NewtNews-156-21Oct97
====================

by Steve Holden <newtnews@pobox.com>.  This is a weekly freeware
newsletter focusing on Newton Technologies and related topics.
NewtNews Copyright 1994-97 Steve Holden.  All rights reserved.  See
the Administrivia at end for details and FAQ info.  NewtNews Web site
is hosted at: <http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/NewtNews/>.

This issue of NewtNews is sponsored in part by:

 + INTRODUCING WebXpress - Automatically retrieves & stores your
   favorite Web pages on your Newton! Free demo <http://www.pentekk.com>

 + Brain Wash from Concept Kitchen wipes your screen clean --
   <http://www.conceptkitchen.com/htdocs1/products2.html#brain>

 + Buy a guide to what's on TV for your           C o u c h   F i r e !
   Newton <http://www.tempestprod.com/>

 + 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 3.0.2 - Multilingual Customizable Translator and Vocabulary
   Trainer - Speech on MP2K, eMate - Demo at: <http://www.travel-cs.com>

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

 + PowerMedia presents 'Arcade Game Pack' - Birds With Lances, Rocks
   In Space, Frogs vs. Cars - US$29.95 - <http://www.powermedia.com/~pmi>

 + 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>

 + VITAMIN A MENU EDITOR - Stand Alone has released it's custom and caret
   menu editor and creator! - Demo at: <http://www.standalone.com/newton>

 + 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. New and Updated Newton Information
 4. New and Updated Newton Technology
 5. Handheld Mentions in 'The Media'
 6. NewtNews Tips and Tricks You Can Use On Your Newton
 7. Dear Newton Developer
 8. Other Handheld Technology News
 9. Other Tidbits of Information
10. Advertising Notes
11. Product and Service Information
12. Edupage, 13Oct97 thru 19Oct97
13. INNOVATION, 13Oct97
14. Administrivia


Top News
--------

** APPLE HAS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED THE MESSAGEPAD 2100 **

Apple Computer has announced the MessagePad 2100 based on the Digital
StrongARM SA-110 processor. The 'leading feature' of this handheld is
4-MBs of DRAM (3-MBs more than the MP2K) allowing users to run more
applications and use more system resources.  The MP2100 will ship with
Newton Internet Enabler (NIE 2.0) offering a major new feature of
Ethernet LAN access (TCP/IP and AppleTalk) using Farallon's Ethernet PC
Cards.  Also on the MP2100 will be AllPen Software's NetHopper v3.2, and
new email software. The Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of the MP2100 will
be US$1000.

Apple will also be offering a "MessagePad 2000 upgrade program" through
30Apr98 for US$99 for those MP2000 purchasers prior to 07Nov97.  Buy a
MP2000 after 07Nov97 the upgrade is US$199.  Users will need to send
their units to the Apple Service Center for system memory expansion and
software enhancements.  According to a Newsbytes News article
"participants will also receive a copy of Newton Press 1.1 and, while
supplies last, a 2-MB flash memory card."

For more official information: <http://www.newton.apple.com>, or call:
800.909.0260.  For information about the upgrade call this number:
800.500.7078.

** MORE MESSAGEPAD 2100 NEWS **

Macintouch <http://www.macintouch.com> on 17Oct97 (Friday) announced that
the new MessagePad 2100 had an official Part No. H0242LL/A.  The only
apparent new feature noted by Macintouch readers: "8MB of RAM (4MB of
DRAM and 4MB of Flash memory)", which is most likely for using NIE 2.0
and whatever Java solution Apple is planning for the Newton.

The Macintosh News Network <http://www.macnn.com/> also ran a related
story on Friday.  Apparently they got their information because someone
on 'PC Connection Online SuperStore' posted the details of the MP2100.
The page for the MP2100 was available for several hours before it was
pulled.

Thomas Diessel <diessel@bms.de> found a more information via:
<http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,15394,00.html?feed.msnbc.alert> and
there was also news of the MessagePad 2100 posted to:
<http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/97/10/20/aapl_x000_2.html>.

** NEWTON INTERNET ENABLER 2.0 HAS BEEN RELEASED **

The Ethernet savvy version of Apple's Newton Internet Enabler (NIE) 2.0
has been released according to Apple's MessagePad 2100 press release.
This version also includes enhancements related to dial-up connections,
and a host of new security related features.  For more information check
out: <http://www.newton.apple.com>.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  The Next Generation of 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 a pack of 12 for $27.95.  For more info:
  415-252-333 <Info@ConceptKitchen.com> <http://www.ConceptKitchen.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  Notion 1.5 Enhanced for Newton 2.0 OS: Notion 1.5 is a powerful, easy
  to use tool that helps the mobile professional manage all the lists
  necessary to organize, integrate and communicate vital information.
  Includes Notion Connect for Import/Export from Mac or Windows desktop.
  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
------------------------

** GUEST OPINION: THE APPLE PR FOR THE MP2100 WE'D LIKE TO SEE **

Joop Kaashoek <jck@insaltd.com> writes:

    Today we are introducing the new sibling in the Newton
    family, the MessagePad 2100. It has quite a few improvements
    that we, and our users, found important. It has got more
    memory, 5 Megs instead of 1 Meg internal memory. This
    enables all sorts of new applications, such as high speed
    networking, speech recognition, to name a few.

    We also realize that our current Newton users have been
    loyal for about four years, they stuck with it even if
    things were not always perfect. Press stories about
    handwriting recognition in the early models were not always
    totally false. But these days are pretty much behind us.
    What you are looking at now is a much more mature system,
    but the original vision and ease of use remains.

    When you buy the MP2100 you will get software bundled that
    allows you to put pictures of your loved ones or any other
    images on the screen, with animation, you can make them fly
    though the air for instance, have some fun. This software
    can be run on any MessagePad, so also on any of the older
    models you might have bought.  Consider this a thank-you for
    sticking with us.

    Expect more in the future.  Don't let that stop you from
    sampling the Newton architecture today though.  You will be
    amazed with what this little thing can do for you.

    You can find them at your nearest retailer, mail order
    company or order direct from Apple.

    Also, a free copy of the software development kit can be
    downloaded from our Web site.  Any person, old or young, with
    some energy and an open mind can develop applications for
    this machine.

    In a related story, Apple announced today that one Emate
    will be given for free to every school that requests one.
    The eMate will allow kids to easily use a computer, and take
    it with them to science experiments.  Some consider it a toy,
    with a whacky green color.  But if a kid can use it, and for
    a lot less money than with laptops, or desktop models, why
    not give it a shot?

