected success of the
      eMate 300 and MP2K.  Apple's De Luca reports that
      the Newton division is a "lean operation."

MacUser published on Jun97 also had several Newton mentions:

    - MP2K ad on page 20
    - page 22: "Newton Group wasn't touch" in an Apple
      reorg article
    - Jeff Pittelkau has a "pretty good review" of the
      MP2K starting on page 68

You can check out the MacUser article via the following link:
<http://www.zdnet.com/macuser/mu_0697/features/newton/newton.html>.

** NEWTON CLIENT PART OF ALLPEN JAVA SERVER **

Dan Briody has an article with a Newton mention entitled "PDA Web
Browser: AllPen Software brings the Web to handheld devices" on page 32
of InfoWorld published on 14Apr97.  This new system uses AllPen's
NetHopper Web browser on PDAs (Windows CE, Newton, & PalmPilot) to
communicate with a NetHopper Server that will build 'Web content' ideal
for a PDA's specific features and compatiblities.  Some other features
include: data compression, and simultaneous queries from multiple
clients.  For more information: <http://www.allpen.com>.

** SHORT BLURBS OF INTEREST **

Joe Paone has a detailed article entitled "Mobile Data Stalled: email,
Internet, and LAN access features make service more attractive, but most
companies still need convincing" on page 47 of LAN Times published on
14Apr97.  The article points out most wireless success stories are in
areas like: field service, couriers, transportation, utility companies,
and police departments.  The article does touch on: ARDIS vs. RAM vs.
CDPD; NarrowBand IP (from Intel and Nokia); Windows CE; Handheld Device
Markup Language (HDML); Metricom's Ricochet; and Personal Communications
Services (PCS).

** NEWTON IN MAINSTREAM PRESS **

Julian Kim <julian.kim@lw.com> was surprised to see a full page ad in the
Washington Post last week that included an open letter to Apple customers
from Apple CEO Gil Amelio.  The article mentions all their great desktop
systems, laptops, and the eMate 300, but doesn't mention the MP2K.

Apple's 'pondering' of selling the Newton System Group to Sun
Microsystems was a 'Hot Story' on the CNNfn page: <http://cnnfn.com/> on
10Apr97. [EDITOR: USA Today was quoted on this story.]

David Einstein had a Newton mention in a Business Section article
entitled "Apple Rolls Out Ad Blitz: Campaign comes week before earnings
report" in the San Francisco Chronicle published on 11Apr97.  The cost of
this ad blitz, is according to industry sources, in the US$5-10 million
range. Some analysts like the idea, others didn't -- some didnt' like the
ads at all.  The Newton mention was in a blurb about Sun and Apple
apparently in talks to buy/sell the Newton Systems Group.

PC World has a major handheld and palmtop review in their May96 issue
under the banner "Put a PC in Your Pocket".  The authors in this 'tag
team' review were Harry McCracken and Michael Lasky.  The article is
pretty much Windows CE slanted, with a good deal of 'anti-laptop'
comments though.  Some criteria judged: screens, data input, power,
speed, software, and synchronization.  "Best Buys" -- Psion Series 3c and
U.S. Robotics PalmPilot.  The MP130 is the Newton reviewed in this
article and it gets panned, and roasted for 'good' humor.  Other devices
reviewed with PROS/CONS include: HP Omnigo 100, Sharp Zaurus ZR-3500X,
Casio Cassiopeia, Compaq PC Companion, and NEC MobilePro 400.  [EDITOR:
There is also a side article with this main article called "Windows CE:
Windows 95 Gets Small."]

Computergram International published in the UK has a Newton mention in an
article entitled "Unisource Branches Into Electronic Cash, With Internet
Trading System" published on 18Apr97.  This article reviews the recent
electronic cash news being circulated by AT&T, Unisource NV, and many of
the 3rd party developers supporting this effort.  The Newton mention
comes in the form of 'credit' to the MessagePad 2000 for being a key part
of the wireless Mondex cash card demo mentioned in past issues of
NewtNews.  The article also mentions a simular system working on a Nokia
9000 handheld.

