NewtNews-157-04Nov97
====================

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:

 + 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 - SLIP, PPP access to the Internet from Ridgecrest, CA.
   <http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/RidgeNet/RidgeNet.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, 27Oct97 thru 02Nov97
13. INNOVATION, 27Oct97
14. Administrivia


Top News
--------

** UPGRADE NOT AVAILABLE YET **

Apple reports that the upgrade for the MessagePad 2000 to the 2100 will
not be available via the Apple ordering system until after 07Nov97.
Please call 800.500.7078 on or after 07Nov97 to order the upgrade.
Orders not be accepted until 07Nov97.

** WHERE'S THE HEAP IMPROVEMENT PATCH?!? **

Several folks requesting 'anonymous credit' report that the Newton OS 2.1
patch that was rumored over the last week news does in fact exist
[(717246)-1], and has existed for months.  The patch may be related to
NIE 2.0 but information is sketchy on this point.  The person running the
'beta seed' for the patch is reportedly no longer in the Newton group,
and with all the SQA folks working on MP2100 and NIE 2.0 (before being
laid off) it is 'almost' understandable that patch hasn't been released
for real.

** RUMOR -- NEW EMATE DEVICES IN THE WORKS **

The daily news site -- thessaSOURCE <http://www.thessasource.com> --
posted rumors recently about new eMate like devices being developed by
Apple.

** STRONGARM FUTURE IN QUESTION?!? **

Intel and Digital have announced plans for Intel to buy Digital's
microprocessor business.  This includes the StrongARM project and related
efforts.  The impact on the Newton and other devices using this processor
has yet to be determined.

Looking for more info?!? Peter Clarke and Ron Wilson have an article
entitled "Digital's deal may tie up StrongARM" published in the 03Nov97
edition of Electronic Engineering Times.


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

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  NewtCase 3.1 - The Ultimate Newton Utility Suite. Designed for Newton
  2.x. Get system info, freeze/thaw packages or sets to increase heap,
  customize backdrop & button bar, and more. Includes: Package Manager,
  Extensions Manager, NewtInfo, SleepAid, GestureLaunch, BarKeep, Desktop,
  and SoupKitchen. From PelicanWare at $49.95+S&H (Upgrades $25+S&H). More
  info:<info@pelicanware.com>. To order 800.655.6398 or visit resellers.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


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

** CHECK OUT THE PROTOTYPE FOR THE MP10000 **

Hardy Macia <hardy@catamount.com> brings us news of the MessagePad 10000
at: <http://www.catamount.com/MP10k.html>.

** THE SHAQ IS A NEWTON USER?!? **

Word on the street (a.k.a. comp.sys.newton.misc) reports that NBA star
and Los Angeles Laker Shaquille O'Neil recently popped into the Los
Angeles Newton Source <http://www.newtonsource.com> store to pick up a
couple of MessagePad 2000s.  As the story goes, Shaq was apparently
introduced to the MP2K during a physical therapy session, and found the
MP2K so cool he had to get one not only for himself but also for his mom.
[EDITOR: Info from -- Son Nguyen <snguyen.1999@scco.edu>, and various
posts to comp.sys.newton.misc.]

** WHY SHOULD YOU BUY A MP2100?? **

The three major reason to buy a MP2100 according to many who worked on
the project (but aren't working on it anymore) is:

    - more memory
    - more memory
    - more memory

** SHORT AND SWEET DAILY NEWTON NEWS **

For the last week or so, NewtNews has been experimenting with a 'Daily
Newton' news page.  To check out the prototype use:

    <http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/NewtNews/NN_new.html>

Comments, suggestions, etc. are greatly appreciated.


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

** MORE INFO ABOUT NEWTON LAYOFFS **

Macintouch <http://www.macintouch.com/> noted on 22Oct97 that the
"co-architect and the sole remaining expert on NewtonScript internals --
Peter Canning -- is no longer working at Apple Computer."