** GUEST OPINION: NEWTON AS NETWORK COMPUTER MAKES SENSE **

Philip Neukom <102127.152@compuserve.com> writes:

    I have thought a lot about your comments regarding the
    re-integration of Newton Inc. into Apple and I am not as
    pessimistic as everyone else.  I also do not believe that a
    Newton sold as a Network Computer is such a bad idea.

    One of the biggest problems that the Newton product has is
    that of acceptance and sales volume.  The platform should
    have created a larger market.  The Newton community has spent
    a lot of time arguing about what the product needs and form
    factor vs. functionality but we still missed what most
    people see as the biggest issue.  I find that most people
    think that my Newton is toy, and sometimes I do too!  Now
    don't get completely wrong, I do believe in the product and
    have owned an OMP, MP100 and MP120.

    Interestingly enough, the Pilot has been successful exactly
    where the Newton community thought there was no opportunity.
     Size and weight are the Pilot's key criteria not
    necessarily functionality.  I doubt that anyone seriously
    considers the ability to receive and respond to email on a
    Pilot to be a key selling feature.  It is perhaps a 'neat'
    to have.

    Developers gripe that the Newton will lose something by
    becoming a NC.  I disagree.   If anything, the Newton will
    finally get the opportunity for generating the volume sales
    necessary to save the product and Apple as a whole.  This
    should allow all the developers to create software for a
    market large enough to earn a decent living.  Furthermore,
    the Newton already has the components (technology) and price
    to work in the expected NC market.   OK all you forward
    thinkers, dream a bit! Who says that a NC Newton can't have
    many user installed niche software solutions that are not
    networked?  Besides, wouldn't it be nice to have the likes
    of Sun and Oracle hyping and selling NetNewtons?

    I feel that the platform is perfectly suited for the NC
    niche, that it will generate a decent return for developers
    and that it will bring this terrific technology to the
    masses.  Perhaps the NetNewton can finally fulfill Steven
    Jobs' original vision for Apple.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  From your armchair, find your favorite
  shows using your Newton. Couch Fire is        C o u c h    F i r e !
  a TV  programming  guide that includes
  accurate, weekly updates via email. It combines the feel of a paper guide
  with  the intelligence of a Newton. Couch Fire's custom TV grid, searches
  and reminders mean you won't miss a thing.  <http://www.tempestprod.com/>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  DON'T TOUCH THAT SCREEN --
  until you protect it with The BARRIER Screen Protector!
    *  Clearly Superior Protection
    *  Chemical, Abrasion and Thermal resistant
    *  Given 9 out of 10 by Newton 2000 Underground
  For more info: <http://www.roadrunnertracks.com> or call: 760-431-5483.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


New and Updated Newton Information
----------------------------------

** NEWTON GALLERY AND MSNUG NEWSLETTER POSTED **

Douglas Luckie <luckie@pilot.msu.edu> has announced that the Michigan
State Newton User Group's Newton Gallery and Newtsletter have been
updated.  The Gallery now has new pictures Newton prototype devices, and
the Oct97 edition of their Newsletter has been posted.  You can check
out the Gallery via: <http://www.msu.edu/~luckie/newtgal.htm> and the
Newsletter via: <http://www.msu.edu/~luckie/letters/msnug7.htm>.

** EXCELLENT REVIEW OF COOL NEWTON STUFF POSTED **

Jude Mansilla <jude@hotpocket.com> posted a very good piece to USENET
newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc on 12Oct97.  The post was entitled
"HotPocket:  Initial Impressions Of Lots O'Stuff".  Some of the cool
Newton technology examined: Pocket Money by Catamount; NewtCase 3.1
w/GestureLaunch by ICS; MoreInfo 5.01 by Silverware; Next Generation
WriteRights by Concept Kitchen; SimpleMail; WorksBetter & StartBar by
Stand Alone; Power Bundle & Lunar Lander by Landware; Morgan Pro by
Catamount; HyperNewt by Foundation Systems; and Memory cards by Alix.
NewtNews suggests searching for this article using the HotBot search
engine at: <http://www.hotbot.com>.

** NEW PROJECT TRIES TO BRING MORE EMATES TO SCHOOLS **

Ian McFaul <izmac@earthlink.net> has announced a new project entitled
"eMates in eDucation Program." The goal of this project is to get more
eMates into the schools and to encourage developers to build eMate
specific solutions.  For more information send Ian email.

** TRUE NORTH LAUNCHES NEW WWW SITE **

True North <http://www.northisup.com> has updated their WWW site.  There
are now pointers to free demos for Gulliver (personal travel assistant)
and Out of Pocket( expense report manager).  There are access to software
updates, free software, and a good deal of information about True North
and their products.

** OCT97 EDITION OF NEWTON MAGAZINE POSTED **

James Greene <JoeShoeWa@aol.com> notes the Oct97 Edition of the Newton
Magazine has been posted to the Internet.  The Cover Story is "What do
you want in the next Newton?" and there is also a useful article
entitled "The Secrets of ToDo's!"  For more info check out:
<http://members.aol.com/joeshoewa/newtonmagazine/>.

** MORE INFO ON NEWTON TO OUTLOOK POTENTIAL SOLUTION **

Robert Schiebe <Robert.Schiebe@uni-bayreuth.de> answered a USENET
newsgroup post about 'Newton to Microsoft Outlook' connectivity with an
answer that stated "Try the new version of WINlinx:
<http://www.pica.de>." NewtNews examined the WWW site for more
informaiton but didn't turn up anything. If you have any more info about
Newton to Outlook connectivity please let NewtNews know at:
<sholden@pobox.com>.

** STANDALONE WWW SITE BACK-UP **

Jason Dufair <funne@iquest.net> reports that the StandAlone WWW site,
which was down most of last week, has been back-up and generally
available at: <http://www.standalone.com>, but if you have problems you
can use: <http://www.interaccess.com/newton/>.

** POINTERS TO GOOD HANDHELD REVIEW INFO **

Kenneth Wong <kenneth-wkw-wong@ubs.com> continues to think that
comparing Newton vs. Windows CE vs. Psion vs. PalmPilot is still very
difficult.  But if you are still in that mindset, in Kenneth's opinion,
for a good Newton review check out:
<http://www4.zdnet.com/macuser/mu_0697/features/newton/newton.html>, and
to learn about Newton competition check out:
<http://www.zdnet.com/chkpt/adb1015ba/www.anchordesk.com/story/story_1354.html>.

** NEWTON USER GROUP NEWS **

Hardy Macia <hardy@catamount.com> notes that the last Vermont Newton User
Group meeting (aka. "NewtChamp") was held on 16Oct97 (Thursday) at 7:00
p.m.  If you are interesting in learning more about the this NUG send
email to Hardy.