** OTHER ARTICLES OF POTENTIAL INTEREST **

    - "Gates floats idea of Windows terminal" by
       Christine Burns, Network World, 14Apr97, page 8.
    - "Cigars and cyberspace: Musing on the terrace at
       1 a.m." by Mark Gibbs, Network World, 14Apr97,
       page 70.
    - "NCs: Just Thin Wintel Clients?" by R. Scott
       Raynovich, LAN Times, 14Apr97, page 14.
    - "Wireless LAN Spec on the Way" by Mark Moore, PC
       Week, 14Apr97, page 91.  More info:
       <http://www.aironet.com>
    - "Fast Wireless Internet: Service to offer
       variable bandwidth" by Tom Davey, Information Week,
       14Apr97, page 72

** MAJOR WEEKLY MAGAZINE 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>
    - Network World: <http://www.nwfusion.com>
    - LAN Times: <http://www.lantimes.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.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  INDISPENSABLE! The one word that describes The BARRIER Screen Protector.
    * Clearly Superior Protection
    * Abrasion, chemical, AND thermal resistant
    * Protecting Newton screens since 1993
  For more info: <http://www.losalamos.com/roadrunner> or call 800-882-8382
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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

** THE INSTANT GUIDE TO BECOMING A NEWT GURU **

By Roger Coleman <Roger_Coleman@compuserve.com>

It's great to get all of the +ve comments and tips since this column
started - many thanks, and keep them coming!  Lots of people have also
sent me details of the most invaluable utilities that they have
discovered - I shall start to include details of these in future episodes
of 'Tips and Tricks'.  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 me going! Thanks!

** NEWT-TIP#5: OPEN APPS WITH KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS **

Thanks to Bryson Jack <BrysonJ@ix.netcom.com> who emailed me with this
week's excellent tip:

Stemming from my wish to be able to open applications with keyboard
shortcuts I thought of a way to open the built in applications such as
the, Names, Dates, and Notepad (if using a backdrop application).  All of
the built in applications can be accessed via the built in find utility
(which of course can be brought up by pressing Command(Apple) F) after
setting up a variation of the following procedure in each area.

To set up the Notepad to open with the keyboard do the following:

    1. Open up an untitled note and select the title
       (Command E)

    2. Write "keyword:" if desired and then enter a
       symbol that is easy to associate the application
       with.  You can select a special symbol or
       character by using shift & option at the same time
       but option by itself is much quicker.  For
       example, I typed in the character that is created
       by holding the option key and tapping the letter N
       twice.  As long as you choose a character that you
       have written no where else, this trick will work.

    3. Close the title and file the Keyword Note away
       where it wont bug you.

    4. Try it out.   Exit the Notepad, hit command F
       then hold option and tap the letter "N" for
       notepad twice then enter.  Presto! From there you
       can use the command  O for overview, command
       arrows to scroll up and down and the various other
       shortcuts to access folders.  This trick is
       equally effective as a name card or a continuously
       forwarding to do item (which will always take you
       to the current day).


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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)
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  PowerTrans 3.0 - Translator and Vocabulary Trainer - 60,000 Words -
  English, Spanish, German, French and Italian (no storage card required).
    + Customize the vocabulary and/or create new languages, attach notes
    + MP2K and eMate featured - speech, classroom multi-user, keyboards
    + Vocabulary Trainer - based on approved didactical learning system
    + Adjustable filters, more than 15 keyboards, connectivity to PC/MAC
  Checkout demo: <http://www.travel-cs.com> - contact: <info@travel-cs.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$----------- $


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 & MOBILE **

Motorola has won a US$200 million contract to supply CDMA based cellular
equipment and Services from China's Eastern Communications (Eastcom), and
Zhejiang Technical Import & Export Corp. [iNews & Farcast]

It appears that PageNet <http://www.pagenet.com> and Motorola
<http://www.mot.com/pagers> have plans to "aggressively co-develop and
co-market" the up-and-coming voice pager market. [iNews & Farcast]

Motorola has a new 'industrial applications' controller card available
that is powered by a PowerPC processor called the 'MPC821'.  The system
is ideal for embedded computing board solutions. [iNews & Farcast]

Andrew Seybold and Alan Reiter are planning to hold a Wireless Data
Operating System Conference on 24Jun97 at the Marriott Great America
Hotel in Santa Clara, California.  You can learn more by checking out:
<http://www.outlook.com> and <http://www.wirelessinternet.com>. [iNews &
Farcast]

** PALMPILOT **

Robert X. Cringley has a PalmPilot mention on page 107 in his "Notes from
the Field" column in the 14Apr97 edition of InfoWorld.  The directions
that ship with a 1-MB upgrade card are 'backwards' and you can find much
clearer directions via: <http://www.grc.com/PilotError/>.