** NEWTON REVIEWS SITE GETS NEW URL **

The excellent Newton 'reviews and news' monthly newsletter called 'Gecko'
has a new URL: <http://members.aol.com/geckoweb/gecko.html>.  For more
information send email to Gerald Fox <gfox@bekkoame.or.jp>.

** GROUP TO GET MORE EMATES IN SCHOOLS HAS WISH LIST **

Check out eMates-in-eDucation Program's World Wide Web site at:
<http://www.antopia.com/newton/eiep.htm>.  They have a new wish list of
stuff that they need to get their project off the ground.  The goal of
this group is to get as many eMates into the school system as possible.
This effort is being spearheaded by a high-school freshman.

** CHECK OUT THESE OLD PICTS OF ORIGINAL NEWTONS **

Axel Muhr <axel.muhr@on-line.de> reports the posting of some 'cool picts'
of old Newton prototype devices.  There is also some corresponding
information about each picture also posted with the pictures.  The
English site is at: <http://www.on-line.de/~axel.muhr/newtone.htm>, and
the German version is at: <http://www.on-line.de/~axel.muhr/newton.htm>.

** SEARCH FOR NEWTON INFORMATION **

Danish Newton User Group (DNUG) reports that 'The Newton Versions' site
at: <http://www.dnug.dk/info/versions.html> site is now searchable.  The
database now contains over 280 products from over 80 vendors.  For more
information about this site send email to: <jph-lists@bns.dk>.

** NEWTON RELATED JOB **

Steve Gabaeff <sgabaeff@hcisinc.com> at Health Care Information Systems
<http://www.hcisinc.com> is looking for a Newton OS project manager for a
computerized patient record software project running on MP2Ks. [EDITOR:
Thanks to Robert Decker <comrade@umich.edu> for the info.]

** NEWS FROM APPLE **

Apple Business Bulletin (ABB), Issue 44 published on 24Oct97, has a
Newton related article entitled "Apple's New MessagePad 2100 Offers
Enhanced Performance."  For more info: <http://enterprise.apple.com>.

Apple Developer News (ADN), Issue 80 published on 24Oct97 has a Newton
related article entitled "New MessagePad 2100 Offers Enhanced
Performance".  Issue 81 has three Newton mentions: 1.) Windows Bookmaker
DR1; 2.) Newton Programmer's Guide 2.1; and 3.) Newton Toolkit 1.6x File
Formats.  For more info: <http://devworld.apple.com/>.

** MARK/SPACE'S NEWTON SOLUTION RECOMMENDED FOR PAGENET USERS **

Brian Hall <brian_hall@markspace.com> has announced the publication of
"Mark/Space News Issue #8".  This issue includes news that PageNet is now
recommending Mark/Space's PageNOW for Macintosh and Newton for users of
PageNet.  For more info check out: <http://www.markspace.com/pagenet/>.

** NEWTON USER GROUP NEWS **

Flash Sheridan <flash@pobox.com> reports the creation of the Stanford
Pilot User Group <http://pobox.com/~spug/> (SPUG) a spin-off of the
Stanford Newton User Group (SNUG), and that their first meeting will be
held on 04Nov97.

In related news, the San Diego Newton User Group (SDNUG) has apparently
disbanded, but could be reborn as San Diego Handheld User Group (SDHUG).
Contact Woody <woody.wood@rss.rockwell.com> for more information about
SDHUG.

Kenneth Wong <kenneth@cybpage.com> at the very active Singapore Newton
Users Group requests that those interested in this user group send him
email to the address listed above.