Kenneth Wong <kenneth-wkw-wong@ubs.com> would like to let NewtNews
readers know that the Singapore Newton Users Group (SiNUG) will continue
to hold monthly meetins on the last Sunday of each month.  For more
information send email to: <kenneth@cybpage.com>.  It should also be
noted that SiNUG has also secured some special offers about Newton
hardware and software.  For more info: <http://www.dale.org/newton>.

Douglas Luckie <luckie@pilot.msu.edu> reports those in the Michigan State
University area are encouraged to check out the MSNUG site at:
<http://pilot.msu.edu/~luckie/msnug.htm> for more information about
upcoming meetings.

** EVANGELIST NEWTON MENTIONS **

Guy Kawasaki's Evangelist email listserver had a couple of Newton blurbs
recently including:

    - deep focus designs' Sound Icon Maker for MacOS:
      <http://www.deepfocus.com/>
    - R-Type Software's Stock Slip and Stock Slip
      (Charles Schwab edition): <http://www.r-type.com>
    - New World Software's Budget To Go!:
      <http://www.NewWorldSoft.com/>

For more info about this excellent Apple, Macintosh, Newton, etc. ...
resource check out: <http://www.evangelist.macaddict.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, Everything you need for your Newton
   - Apple MessagePad 2000 Standard Model only $949.00 (#22005)
   - Apple MessagePad 2000 Business Bundle only $1099.00 (#22008)
   - MP130 Buy Back Program - Trade in your MP130 for special deals on
     MP2000 or other PDAs - Call for details: 219-882-5228
   - MP2000 Accessories: Rech. Battery $31.95 (#22209) AC Adapter $29.95
     (#22202) MP2K Pen $12.95 (#31227) -- Type II Flash Memory 4MB $98
     (#41070) 8MB $174 (#41073) 10MB $210 (#41074) 16MB $310 (#41077)
   - Revelar Connection Utilities (RCU) for Win and Mac $39.95 (#10071)
  To order 800-279-4PDA or 219-882-5228 or FAX 219-845-0578 [Source #161]
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


New and Updated Newton Technology
---------------------------------

** HOME INVENTORY SOLUTION UPDATED TO VERSION 1.1 **

Catamount Software <http://www.catamount.com> has released v1.1 of Home
Inventory for the Newton. The package lets you track your complete come
inventory through 25 fields.  The 1.1 upgrade adds: make and model
fields; fixes a some misspellings; and fixes a bug in the statistics
screen.  The list price is US$50, and there are special deals for student
check/cash orders.

** ROADRUNNER IS SELLING BARRIERS VIA MICRO CENTER **

RoadRunner Tracks <http://www.roadrunnertracks.com> has announced that
the 'computer department store' called Micro Center
<http://www.microcenter.com> is now going to carry their "The Barrier
Screen Protector for Newton and eMate" in all the Micro Center stores.

** CLOCKWORK NEARS RELEASE **

Carsten Brinkschulte <sales@centsoft.com> reports that Century Software
has posted their 2nd final candidate (FC) for ClockWork -- an "advanced
day planner for the Macintosh OS and Newton."  The package will be
released by the end of Oct'97 and will sold via the Internet for US$49.
For more information check out: <http://www.centsoft.com>.

** POPULAR CALCULATOR PKG GETS DEMO **

Ashish Mishra <ash@sineware.com> reports that Sine of the Times has
posted a demo of their PowerSet Calculator series to the following URL:
<http://www.sineware.com/products>.

** NEW STUFF FROM SCRAWL SOFTWARE **

Scrawl Software <help@scrawlsoft.com> has released new public beta of
PT100 (V0.996b), and Chiral 0.96b & Chiral Deluxe 0.96b.

PT100 is a VT100 emulator for the Newton capable of both Modem sessions
and Direct Serial sessions. In addition, PT100 is also capable of
providing Telnet capability with Newton Internet Enabler (NIE).

Chiral is a game based on the formation of molecules, kind of like a
cross between Tetris and that 10th grade chemistry class you tried to
forget.  It is fast-paced and can be quite nerve-wracking.  The original
concept and Macintosh version by Ambrosia <http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com>.

For more information about PT100 or Chiral for Newton check out:
<http://www.scrawlsoft.com>.

** STICKY NEWTS 2.0 IS RELEASED **

Concept Kitchen <http://www.conceptkitchen.com> has released Sticky Newts
2.0 -- an "easy and intuitive note-keeping utility" that enables users to
quickly jot down reminders, to-do lists and directions, draw maps, or
doodle.

Sticky Newts v1.0 was originally written and distributed as shareware by
Burr Oak Software <http://www.burroak.on.ca> and has now been acquired by
Concept Kitchen. The suggested retail price is US$39.95.

** INK SPOT GETS QUICK BUG FIX UPDATE **

Dejavu Software <dejavu@martnet.com> has announced the release of v1.02a
of their offline USENET newsreader for the Newton called 'Ink Spot.'
This new version fixes a problem with freezing and deleting Ink Spot
v1.02.  For more information or to download a demo check out:
<http://www.martnet.com/~dejavu/Ink>.

** REWRITTEN PUZZLE GAME FINALLY RELEASED **

Ted Ling <ted@steamradio.com> has released a new version of the word
puzzle game called 'Word Grid.'  Version 3.0 has been completely
rewritten and has some new features and improved gameplay.  For more info
check out:
<http://www.steamradio.com/SRLpages/Technology/Newton/WordGrid3/default.html>.
** HAND STAND NOW SHIPPING **

PDA Concepts <http://www.pda-concepts.com> has announced that they are
now shipping their "the Hand Stand for Newton" to customers who have
pre-ordered and have a 'healthy' supply in stock for those NewtNews
readers still sitting on the fence.

The Hand Stand has been specially designed and manufactured to carry the
Newton MessagePad 2000 and the keyboard in a compact case. This
professional carry-all provides a built-in, multi-angle stand (allowing
degrees ranging from 5o to 70o) to prop the Newton and eliminates the
normal set-up time that is required to use the MP2k and the external
keyboard with the loose serial adapter. To use it you just unzip, open,
turn on, and type.

The Hand Stand's smart design will hold an ID card, 11 credit cards, 2 PC
Cards, business cards, a stylus, envelopes, folded  8.5" x 11" papers, a
phone cord, a spare battery clip, and even the 9W AC adapter. In
addition, there is also a secure zippered outside pouch for carrying a
checkbook, a pen, and loose items such as cash or receipts. This case is
constructed of durable 1250 denier Ballistic nylon (which is more durable
than CorduraT) with leather trim and is padded on every side to protect
your investment. The case is water resistant, stain resistant, and Scotch
GuardT protected.  For more information check out the URL listed above or
call: 801.965.9141.