Here is a collection of new PalmPilot links that should be of interest:

    - PalmPilot 2Meg Add-On:
      <http://www.xmission.com:80/~git/PilotMemory/DropShip.htm>
    - AsciiChart v.1.0: <http://astro.uchicago.edu/home/web/valdes/pilot/>
    - MakiGame: <http://www.inferior.com>
    - Pikoban 1.1 & GuessMe 1.5:
      <http://home.pacific.net.sg/~kokmun/pilotpgm.htm>
    - JShopper 1.0: <http://www.shoppersmart.com/jlehett/pilprogs.html>
    - Adam's Pilot Software Archive: <http://Home.InfoRamp.Net/~adam/pilot/>
    - Stingersoft: <http://pilot.cc-inc.com/>
    - Online VT100: <http://www.pobox.com/~hausofmaus>
    - Palmeta Mail v1.6: <http://www.palmeta.com>

** WINDOWS CE **

Short blurb with a picture of HP 320LX Palmtop PC that is Windows CE
savvy on page 10 of InfoWorld published on 14Apr97.  For more information
check out: <http://www.hp.com>.  [EDITOR: Some stores apparently have the
320LX in stock.]

Robert X. Cringley has two Windows mention on page 107 in his "Notes from
the Field" column in the 14Apr97 edition of InfoWorld.  The first is that
Compaq's Compaq Work store (for refurbished and discontinued products) in
Houston has been really pushing their Windows CE HPC in "local rag and
radio" ads.  The second, is a rumor that even with Compaq having a hard
time keeping their Windows CE devices sold, it appears that NEC and
Toshiba have 'new' Windows CE systems in the works.

Windows CE mention in an article by Stuart Johnston entitled "Microsoft
Readies True Thin Client: Tasked-based terminals will run three Windows
platforms" on page 18 of Information Week published on 14Apr97.

Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs have reportedly blessed PNY
Technologies' entire line of VersaCard CompactFlash memory devices as
Windows CE compatible. [iNews]

Advanced Recognition Technologies has a new version of smARTwriter -- a
handwriting recognition engine for Windows CE that now supports European
character sets, and requires less memory to operate then before.  For
more info: <http://www.artcomp.com>. [Farcast]

Here is a collection of new Windows CE links that should be of interest:

    - Casio A-11: <http://www.mindspring.com/~theman2/hpc/>
    - Windows CE Software Page:
      <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/3385/>
    - Kiwigreen: <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kiwigreen>
    - Microsoft's Windows CE Developer Home:
      <http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/developer/default.htm>

** PSION **

Here is a collection of new Psion links that should be of interest:

    - Alba Computing: <http://www.alba.co.uk/products/psion.htm>
    - DPBank v1.6: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/>
    - Hit this!: <http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~smith1/psion.html>
    - Japanese on Psion: <http://www.gingko.demon.co.uk/>
    - MINEFINDER: <http://members.aol.com/stark3333/psion.htm>
    - PCX2PIC: <http://www.inkland.demon.co.uk>
    - Outlook 97 to Psion Converter: <http://www.kerswell.demon.co.uk>
    - KJV & NIV Bible Reader: <http://www.on-track.demon.co.uk/kjv_p3.htm>
    - VacTrac 1.4.1: <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/3591/>

** OTHER HANDHELD **

There is a quick blurb and a picture of the new Sharp SE-500 on page 3 of
PC Week published on 14Apr97.  The unit will be out at the Jun97 PC Expo
being held in New York City.  The unit is: PalmPilot size, will include
TCP/IP networking (Web access & email messaging), desktop PC sync, and a
built-in wired modem.

Fujitsu has two new ruggedized ultra-lightweight pen-based handheld
computers available called the TeamPad 7200 and the TeamPad 7600. It was
also announced that RDC Networks will be providing wireless LAN
engineering services for the TeamPad product line. [iNews]

Here is a collection of new/updated Other Handheld links that should be
of interest:

    - Toshiba T100X: <http://www.wavefront.com/~mbuenafe/t100x>
    - Tamagotchi description:
      <http://www.urban.or.jp/home/jun/tama/index.html>
    - Vote for your favorite PDA: <http://www.booties.com/voting.html>

** APPLE & MACINTOSH **

Apple Japan will begin shipping in May97 a Power Macintosh 9600/233 -- a
233-MHz PowerPC 604e workstation. [iNews]

Motorola plans to begin shipping a 300-MHz PowerPC 603 StarMax system
running Mac OS System 7.6 by the end of May97.  These systems will also
ship with an Iomega Zip drive as a standard feature.  Motorola also
announced that they will begin bundling Thursby Software's PC
Connectivity solution called 'Dave' on select StarMax systems. [iNews]

Lari Software has announced a new version of LightningDraw that will take
advantage of Apple's recently announced QuickTime 3.0.  The version will
be called LightningDraw/WEB, and will make it easy to create and download
QuickTime graphics, backgrounds, headers, and banners.  For more
information check out: <http://www.larisoftware.com>.