** EVANGELIST NEWTON MENTIONS **

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

    - Jon Glass <JEFFYBERG@aol.com> has a tidbit
      entitled "Polish Newton Success Story"
    - Newton Portfolio Manager 1.01:
      <http://www.w4r.com/macbrick/NewtBrick>
    - "Farallon First to Ship Ethernet PC Card for
      eMate and MessagePad 2000"
    - InterText's FTP site:
      <ftp://ftp.etext.org/Zines/InterText/newton>
    - Home Inventory 1.1 for Newton:
      <http://www.catamount.com>
    - Concept Kitchen Releases Sticky Newts 2.0:
      <http://www.conceptkitchen.com>
    - BasketBall Coaches Newton Assistant:
      <ftp://ftp.mindspring.com/users/rgbcon>

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

** DESKTOP IR POD THAT WORKS WITH NEWTON RELEASED **

Enfour <http://www.enfour.com/us/ir/> has released an InfraRed (IR) pod
for the Macintosh print/modem port that will communicate with Newtons,
Sharp Zaurus, and other ASK devices.  Enfour is also reportedly working
on providing "replacement backlight panels" for MessagePad 2000/2100
users in the near term, and in the not so distant future also support the
eMate 300.

** STICKY NEWTS GETS NEW HOME AND PUBLISHER **

Concept Kitchen <http://www.conceptkitchen.com> has released Sticky Newts
2.0 for Newton OS.  The 'floating' Newton notes utility makes it easy to
quickly access and write-up notes.

** LEVERAGE IS BEST EMATE DATABASE SOLUTION?!? **

Bryan VonDeylen <BVD@neenah.k12.wi.us> noted on the "mac-mgrs" listserver
that his request for an "eMate Database" has turned up 7 responses.
Nearly all of them suggested that he take a look at Leverage 3.0.  For
more info about this product check out: <http://www.balconessoftware.com/>.

** NEW CASE FROM MAR SOFTWARE **

MAR Software <http://www.marsoftware.com> has a new case designed
especially for the MessagePad 2000/2100 called 'The C.E.O.'  The case
comes in burgundy leather, and has "thirteen secure compartments to hold
your PC Cards, credit cards, or business cards and one large, secure
compartment behind the credit card area to hold a checkbook or other
larger items."  The retail price is US$69.95, and will be available after
01Nov97.

** ONE SOURCE FOR THE MP2100 IN EUROPE **

NewtonShop <http://www.newtonshop.com> has announce that the are now
taking orders for the 'German' version of the MessagePad 2000/2100. This
native German version should ship in Nov97.  The NewtonShop also expects
Apple Europe to offer a similar upgrade being offered in the United
States for current MP2K users.  For more info about the NewtonShop's
German MP2100 offerings send email to: <2100@newtonshop.com>, likewise
for more info about the upgrade send email to:
<2100upgrade@newtonshop.com>.

** CONNECTING EMATES TO APPLETALK LANS **

MacCentral <http://www.maccentral.com> published some Newton news on
23Oct97 -- Sonic Systems's microBridge TCP/IP enables NIE 2.0 savvy
devices (ideally the eMate 300) to get access to AppleTalk and TCP/IP
resources. For more information: <http://www.sonicsys.com/emate>.

** NIE 2.0 SAVVY PC CARDS **

Farallon <http://www.farallon.com> has posted Web pages heralding their
new Ethernet Cards for the Newton devices capable of running Newton 2.1
and NIE 2.0. Pricing starts at US$169, and the cards do work in MacOS and
Windows 95 notebooks. [EDITOR: The cards do not currently work in Windows
NT 4.0 devices.]

** NEW BETA OF MAC TO NEWTON CALENDAR SYNC TOOL **

Century Software <http://www.centsoft.com> has announced the 4th final
candidate of ClockWork (v 1.0fc4) -- their advanced day planner for Mac
OS and Newton.  The demo will work with Japanese enabled Newtons, will
run in full feature mode until 15Nov97, and will host a SRP of US$49
when it is released.  For more information: <support@centsoft.com>.

** SCRAWL HAS NEW STUFF **

Scrawl Software <http://www.scrawlsoft.com> has new versions of their NIE
savvy PT100 application and their very fun game called Chiral.

** WINDOWS TO NEWTON INTEROPERABILITY TOOL REPORTEDLY UPDATED **

You can learn more about WinLinx for the Newton at:
<http://www.pica.de/winlinx/index.htm>. [EDITOR: Thanks to Stephan
Wessels <swessels@one.net> for the information.]