** FICTION MAGAZINE - INTERTEXT - PUBLISHED FOR NEWTON **

Pete Jones <pejones@pop.dn.net> encourages Newton users who are fans of
the bimonthly Internet-based fiction magazine called "InterText" to check
out this FTP site: <ftp://ftp.etext.org/Zines/InterText/newton> for the
Newton Book version of the latest issue (Volume 7, Number 4), released
last week.

It, along with the back issues of Volume 2, been converted and should be
posted on the FTP site this week.  These new issues join the current
inventory of Newton Book versions of Volumes 1, 6, and 7; the remaining
volumes (18 issues) are expected to be ready for Newton readers by
Thanksgiving.  The files are in ".hqx" format and will require Stuffit
Expander for Mac or Windows to install in your Newton.  Readers wanting
more information can contact Pete at the email address above.

** RECENTLY UPDATED NEWTON SOFTWARE **

    - HyprMynd Software releases ExtraExtras 1.2 & new
      buttons for TapBar: <http://www.hyprmynd.com/>
    - Yosuke Suzuki's TapBar:
      <http://www.saryo.org/basuke/tapbar/>
    - Revelar Software's TaxPro'97:
      <http://www.revelar.com>
    - PenTekk Software Technologies' WebXpress v1.02:
      <http://www.pentekk.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>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Handheld Mentions in 'The Media'
-------------------------------------

** POINTER TO NEW NEWTON RUMORS **

Noah Schubert <noahs@mail.com> notes the recent Mac-The-Knife column
published in MacWeek which had news about a 'really fast MessagePad' in
the works can be viewed on the WWW at:
<http://www.zdnet.com/macweek/mactheknife/index.html>.

** NEWTON ON TV SHOW **

Bill Dukes <bdukes@micromass.com> and Charles at MISNIC
<http://www.misnic.com> both noted on comp.sys.newton.misc that John
Delancie ('Q' from Star Trek) was using an Original MessagePad during the
new NBC sitcom staring Fred Savage.

** NEWTON PART OF MUST HAVE GADGET SURVEY **

Terry Kirk <twkirk@IBM.NET> reports that 01Oct97 edition of Network
Computing has completed and posted a survey of their readers in regards
to 'must have gadgets.'  The "Newton placed 10th, ahead of the Windows CE
stuff (13th), but behind the Pilot (4th)."

** POPULAR NEWTON TRACKING SOLUTION CONTINUES TO GET COVERAGE **

Charlie Crouch <CECrouch@aol.com> writes:

    The 08Oct97 issue of "Interface" the IT supplement to "The
    Times" here in London had a cover story titled "Stone Age
    Technology" by Kathryn Bailey.  It describes a South African
    scientist, Louis Liebenberg, who learned animal tracking
    skills from the local natives, the Bushmen of the Kalahari.
    He used the Bushmen to report on animal movements, but being
    illiterate, all their reports had to be verbally reported
    back to base.  He decided to develop a digital database
    using pictorial symbols so that the trackers could note
    animals and their behaviors.

    Working with Lindsay Steventon, they developed CyberTracker
    Software which uses icon pictures as the report interface.
    Although the article says it runs on a "Mac notepad" the
    color photo clearly shows a MessagePad (110 - 130) in a
    yellow case.  The system also incorporates a GPS feature to
    give precise location as well.

    The article notes that this story has been made into a film
    titled "The Science of Tracking" which will be shown on The
    Discovery Channel this week.  Here it is scheduled for
    16Oct97 at 10 pm, but I do not know if it will be the same
    in the United States. You might want to look for it.

** NEWTON SCORES WELL IN DETAILED REVIEW **

Michael Kolodner has a great MP2K review in Self-Employed Professional
published Sep/Oct97 on page 62.  The article is entitled "Newton
MessagePad 2000: Good Things (Other than Chocolate) Come In Small
Packages."   Major themes: No Assembly Required, Computer In The Hand,
Handwriting Recogntion, Organization Tool, A Laptop Replacement?, and
Plug Them In.  Overall, the MP2K scored five stars out of five stars.

** MAJOR WINDOWS CE 2.0 NEWS MENTIONS **

Ephraim Schwartz and Dan Briody examine "Second-generation Windows CE
devices emerge" on page 6 of InfoWorld published on 13Oct97.  NEC has a
color and a mono-chrome Windows CE device in the works with the
potential for a "close to full-size" keyboard.  Nearly all the current
HPC players have announced upgrade paths.  There will also be a new
Windows CE HPC from HP called the HP 360LX, and Puma Technologies has
also announced plans for a new Windows CE 2.0 savvy version of their
IntelliSync software.  Other new technologies coming from unnamed
manufacturers include: IrDA pods, and docking stations.

John Spooner has a similar article on page 8 of PC Week published on
13Oct97 entitled "Windows CE 2.0 Could Raise Bar for Handhelds."  John
examines the news that NEC and Sharp have Windows CE 2.0 devices in the
works.  John also includes some marketing data from IDC -- in 1996 there
were 420,000 Windows CE 1.0 devices sold.  The article also touches on
how IT managers and services centers will most likely deal with
handhelds -- "accepted but not supported."

** HELPFUL 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>
    - Information Week: <http://www.informationweek.com>
    - Network Computing: <http://www.networkcomputing.com>


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
             A N N O U N C I N G   L E X I D R U G S - 97          +-------+
  K2 Consultants, Inc. has just announced the latest version of    | A R T |
  Drug Information Handbook with 5000 drugs and improved interface.+-------+
  Check out www.skyscape.com/k2 for all medical and non-medical    |  b y  |
  titles such as 5 Min. Clin Consult, Ferri's book for internists  |  K 2  |
  Archimedes Intelligent Calculator, Current Clinical Strategies   +-------+
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  INTRODUCING WebXpress - Have web pages like The Wall Street Journal, CNN
  Interactive, The NY Times and other popular info sources ready and
  waiting for you each & every morning with WebXpress! With WebXpress
  your Newton can retrieve  and store sports news, weather reports,
  technology updates, medical news, stock reports, you name it! WebXpress,
  delivers the Web to you - $34.95 - Free demo at: <http://www.pentekk.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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

** NO NONSENSE NUGGETS OF NEWTON KNOW HOW **

Compiled by Roger Coleman <roger@rogercoleman.demon.co.uk>

If you have similar tidbits for this column, please drop me a line!
<roger@rogercoleman.demon.co.uk>. Please include details of the Newton
model and OS that you are using.