GoLive <http://www.golive.com> is now shipping CyberStudio for Mac OS --
this package is a complete HTML design, layout, and site management
utility.

Terran Interactive <http://www.terran-int.com> is offering users of their
'free' Movie Cleaner Lite for Mac OS an upgrade deal to their Movie
Cleaner Pro 1.3 for only US$129 (saving US$60 off the current list price,
and letting you lock in a US$99 upgrade price to version 2.0 that will
come out in Jun97).

Power Computing Corp. <http://www.powercc.com> has two new PowerCenter
Pro systems (one running a PowerPC 604e at 180-MHz & the other at
210-MHz), and reports that MacWorld Jun97 has awarded the PowerTower Pro
line an Editor's Choice award.  Pricing for the new systems start at
US$2095.

Eric Lease Morgan <eric_morgan@ncsu.edu> reports the release of version
4.0 of their Email.cgi -- a free AppleScript-based HTTP/SMTP gateway --
posted via: <http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/staff/morgan/email-cgi.html>.

Peter Hardman <phardman@ssci.liv.ac.uk> reports the release of
WWWStat4Mac v1.5 -- a WebStar and HTTP log format analysis package for
the Macintosh.  You can get more detailed information via the following
URL: <http://sodium.ch.man.ac.uk/pages/wwwstat4mac.html>.

Chris Patterson <chrisp@digitalprairie.com> has announced the release of
SmartMap -- a new WebSTAR plug-in for the Mac OS that makes imagemap
processing a 'breeze' and offers features found on no other platform. For
more info: <http://www.digitalprairie.com/>.

** INTERNET **

DataChannel <http://www.datachannel.com> has announced that they will
incorporate Netscape's Communicator browser technology into their
ChannelManager product used by IS admins to manage Web content on their
corporate LANs.

The Object Management Group (OMG) has announced plans to develop a
middleware interworking solution to insure that the DCE and CORBA
technologies work well together in the future. [iNews]

Silicon Graphics did US$909 million in sales in their current fiscal Q3,
this is up 34% from US$677 million during last years fiscal quarter.
[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, 14Apr97 thru 20Apr97
-----------------------------

** ELLISON SAYS APPLE BID HAS "VERY HIGH POSSIBILITY" OF SUCCESS **

Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison says he thinks his bid to take over Apple
Computer could very well succeed, and if so, there's a good chance he'll
end up being chairman.  "Within several weeks the final decision will be
made and I think there is a very high possibility that the acquisition
will succeed," he told Japan's leading business daily newspaper this
morning. "It is important to understand that it is not Oracle but me that
will make the acquisition...  We will ask the current management to
leave.  I will remain CEO of Oracle but there is a possibility I will
become chairman of Apple."  Ellison plans to keep the Apple name but
"smoothly transfer" Apple into a network computer maker:  "If the
acquisition succeeds we can position Apple as our production base for the
NC."  (InfoWorld Electric 15 Apr 97)

** APPLE POSTS LOSS, AMELIO SAYS WORST IS OVER **

Apple chief executive Gil Amelio says the $708 million loss posted by the
company for the quarter just ending is an indication that the worst is
over and that Apple will regain profitability within six months, as it
receives the benefit of exciting new products and a saving from recent
reorganizations.  Commenting on the possibility of a hostile takeover by
Oracle's Larry Ellison, who has said he would turn the company into a
manufacturer of network computers, Amelio said:  `We have a different
idea -- we want to make products that people want to buy. At this point
in time, there isn't a market for NCs of any substance, and there is a
market for the product we're making today.''  Mr. Amelio placed the blame
on Apple's current predicament on negative press coverage:   "There is
something holding back the consumers.  That's the press, how we're
covered, the negative emphasis."  (San Jose Mercury News 17 Apr 97)