** NEW TASK UTILITY GETS UPDATE **

Holger Mueller <muellerho@t-online.de> has released version 2.1 of Tasks
<http://members.aol.com/muellerho> for the Newton.

** BOOKMAKER FINALLY ARRIVES ON WINDOWS **

Apple has [EDITOR: Finally!] released a Windows version of the BookMaker
<http://www.newton-inc.com/dev/nstools.html#bookmaker>.

** GPS SOLUTION GETS UPDATE **

Gerd Staudenmaier <gerds@micronet.de> has some new news about his Newton
GPS Map solution posted to: <http://www.soaring.de/gps/GPS_Map.html>.
The next version will support more GPS devices, including the most
popular PC Card based receivers.  He is also incorporating zooming and
vector map support.

** OTHER RECENTLY UPDATED NEWTON SOFTWARE **

    - JRAd consulting's Palmedic v2.1:
      <http://jrad.seagull.net>
    - ClubPDA: <http://www.clubpda.com>
    - Rindle & Partner GmbH Isaacs Names v1.2:
      <http://www.rindle.de>


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
   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'
--------------------------------

** MAJOR DAILY NEWSPAPER LOOKS AT HANDHELDS **

U.S. News and World Report published on 27Oct97 has a pretty positive
Newton mention in an article about PDAs.  The article was written by
Susan Gregory Thomas and can be found on pages 92 & 93.  Some quotes: 1.)
"[the MessagePad is] the only choice for those who want the Mac's
cheerful and easy-to-use look and feel in a hand-held computer"; and 2.)
"Using the MessagePad is fun, though. You can sketch freehand, take notes
in your own handwriting ... as well as send and receive E-mail with
Apple's characteristic simplicity."  The article also examined: Rex,
PalmPilot, Psion Series 5, and several Windows CE devices.

** NEWTON IS STILL PART OF APPLE'S GAME PLAN **

Bloomberg News reported on 21Oct97 that Oracle's Larry Ellison is very
bullish on Apple's prospects in the network computing business.  Apple
spokeswoman Katie Cotton responded to questions about Mr. Ellison's
remarks by saying that 'Apple is evaluating network computer trends ...
and ... continues to also explore new markets for their Newton and eMate
products."

** COVERAGE OF MESSAGEPAD 2100 **

TidBITS#402/27-Oct-97 <http://www.tidbits.com/tb-issues/TidBITS-402.html>
has a Newton news blurb that examines "Apple Announces New MessagePad."

** MP2K 'LOVED' BY ONE COLUMNIST **

Gerald Berzins <geraldberzins@qtm.net> reports that the "Sep97 issue of
Manufacturing Systems has an article on the back page entitled "The Road
Warrior" written by regular columnist Dick Morley <182-4407@mcimail.com>.
The article is about how much he loves his MessagePad 2000. Dick Morley
is commonly recognized as the inventor of the PLC."

** NEWTON CONTINUES TO BE APART OF TRAVEL SEGMENT **

Christian Dreyer <cdreyer@magnet.ch> notes that the folks traveling
around the world using a Newton and Compuserve to stay in touch have
another article in the Wall Street Journal.  The Newton mention in the
last article is -- "the Newton is working with very few glitches."  You
can read the article via:
<http://interactive.wsj.com/edition/current/articles/SB877444923665983000.htm>.
** NEWTON ON CANADIAN TV **

Scott Selby <spselby@istar.ca> reports that the Canadian TV show PSI
Factor has had episodes in the past where several MP120/130s were shown
during the show.

** HANDHELD ADS SPOTTED IN RECENT MAGAZINES **

Newton, Inc. <http://www.newton-inc.com> had ads in Inc. 500 (1997), and
Wired.  There is a Velo 1 ad also in Inc. 500.  HP continues to run ads
for their 320LXs Windows CE devices.  There are also '3rd Party' and
3COM ads starting to pop-up for the PalmPilot.