** REALLY QUICK NOTE TAKING ON MP120 OS2.0 **

Try this only with all Newton OS 2.0 devices:

    The Newton instruction manual suggests that you
    can speed up note taking by using the 'ink text'
    recognition option and converting the scribbles
    into text at a later date. An even quicker option
    is to use the 'sketches' option which is designed
    for drawing pictures, but works just as well for
    handwriting. The Newton doesn't even try to
    decipher what you write, so it feels really
    responsive (just like a real notepad) + you can
    doodle without it trying to 'read' the pictures.
    You can still convert your scrawl into text at a
    later date by double tapping on the words, just
    like 'ink text'.

** CONVERT LARGE BLOCKS OF INK TEXT IN ONE GO **

You can convert large amounts of handwritten text into type by holding
down the pen until it 'squeaks' and then drawing a box around the words
you want to convert. Double tap any of the selected words and all of them
will be converted - much handier than double tapping each word
individually.

** DO YOU KNOW HOW TO KEEP YOUR MACHINES IN SYNC? **

I have had a query from John Heintz, <heintz@acs.ucalgary.ca> requesting
any tips, advice or workarounds to help with synchronizing dates and
names between his Newt and Mac.

This is a common problem and so I will compile a future column of Tips &
Tricks dedicated to Newt - Desktop Synchronizing in the near future. In
the mean time, anyone with even the smallest nugget of advice on this
area, please email me <roger@rogercoleman.demon.co.uk>!

** TIPS WANTED **

Please send me any tips, hints, goodies, jokes, interesting facts or
ingenious ideas for future issues of this column to Roger Coleman
<roger@rogercoleman.demon.co.uk>. Thanks!


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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
  Checkout demo: <http://www.travel-cs.com> - contact: <info@travel-cs.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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>.

** SOME SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS TO PAST PROBLEMS  **

Several NewtNews readers responded to a request for a 'better battery
gauge' in last weeks issue.  Some excellent suggestions include BattMon
which can be found via: <http://home.t-online.de/home/nick.logictools> or
<http://www.logictools.de/>; and Reflex by Landware.

If you are looking for a good Dates utility check out Fistful of Newton
Software's Travel Alarm 1.1.

Gene Archuletta <Garchuletta@crsi.com> notes that there is a pointer to a
Tennis scoring package for the Newton at: <http://www.sportmate.com.au/>.

[EDITOR: Thanks to: J. Velasco <jvelasco@whittman-hart.com>, Mike Barney
<readable@aol.com>, and Klaas Wijchman <klw@epo.e-mail.com> for the
help!]

** MOVABLE PIN DIALOG BOX?!? **

Emanuel Derman <emanuel.derman@gs.com> is looking for a security utility
that would move the standard Newton PIN box for entering in the security
unlock code on his MP2K.  The utility should allow for random placement
or by end-user assignment.

** NOTEPAD PRINTING UTILITY **

Chad Krukowski <CKrukowski@bigfoot.com> would like a printing utility
that would let you print a "title and time/date stamp" on a Notepad item.

** CALCULUS NOTE TAKING SOLUTION **

Chris Mason <cmason@ros.res.cmu.edu> recently sent NewtNews a detailed
discussion on what he needs to take notes in a calculus class on a
Newton. If you are a Newton developer interested in discussing a
'calculus note taking solution' for the Newton, then please send Chris
email.


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

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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!
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Other Handheld Technology News
-------------------------------

[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 HeadsUp use:
<http://www.individual.com>.]

** PALMPILOT **

3COM Corporation has announced some price drops for their PalmPilot
Professional Edition and their PalmPilot Personal Edition handhelds.  The
Professional will be priced at US$369 and the Personal will sell for
US$249.  The PR about the price reductions noted that 3COM has no plans
to release any new PalmPilot hardware anytime soon.

3Com has their "Take a look at this before your CEO does" ad for their
PalmPilot.  For more information check out: <http://www.palmpilot.com>.

3Com & Symbol Technologies have announced a "strategic alliance to
deliver advanced handheld computing solutions based on the market-leading
PalmPilot platform for a wide variety of vertical market applications."
No specific dates were mentioned on when the ruggedized PalmPilots would
be available.

Aportis Technologies has released BrainForest for the PalmPilot -- a
comprehensive idea tracker, action item organizer and checklist manager.
For more info check out: <http://www.gina.com/wire/tn/tn970672.htx>.

Some other PalmPilot links & articles of potential interest:

    - United Kingdom (UK) Pilot Conference in
      Manchester: <http://www.nwnet.co.uk/i2i/>
    - RoadCoders PalmPilot Conference Report
      <http://www.roadcoders.com/pilot>
    - unofficial Pilot-unix suite for Win32:
      <http://www.dnai.com/~ahinds/pilot-link-w32-0-8-6.zip>
    - Intrepid Software Solution's AreaCodes v1.1:
      <http://www.intrepidsoft.com/>
    - Chinese OS 1.12 for PalmPilot:
      <http://www.hk.super.net/~cwlou>
    - Ray's PalmPilot Software Archive:
      <http://www.palmpilotfiles.com>
    - PalmPilot Forum Deutschland
      <http://www.pingweb.de/reichart/pilot.ssi>
    - Calvin's PalmPilot FAQ:
      <http://www.pilotfaq.com>

** WINDOWS CE **

The following companies have publicly stated plans to release Windows CE
2.0 devices: Hitachi Home Electronics; Casio's A-20; Hewlett-Packard's HP
360LX; LG Electronics's Phenom Windows CE HPC; Sharp Mobilon HC-4500;
and Philips Velo 2.

The following companies have announced new products that will be Windows
CE 2.0 device savvy: Proxim's RangeLAN 2 technology; Socket has a
'battery friendly' Ethernet PC Card & a Bar Code reader in the works;
NetWave Technologies's AirSurfer Plus Wireless LAN PC Cards
<http://www.netwave.wireless.com> and Wright Strategies's FormLogic
Field-Force Automation software <http://www.wrightstrategies.com>.

Motorola's Software Products Division has announced that they have
"endorsed Windows CE 2.0" and are busy working on many Windows CE
embedded solutions, including modem solutions.  For more info check out
INTERNET WIRE at: <http://www.gina.com/wire/oct97/oct13-2.htx>.

Doug van Kirk at LAN Times <http://www.lantimes.com> has a 'Perspective'
opinion piece on page 7 entitled "Microsoft competitors WinCE."  Doug
has a lot of nice things to say about Windows CE 2.0 -- 'a natural
thin-client' -- ideal for PDAs, network computers, set-top boxes, and
embedded systems.  The only real potential hiccup for Windows CE 2.0 in
Doug's mind is how the Java/Sun/Microsoft mindshare and legal battles
turn out since running 'Java applets' will be very important for the
form factor.