** APPLE AND ELLISON HEADED FOR A SHOWDOWN **

Apple Computer has begun taking defensive measures against any possible
hostile takeover bids by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who is considering
turning the ailing computer maker into an NC factory.  Apple has retained
investment bankers Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Wall Street PR firm Abernathy
McGregor Group, just in case Ellison decides to make his move.
Meanwhile, Ellison has called on Apple's major institutional
shareholders, trying to enlist their support for his takeover, and
reportedly even offering a modest premium for each Apple share.
Ellison's actions have put considerable pressure on Steve Jobs, a friend
of Ellison's, who says, "He's my best buddy, but there are some things
you don't know about your best buddy.  I have made it clear to Gil
(Amelio) that Gil doesn't have to be afraid that I'm trying to help
someone else take over the company."  (Wall Street Journal 18 Apr 97)

** NEW IBM ARRANGEMENT OFFERS NEW PCs EVERY 2 YEARS **

A new IBM leasing program called IBM SystemCare allows companies to lease
PCs for a flat monthly fee and trade in their old models for new every
two years.  In addition to PCs, the SystemCare program will offer PC
servers and network computers.  The company plans to refurbish the
machines that are returned and resell them to customers who don't require
the latest technology.  (Wall Street Journal 14 Apr 97)

** HOME PCs ARE BIG ON CONSUMERS' WISH LIST **

In a Wall Street Journal analysis of consumer spending trends since 1989,
home computers now represent a much large portion of the total spending
picture -- 1.3% of total consumer spending, or about 12 times the
percentage spent seven years ago.  And while seven years ago, consumers
were obsessed with acquiring the biggest RAM on the block, now they're
more concerned with using their PCs as information-gathering tools.  "The
person who's made it nowadays is the one with the most knowledge," says a
researcher at Yankelovich Partners.  The increase in home PC spending
represents the largest jump in any consumer spending category.  (Wall
Street Journal 14 Apr 97)

** AIRTOUCH EXPANSION **

If it can survive an effort in Washington to eliminate a tax break it had
expected to receive, AirTouch Communications in San Francisco will buy
the domestic mobile-phone business of U S West Communications for $2.3
billion, making the combined company the nation's 2nd-largest wireless
phone company, smaller only than AT&T.  (USA Today 18 Apr 97)

** FARMER ON COMPUTER SECURITY **

Internet security guru Dan Farmer, who attained notoriety for inventing
SATAN software that specializes probing (hacking) computer systems for
security holes, has a fatalistic outlook on human nature when it comes to
secure systems:  "By and large, people don't really care about security.
To some degree, even I don't care.  I take the standard precautions, but
people still break into my machine.  I mean, I don't even lock my door
when I go out at night.  If it takes an additional 5 percent of my time
to run a really secure ship, I'd just as soon go see a movie or drink
some more wine."  (Scientific American Apr 97)


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


INNOVATION, 14Apr97
-------------------

** TRENDS: MESSAGE OVERLOAD ZAPS CRITICAL THINKING **

People are spending a lot more time responding to messages these days,
with the average person sending and receiving a total of 178 messages a
day, according to a recent study of 972 workers at large companies.
Besides the obvious annoyance of a constant barrage of outside demands,
the trend has a more insidious downside:  "It's more than frustration.
Critical thinking and analysis get lost in an interrupt-driven
workplace," says the director of strategic planning at the Institute for
the Future.  "You lose that level of centering and attention because you
are very reactive," adds an information security expert at Amgen Corp.
However, some professionals thrive in an interrupt-driven environment,
and use it as a competitive advantage to differentiate themselves:  "If
you can respond immediately, you're in your own league," says an
interrupt-driven executive recruiter, who prides himself on providing
near-instant feedback.  "I dial into voice mail after every meeting
because something might have happened in that last hour and a half."
Also, it's the only way to avoid message build-up. "There's nothing worse
than dialing in to find 30 new voice mails and know that each one is two
minutes long."  (Wall Street Journal 8 Apr 97)

** STRATEGIES: FORGET THE BOTTOM LINE, DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO **

Legendary retailer Sydney Marcus says department stores are in serious
trouble -- not just coming from all directions (catalogs, the Internet,
discounters, and "category killer" stores like Home Depot and Toys'R'Us),
but because they lost their sense of purpose:  "Around the '60s, the
department stores began to be run by controllers, who were looking at
every department in terms of profitability.  And they said, 'We can't
make any money on refrigerators or stoves -- let's get rid of them.'  And
they did. They did the same thing with electronics.  The one
classification of merchandise that is the most exciting new source of
invention, they got out of...  There are some things you have to carry
even if you don't make any money on them."  (Sydney Marcus, interviewed
by Claudia Dreifus for "Talking Shop," New York Times Magazine 6 Apr 97)