** 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.

** NEWTON - MAC SYNCHRONIZING - PART ONE: NCU & NOW SYNC **

I've had a great response to my request for synchronizing tips so here's
the first of a few dedicated Tips & Tricks columns.  If you are having
trouble and can't wait till next week, drop me an email at:
<roger@rogercoleman.demon.co.uk> and I'll mail you a complete list of all
the tips!

** INCREASE NCU MEMORY ALLOCATION **

Increase the memory allotment for NCU (with the Get Info window) to as
much as you can allow; around 18-MB should do.  From John Brooks at:
<johnbrks@stanford.edu>

** MOVE PREVIOUS BACKUP FILES OUT OF THE NCU BACKUP FOLDER **

>From Kerim Friedman <kerim.friedman@ibm.net>:

    I finally figured out how to get NCU to backup my Newton and
    my 10MB card without crashing, disconnecting, or giving an
    error. I have [the memory allocated to NCU] set at 25-MB, and
    it still isn't enough. The problem is when NCU tries backup
    the 10MB card, it first creates a new backup, and then
    replaces the previous backup. This is when it runs into
    trouble! So, what I found that works is I first move ALL the
    backup files OUT of the backup folder (including the
    previous backups)! Then I run a backup. This works fine.
    Then I personally move the old backup into the "previous
    backup" folder and, voila - I've done what NCU can't do:
    backup my Newton.

** SYNCHING A NEWT USING NOW SOFTWARE'S NOW SYNC **

>From Larry Rank <aku-aku@teleport.com>:

    You have to label the phone number work, home, etc. for
    Now Sync to pay attention to it. No label, no sync. Kinda
    dorky.

** DO YOU REALLY NEED TO SYNC? **

>From Jason Kulas <jkulas@bcbsct.com>:

    Unless you are wedded to your PIM's creation tools on your
    desktop or you have groupware in which co-workers can
    schedule your time for you, your Newt can be your primary
    PIM for all create/update activities and you can just "dump"
    the data one-way, Newt->desktop, for easy electronic access
    to read data on your desktop.

** NEXT WEEK: PART TWO **

Syncing using Claris Organizer 2.0

** 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>.

** ACROBAT READER FOR THE NEWTON?!? **

Peter Payne <seishun@sun.wind.co.jp> is looking for a utility that
would enable the reading of Adobe Acrobat files on the Newton.

** SEVERAL REQUESTS **

Geoffrey Klingsporn <gcklings@midway.uchicago.edu> writes:

    I have a few wishes and idle speculations to throw towards
    developers through your newsletter.

    1.) Why have all the MessagePad cases developed so
    far been "soft-sided"? I'd love to see a hard
    (plastic or, though I could never afford it,
    aluminum) case with internal cushioning, just big
    enough to put the keyboard on one half and the MP
    on the other. Taking this idea further, the ideal
    case would have a built-in keyboard dongle -- just
    "dock" the MP into the case and pow! -- instant
    "b-mate."

    2.) I'm not sure why anyone would use the
    following, but here it is: it seems that the
    combination of phone/fax capability and voice
    recording would make it relatively easy to turn a
    MP into a portable voice-mail solution. With modem
    inserted and connected to a phone line, could a MP
    be set to answer incoming calls, play one voice
    recording and then start recording the incoming
    message? This could then be placed in the In/Out
    box, etc...

    3.) Could someone explain to me why the IR port
    can't be used as a simple serial connection? I
    understand that NCU doesn't support IrDA yet, but
    why can't I use "beaming" to connect to, say,
    Zterm on the Mac? I'm not a techie so I am
    probably missing something crucial -- I'd love to
    know what.

** BANNERS IN DATES?!? **

Dean Siracusa <CarShooter@aol.com> would like to be able to create Now
Up-To-Date type banners in the month view of the DateBook on the Newton.
I travel a lot and it would be nice to see a visual representation of
when I'm gone and where I'm going.