Ed Friedman <products@teletype.com> at TeleType brings NewtNews news of a
new announced version of TeleTypeGPS for Windows CE.  There is a similar
'new' version of TeleTypeGPS in the works for the Newton.  The Windows CE
2.0 version of TeleTypeGPS will offer support for color and email. Some
standard features include: Street Level Maps (U.S.); Worldwide Maps;
Distance Measuring; Entire World View; Unlimited Waypoints; MID/MIF
Import/Export; Aviation & Marine Modules; Route Playback; and Data
Collection.  For more info check out: <http://www.teletype.com/gps>.

Sharp will apparently use "Philips TwoChip PIC plus architecture chipset"
for their line of Windows CE 2.0 devices they are calling the "Sharp
Handheld Personal Computer line."

Some Windows CE links & articles of potential interest:

    - Microsoft Windows CE General Info:
      <http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce>
    - Jesse Berst's "Hold Off Buying WinCE Handhelds"

<http://www.zdnet.com/chkpt/adt1015ba/www.anchordesk.com/story/story_1354.html>
- Windows CE Developer Tool Kits:
      <http://www.microsoft.com/vinterdev/us/kit.htm>
    - Pen Computing's Windows CE Shareware/Freeware
      Developer's Contest: <http://www.pencomputing.com/CEcontest/>.

** PSION **

Psion has released a new Macintosh software application called 'PsiMac'
that enables the Psion Series 3c, Series 5c, and the Siena to integrate
with Mac OS based systems.

A recent edition of Digital Media Investor had a review of the Psion
Series 5 vs. the Nokia 9000 Communicator.  The article noted that  Psion
was much better at PDA stuff, but was not at all as plug-and-play savvy
on the comms side of things when compared to the Nokia 9000.

Mike Smith <mike@boink.demon.co.uk> has updated the following Psion
packages: 1.) Psitrain 1.11; 2.) DU 1.02; and 3.) ChkVars 1.03 via:
<http://www.boink.demon.co.uk/psion/>.

Nigel Bamber <NigelB@highfell.demon.co.uk> has posted a new version of
his shareware personal finance banking program for the Psion Series 5 --
"HomeBank" -- to: <http://www.highfell.demon.co.uk/psion.htm>.

A British startup company located in Cambridge, United Kingdom called
Geofox <http://www.geofox.com> has released the first licensed clone of
the Psion Series 5 PDA.

Some Psion links of potential interest:

    - pSolPeg [Peg Solitaire for Psion-5]:
      <http://www.peatj.demon.co.uk/psion/psolpeg.html>
    - pSameGame [puzzle game for Psion 5]:
      <http://www.peatj.demon.co.uk/psion/psamegame.html>

** OTHER DEVICES **

ComputerWorld published last week noted that many MIS directors are
starting to 'repel' against "escalating invasion of handheld gadgets."
Most sight limited resources for support considering the already taxing
desktop and laptop user support issues.

Audible, Inc. <http://www.audible.com> has reportedly released their
Audible Player handheld (retails for US$200) that lets you download from
the Internet up to 2.5 hours of 'content' from their WWW site to be
played back at your leisure.

Tiger Electronics <http://www.tigertoys.com> is now shipping their
Game.com handheld device that lets you play plugin games, and includes
some PIM functionality.  There is also a US$70 Internet cartridge with
text browser and email (via Delphi) capabilities, and a US$20 modem.
[Yahoo! Internet Life, Nov97, page 38]

Interactions: New Visions of Human-Computer Interaction has an
interesting article entitled "Carnegie Mellon's 'Digital Ink' Wins Gold
at 1997 Industrial Design Excellence Awards" on page 4 of the edition
published in Sep/Oct97.  The 'Digital Ink' device is a 'pen' that lets
you write on paper but digitally records the handwriting, does
handwriting recognition on the sample, and then stores the 'text' for
upload to a desktop system.  You can learn more by calling:
412-268-7890.

Puma Technology <http://www.pumatech.com> has announced plans to port
their "IntelliSync line of synchronization software solutions" to Texas
Instruments Avigo 10 Intelligent Organizer.  For more info about the
Avigo handheld check out: <http://www.ti.com/organizers>.

Some pointers to more information:

    - GeoBasic Beta [GEOS OS]:
      <http://users.bergen.org/~edwdig/geos/geobasic>
    - NewBASIC magazine:
      <http://members.aol.com/georabbit/index.htm>
    - Intelligent Peripheral Devices' (IPD)
      AlphaSmart 2000: <http://www.alphasmart.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.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

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


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

** WIRELESS & MOBILE **

Rockwell Semiconductor Systems <http://www.rss.rockewell.com> has two
new chipset that support their Zodiac GPS and Jupiter GPS receivers.
Given their new small form factor, enhanced power management, and
improved feature set, these chips should be ideal for a wide range of
GPS solutions.

Victor Garza has a 'Quick-Byte Review' of "RAM Mobile Data's RAMfirst
multi-function interactive paper" on page 69.  Not only can you
send/receive pages, but also access email, faxes, Web pages, and other
information source.  There is also text-to-speech capabilities. Coverage
at the moment is limited to the tri-state New York area, but coverage
will expand in Mar98 to: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C.
area, Philadelphia, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Detroit.
Individual pricing starts at: US$49.95 for 400 msgs a month at 500 chars
a message (hard limit), with US$0.25 for each message after 400. For more
information check out: <http://www.ram.com>.

A new version of PageMart's Internet paging software will now send a page
to a person's name instead of requiring the sender to know the personal
identification number of the individual they want to page. [PC Week,
13Oct97, page 3]

** APPLE & MACINTOSH **

Steve Jobs is reportedly 'thinking very hard' about becoming Apple's
permanent CEO.

Apple announced their fiscal fourth quarter results ending on 26Sep97 and
things aren't too good.  Apple had revenues of US$1.6 billion, 30% less
than last years quarter, and 7% less than last quarter.  The total loss
for the quarter was reported as US$161 million.

Apple has announced that Dave Manovich, senior vice president of
International Sales, and James McCluney, senior vice president of
Worldwide Operations, have resigned from Apple to pursue other interests.
Apple is reportedly actively attempting to find new people for both of
these positions.

Apple has reportedly shipped out their first Developer Release of
Rhapsody (Apple's next generation operating system based primarily on
technology purchased from NeXT) to over 10,000 developers world wide.

Apple has announced a new series of support polices that reportedly
mirror support policies in place at Microsoft.  In summary: 1.) free
support via: <http://www.info.apple.com>; 2.) free support from Apple's
automated phone response system; 3.) free phone support for the first 90
days of ownership; and 4.) fee-based phone support at US$35 per call
after the first 90 days of ownership.