** INNOVATIONS: CHECK YOUR BAGS **

Electronic tags for luggage checked onto airplanes would eliminate much
of the frustration currently generated by recently implemented airport
security measures.  The tags would be affixed to each bag, and would
store the identity of the passenger and other information, such as
destination and baggage weight.  If the passenger failed to board the
plane, an airport employee could then scan the luggage compartment with a
Geiger-counter-type device that would zero in on the location of the
unaccompanied bag.  The FAA began testing the system last year.
(Scientific American Apr 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>.

** WEB TOOL **

Dimitri Pateras <dimitri.pateras@span.ch> is looking for a Newton utility
that will let him quickly and easily collect Web based information via
Web search engines using a non-browser interface. This tool would be
similar to the PC based "WebFerrit" which you can check out via:
<http://www.vironix.com>.


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

** WIRED, MAY 1997 **

MessagePad 2000 ad on page 50.

Tim Barkow's Fetish makes us yearn for:

    - Wacom's PL-300 digital pen tablet with LCD screen
      <http://www.wacom.com>
    - Toshiba's PDR-2A digital camera <http://www.toshiba.com/taec/>

Denis Faye has a small blurb with a picture of the University of
Florida's Gator Communicator -- a prototype PDA for the construction
industry -- on page 72.

Kate Hafner has a great detailed article called "The Epic Safa of The
Well: The World's Most Influential Online Community (And It's Not AOL)
starting on page 98.  For more info: <http://www.wired.com/5.05/well/>.

Small intro article by Simson Garfinkel called "Like the Wynd" on page
195. The article is about Wynd Communications wireless email service that
used RAM Mobile Data Network called WyndMail.  Currently pricing starts
at US$29.95 per month with 200 free email messages, and goes up to
US$149.95 a month for unlimited usage.  WyndMail supports Macs, Windows,
Newton, HP 100/200LX, and host of other OSes.  You do need to buy a
wireless RAM Mobile savvy modem (usually under US$500) or you can rent
them from Wynd Communications for an additional US$10 a month.  For more
information: <http://www.wynd.com>.

Handheld PCs are at the top of Steve Steinberg's Hype List on page 202.
Steve writes, "Browsing the Web with a Nokia 9000 Communicator is the
'90's equivalent of inscribing the Bible onto a matchbox.  It's
technically impressive, sure, but it's the huge amount of effort exerted
for such a trivial accomplishment that makes us shake our heads."

Simon Garinkel has another 'mobile' product mention on page 202 in the
article "Get AlphaSmart" -- a quick look at the AlphaSmart Pro keyboard
with a memory.  It can store 64 pages (128K of RAM), weighs under 2
pounds, uses two AA batteries for up to 200 hours, priced at US$249, and
includes a four-line LCD screen.  For more info check out the following
WWW site: <http://www.alphasmart.com>.

First PDA? -- according to "Tangible Bits" on page 232 (at the very end
of Wired) -- 'the abacus.'

** INTELLIGENT AGENT NEWSLETTER RELEASED **

Timothy Finin <finin@cs.umbc.edu> has posted another great issue of his
newsletter "UMBC AgentNews Newsletter" -- Volume 2, Number 4, 13Apr97 --
via: <http://www.cs.umbc.edu/agentnews/2/04/>.  This issues has pointers
to: new jobs; Event Managers; Agents for Remote Action (ARA); Java based
agents called 'Concorida & 'Voyager'; Agent Development Environment
(ADE); workshops; KQML KAPI system; review of recent books and articles;
and a host of pointers to other Agent projects on the Internet.


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

* 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.  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 Filler on your desktop for further
processing.  Now when you buy Informed Designer, you'll also get Informed
Filler for the desktop AND a BONUS Newton Filler.  For more details about
this exciting offer, contact Shana Corp. at: (800) 386-7244, email at:
<info@shana.com> or visit our Web site at: <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 5000.
   - MPG helps you keep your vehicle records in order. Track fuel
       economy, record mileage for tax purposes, schedule repeating
       vehicle maintenance items for multiple vehicles.
   - MORGAN is the Newton Media ORGANizer. Track CDs, tapes, records
       books, laserdiscs, videos, and more...
For more information call 802-372-9512, email <products@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>.