Apple has slashed (up to US$1000) the suggested retail prices on their
PowerBook 3400 and the Power Macintosh 8600.  There are also a host of
'specials' on accessories from 11Oct97 through 16Jan97. For more info:
<http://www.apple.com/promo>.

Magna <http://www.magna1.com> has released v5.2 of their Empower and
Empower Pro security software, designed to protect and control access to
Mac OS compatible computers and their data.

Some Macintosh related sites of potential interest:

    - Beta Nine's MRJ FAQ 1.5 (Oct. 13 1997)
        http://www.ping.be/beta9/MRJ-FAQ.html
    - Allegiant Technologies' Flamethrower:
      <http://www.allegiant.com/flamethrower>
    - ConferWeb 2.0 [manage discussion groups, guest
      books, or commentary pages on Mac HTTP server]:
      <http://www.caup.washington.edu/software/>
    - Apple Success Stores:
      <http://www.cybercasters.com/apple>
    - Timbuktu Pro 4.0 Special Offer via ScriptWeb:
      <http://www.latenightsw.com/scriptweb-announce/>
    - ISO FileMaker Magazine's Volume 2 of the
      Everything CD for FileMaker: <http://www.iso-ezine.com/cd/>

** MISCELLANEOUS INFO **

webMethods <http://www.webMethods.com> has as of 13Oct97 submitted their
Web Interface Definition Language (WIDL) to the World Wide Web Consortium
(W3C). WIDL is "an application of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML)
that enables Web Automation direct access to Web data from within
business applications."

** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A POTENTIAL BROWSE **

    - 1-800-Batteries: <http://www.800batteries.com>
    - Cylink [Network Scanner]:
      <http://www.cylink.com>
    - Computer Security [Network Scanner]:
      <http://www.sentryinc.com>
    - Microtest's WebZerver:
      <http://www.zerver.com/pcw>
    - Inergy Online: <http://www.inergy.com>
    - Helios Software Solutions's TextPad 3.1 [Windows
      text editor]: <http://www.textpad.com/>
    - The Kermit 95 [terminal emulator]:
      <http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/k95.html>
    - Be Ships Preview Release 2:
      <http://www.be.com/users/reguserintro.html>
    - InfoSpace's Internet Directory Service:
      <http://www.infospace.com>
    - eduNEWS: <http://edunews.com>


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: $45.00; tools, examples, support).
* Newt's Cape: create Newton books with text, graphics, tables, links &
forms from HTML (via web browsing, Notes, Newtworks) (shareware: $35.00;
tools, examples, support). For details, software, and registration info:
<http://www.netaxs.com/~weyer/newton/releases.html> or <weyer@kagi.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>

* NEW SCOREPAD 3.1 -- Golf scorekeeping package for Newton 2.0.  Easily
keeps scores and statistics - analyze and graph the results. Figure your
unofficial handicap. Automatically calculates nassaus and skins. Keep
notes about each round and course.  Available for US$50 from Software
Unboxed <http://www.unboxed.com> or directly from Sun Sabre (513.459.9330)
with 10% by mentioning NewtNews. <http:members.aol.com/sunsabre/ScorePad.html>

* MoreInfo 4.1 - This integrated contact manager seamlessly integrates
the built-in Names, Dates, Calls and Notes applications.  This latest
version adds even more useful features to this already essential product.
MP2K savvy. Voted Best Newton Software for 1997 - mobilis Magazine
Reader's Choice Award. From SilverWARE at $69.95+S&H.  For demos check
out: <http://www.silverware.com> - <info@silverware.com> - 508.521.5262

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

* NEW! 9th Volume of the Totally Incomplete PDA CD-ROM for Newton! This
CD-ROM from AMUG CD, Inc. contains over 1450 packages, 618 megs, and a
Newt 2000 only area. Works on Mac or PC. 2.x & 1.x Packages can be
downloaded directly from the CD to your MessagePad. Maximize your
Newton experience! ONLY $29 + S/H. Call AMUG 602.497-2244, or email
<sales@amug.org> to order! AMUG CD web page at <http://cdrom.amug.org/>.

* BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY PACKAGES FROM PELICANWARE
   All packages for Newton 2.0 or better OS - Upgrades also available.
 - QUICKFIGURE PRO 3.1: Spreadsheet application  $59.95
 - NEWTCASE 3.1: The Ultimate Utility Suite   $49.95
 - NOTION 1.5: High Performance List Manager  $59.95
 - AVAILWORKS 3.0: 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>.

* Bricks is FAST -- Bricks, a classic ball and paddle game that utilizes
  the speed of your Newton OS 2.1.  What's fast? (20 frames per second!)
* HexPaint, plus Paint Transfer (Mac conductivity) gray scale paint
  application for Newton OS 2.1, filters include invert, rotate and flip.
  German version of HexPaint also available.
Demos available at <http://www.hexdump.com>. 30-day money back guarantee!

* TeleType GPS - New v2.0 - now includes U.S. Interstate Highways data
overlay. GPS software provides plot of your position on moving maps while
you drive or fly. Overlay packages include cities and towns, Interstates,
and special Aviation overlay for pilots. Bundles include GPS receiver and
software.  Never get lost again.  Email: <TeleTypeGPS@teletype.com> or
WWW to: <http://www.teletype.com/gps/> for more information.

* 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>.

* MAR SOFTWARE offers the following fine products:
   + NEW EXECUTIVE NEWTON STAND Rated a Must Buy by Newton Info
     Magazine. This is an exquisitely crafted stand of contemporary
     design for your Newton. Made of hardwood and anodized aluminum.
     Supports portrait or landscape mode. Clear beech or mahogany
     finish. $49.95+S&H.
   + NEW BILLS TO PAY PRO 3.5.6 Rated 5 out of 5 by Gecko Magazine!
     Easily track bills & expenses; create budgets & set alarm reminders.
     Also works with Pocket Quicken or PocketMoney. $39.95+S&H
MAR Software: <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>

* Organized yet???  Now it's time for something fun!
We've got Super Newtris, xWordBuddy, Sea Hunt, MineField II, Scramble,
Solito Deluxe and World Conquest to provide you with hours of fun.
Tactile Systems is your source for inexpensive Newton Entertainment
Titles Free demos available: <http://rainbow.rmi.net/~rbruce/tactile/>
email: <info@tactile.com> or call: <303.841.1114> for more info

* 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>.