* 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>

* GPS MAP and GPS MAP LITE -- GPS based navigation with real moving maps,
showing all details as familiar from paper based maps.  Features -- map
calculator, route planning, database, history track, and mission
recorder.  Import your own maps from your Mac or PC at any scale.
Connects to most GPS receiver's offering a NMEA183 interface.  For more
info/demo: <http://www.soaring.de/gps/GPS_Map.html> or <gerds@micronet.de>.


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

** MP2K STUDENT REVIEW - ONE MONTH LATER **

Brandon King <bking03@emory.edu> writes ...

    Last month I posted my initial review of the MP2K and college
    life from a first time MP owner perspective.  I just thought
    I'd post a follow-up.

    In short, I am completely and entirely attached to my
    Newton.  I've phased it into three of my five classes, Chem,
    Bio Lab, and Psych.  In both Chem and Psych, I need to take
    notes for about an 1 1/4 hours at a time in a row, so this
    is a nice little test.  I have never had a restart error
    while in class.  I did get an our of memory error once
    because my outline was huge, but I reverted to the Notepad
    because it allowed drawings, which the outline didn't do too
    well.  Bio Lab was my little ruggedness test.  Hey, when
    you're taking notes while dissecting fetal pigs, worms, and
    other fun garbage of evolution, you get some pretty strange
    stuff on the screen!

    So far I only have one little problem.  Today I was writing
    a Psych paper in Works (the first time I had used Works
    seriously) and I would get a restart error once every 1/3 of
    a page or so.  I'm not sure whether this is being caused by
    BarKeep or WorksWrite.  Any ideas?  Anyway, no big deal.
    Just wait for about seven seconds while it does its thing,
    and then back to where I left off.  I love not having to
    save!

    Docking is a breeze.  No problems whatsoever.

    All in all, I've used my MP2K about 40 times more than my
    desktop.  I've put review notes for Philosophy and Bio on it
    which amaze my friends when I walk up to any printer and
    print out the review material for my study groups.  I've
    gotten such comments as "That is the coolest thing I've ever
    seen!"  Studying is now much more efficient since I can
    make a quick perusal of notes whenever and wherever I want.
    BTW -- I haven't heard anything about the problems with it
    being and Apple product.

    There's so much software out there that I've been trying
    everything for a couple days and then demoing something
    else.  I have yet to actually purchase anything because I've
    been comparing so many apps that I have trouble keeping them
    all straight.

    Another little thing I love: instant on!  No booting up!

    Things that I'm waiting for include:

        - A convenient holster type carrying case, or
          shoulder bag.
        - A modem for the internal slot.
        - A few more reviews of 5 volt vs. 12 volt
          flash cards.
        - A dual serial and Audio in/out connecter
          for the interconnect port.
        - DRAM upgrade.
        - My power adapter and battery pack.

    In conclusion, this is the most amazing piece of technology
    I've ever purchased.  I find that I'm much more efficient
    and much more organized. I knew that this was what a PDA was
    al about, but I didn't realize it went to this extent.

    BTW ... all those stories about the MP2K being a "babe
    magnet" ... well ... hee hee, um, yup I agree.  I've even
    made several new female friends with my MP2K in hand. (One
    of which made that comment about it being the "coolest thing
    I've ever seen")  I'm as happy as a clam!

** MESSAGE TO APPLE ABOUT THE MP2000 **

Ian Cargill <ian@cargill.dnet.co.uk> posted the following to USENET
newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc:

    Although I wasn't an owner of any previous MP I
    eagerly awaited the release of the MP2000 since
    its announcement last autumn and got mine about
    three weeks ago as soon as they were available in
    the UK.  The Chief Executive of a client I work
    with was so impressed with mine I had to get
    another one for him.  A week later his partner
    wants one.  It's now on order.  I expect other
    executives in the organization to follow suit.

    My message to Apple is this:

    1. I hope the above story will give you and
       particularly the Newton development team some
       encouragement about this innovative product.
       Let's hope it will allow you to recover your
       development costs and start making a profit.

    2. Look after your Newton users. I'd guess that
       most new MPs are not sold by shop salesmen but by
       existing users.

    Ian


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: Thomas Hardy's Ale
(1995), and hanging out doing house stuff with Christy.

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