Edupage, 13Oct97 thru 19Oct97
-----------------------------

** TAXING THE NET **

The National Governors' Association is attacking proposed federal
legislation that would bar states from imposing new sales taxes on
Internet-related businesses for up to six years.  NGA chairman George
Voinovich, governor of Ohio, says:  "If enacted, the legislation coming out
of the House would undercut state and local sales taxes and lead to a
virtual sales tax collapse over the next 10 years that would be felt by
every American community."  The fear is that such restrictions would not
only deprive states of additional tax revenues but would also cut into
existing sales taxes by driving consumers away from local merchants and onto
the Internet.  However, governors of states such as California,
Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia, all of which are home to substantial
computer-related industries, are in favor of the legislation.  (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution 18 Oct 97)

** NEW BILL TARGETS NET PIRATES **

A bill introduced in Congress by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) would penalize
first-time offenders who steal and distribute software, music or other
copyrighted works on the Internet with fines up to $250,000 and three years
in jail.  Repeat offenders would receive even stiffer sentences.  The No
Electronic Theft Act amends federal copyright law to define "financial gain"
as receipt of anything of value, including copyrighted works.  The bill also
extends the statute of limitations for criminal copyright infringement from
three years to five years.  (TechWire 13 Oct 97)

** PUBLISHING GIANTS MERGE **

Reed Elsevier, the world's largest publisher of academic and trade journals
(as well as  the owner of the Lexis-Nexis database service), is merging with
Dutch publisher Wolters Kluwer.  The combined company will also buy Chilton,
which publishes 39 U.S. trade magazines.  One industry analyst says:  "The
main thing is that they can now together make the large investments needed
for the change from print publishing to electronic publishing."   (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution 14 Oct 97)

** INTERNET COMMERCE **

Joining companies like IBM and Amazon.com in efforts to demystify electronic
commerce for the consumer masses, the company CD Now, which offers
information about and sells compact disks, cassettes, books and other
music-related merchandise online, has begun a $10 million advertising
campaign in traditional and interactive media.  To give consumers a reason
to buy CDs online rather than going to a record store, CD Now will be "very
targeted:  On a fan site of a certain band, we can advertise some rare
import CDs of that band."  (New York Times 14 Oct 97)

** INTRANET USE EXPLODING **

According to researcher International Data Corp., almost 60% of U.S. and 38%
of European companies use intranets, and those numbers are expected to
increase to 77% and 75%, respectively, by next year.  Top among intranet
uses are e-mail and workforce collaboration, with document management,
scheduling and corporate directories also common.  (Investor's Business
Daily 16 Oct 97)

** SPAM WARS AND GOLD RUSH DAYS **

Internet service provider Apex Global Internet Services (AGIS) will no
longer offer Internet access to Sanford Wallace's Cyber Promotions, a
company widely known for sending huge volumes of unsolicited commercial
e-mail messages on the Internet.  Wallace has recently indicated that such a
turn of events will have relatively little impact on him:  "We've become
more of a consulting and software business."  He compares his business to
the companies that made money during California Gold Rush days by selling
equipment to the miners, and is selling the raw materials and expertise to
others who want to send bulk e-mail.  (New York Times 18 Oct 97)


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   This space for rent.  For more info: <newtnews@pobox.com>.  Thanks.
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INNOVATION, 13Oct97
-------------------

** TRENDS: GROWTH OF THE NEW WIRED UNDERWORLD **

Distinguished sociologist Manuel Castells at UC-Berkeley says that the
difference between a "world" economy (which has existed at least since
the 16th century) and a "global" economy is that a global economy can
operate as a working unit in real time.  "Capital now is truly global.
Your pension funds, my pension funds, are flying somewhere and changing
where they go every hour or every second.  So savings from all over the
world are being invested all over the world constantly."  There's a dark
side to this development.  A global economy allows a Zapatista attack in
Mexico to create unemployment in Europe;  it also sets the stage for
criminal activity on the same global scale.  In the global criminal
economy, huge amounts of capital, labor, goods and services become a
stream of joint ventures and cooperation between organized crime networks
around the world, allowing money laundering at the rate of $750 billion a
year.  Technology has enabled global trade of drugs, weapons, and
prostitution throughout the world.  "And ultimately, all this is related
to money laundering.  Without money laundering, there would be none of
these."  Castells says:  "This is not new in that all these organizations
already existed;  what is new is they have connected." (Upside Nov 97)
<http://www.upside.com>

** STRATEGIES: IN THE DIGITAL AGE, DON'T CARVE YOUR PLANS IN STONE **

In today's fast-paced world, a sequential development approach to product
development can easily lead to the creation of an obsolete product.  The
answer?  Developing products "on Internet time" by using a flexible
rather than a sequential development process.  The reason this makes
sense is that speed of development is not a question of working faster on
a rigid project design (anymore than speeding up a train will do you any
good if you find out it's going in the wrong direction);  instead, you
need to have a product development strategy that allows you to continue
to define and shape products even after implementation has begun.
Product managers need continually to sense customer needs, test
alternative technical solutions, and modify the product as necessary
right up to launch time.  "Organizations that have adopted a flexible
product-development process have begun to transform the very industries
that forced them to adopt it.  Competitors without flexible development
processes will almost certainly find their industries growing more and
more turbulent in appearance.  And in such an environment, their products
and services will always seem to be one step behind those of their more
flexible rivals." (Marco Iansiti & Alan MacCormack, "Developing Products
On Internet Time," Harvard Business Review Sep/Oct 97)

** INNOVATIONS:  **

VISIONS OF THE FUTURE Panelists at a Gartner Group conference predicted
the Internet will be "wearable" in 10 years.  Exactly what form it will
take was not specified, but the Internet technology officer for
Hewlett-Packard said people will be wired to the Web for continuous
connection:  "Whenever you are in a meeting and you need a question
answered or some information or background, you will be able to make your
inquiry and have the information whispered into your ear."  In addition
to the ubiquitous Internet links, you'll be wearing sensors that
constantly monitor blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure: "Sooner
or later, it is the type of information about ourselves we are all going
to be interested in."  Meanwhile, the chief technology officer of
Kurzweil Applied Intelligence said that by 2007, telephone translation
technology will enable people to communicate instantly with each other
using different languages, and hearing-impaired people will use portable
speech-to-text machines to participate in meetings.  Paraplegics will be
able to walk and even to climb stairs using computer-controlled orthotic
devices. (TechWire 9 Oct 97) <http://www.techweb.com/wire/news/>

** 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>


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
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THIS EDITION OF NEWTNEWS WAS WRITTEN WITH THE HELP OF: watching the Games
1 & 2 of the Baseball World Series; dinner at the San Diego Brewing
Company; and finally getting to watch the movie "The English Patient."

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but
also dream; not only plan but also believe." -- Anatole France

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
 DISCLAIMER:  I am doing this on my own time & with my own equipment.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