** BATTERY CHARGER FOR THE MP2K **

Mark Miller <mmiller@nih.gov> is looking for an external battery charger
for the Newton 2K rechargeable batteries.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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 **

There is a new weekly PalmPilot Newsletter getting started.  You can
learn more via: <http://www.pickled.com/index.htm>.

You can learn more about Mark/Space's PageNOW! for PalmPilot project via:
<http://www.markspace.com/pagenow_pilot.html>.

Wired 'TECH' recently published an article of potential interested
entitled "PALMPILOT ADDS A NEW PAGE TO PDA MARKET' via the WWW at:
<http://www.wired.com/news/news/email/other/technology/story/8178.html>.

Business is reportedly so good at PilotGear H.Q.
<http://www.pilotgear.com> that they have announced that they are moving
to a bigger location to handle the volume.

PalmPilot devices are now reportedly 'available' in Asia. Pricing of the
units is similar to those in the United States, and the language
supported on the units is still only English.

** WINDOWS CE **

HP's new Windows CE 2.0 device is suppose to come with VGA out built-in
so doing 'PowerPoint briefs will be very easy.'

San Diego's Computer Resource <http://www.crol.com> published on 31Oct97
(Vol. 5, No. 5) has coverage of "Windows CE 2.0 Ships" starts on page 10.

thessaSOURCE <http://www.thessasource.com/> noted on 24Oct97 that Sun CEO
Scot McNealy considers "Windows CE a threat to the niche markets where
JavaStations could be used."

Data collected with AllPen's Mobile Forms Database v2.0 can be
'seamlessly' uploaded to Microsoft's Access database on desktop systems
running Windows 95/NT or to Access for Windows CE.  For more information
check out: <http://www.allpen.com>.

Maximizer Technologies <http://www.maximizer.com> will also ship with
'CELink' desktop application to allow desktop PIMs to synchronize with
Pocket Maximizer -- a 'full-powered contact manager'.

The group within Philips that is responsible for the Philips Velo -- the
Mobile Computing Group -- has announced that the pharmaceutical
manufacturer Hoechst Marion Roussel (HMR)has equipped its North American
sales force with the Velo 1 <http://www.velol.com>.

The Korea Herald recently published an article covering the new, recently
announced but unnamed LG Electronics Windows CE 2.0 device.  In related
news, Sharp continues to flood the PR newswires with 'news' about their
Windows CE device called Mobilon.

ACER has no immediate plans to build Windows CE devices according to
ACER's CEO Stan Shih. [Interview by CMP Media]

Casio is going to use ART's HWR and speech recognition engines in their
Cassiopeia running Japanese Windows CE.

Microsoft has announced a 'working agreement' with Sega to make a version
of Windows CE the 'gaming platform' of the future.

Novatel Wireless <http://www.novatelwireless.com> and Wright Strategies
<http://www.wrightstrat.com> have announced a strategic partnership
targeted for the Windows CE vertical markets.

Some Windows CE links & articles of potential interest:

    - "Microsoft's upgrade for Windows CE adds
      utility" by Martin Wolk, Reuters, 21Oct97
    - The Windows CE Web Site:
      <http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/default.asp>

** PSION **

PC World has some news about the new Psion savvy Geofox handheld (US$499)
at: <http://www.pcworld.com/cgi-bin/news?ID=971023112456>. Geofox
<http://www.geofox.com> is now reportedly selling their devices on the
Web for US$499.

Concept Kitchen  <http://www.conceptkitchen.com> is now shipping their
WriteRight Screen Enhancements for the Psion Series 5 handheld.  Pricing
starts at US$27.95.

** OTHER DEVICES **

Jennifer Files <JFiles@dallasnews.com> published an article recently in
the Dallas Morning News sighting a survey of notebook PC users by
Consumer Electronics Manufacturing.  Of the 500 folks queried, some 58%
reported 'considering a handheld PC instead of another notebook PC' in
the future.

It looks like General Magic <http://www.genmagic.com> has announced Magic
Cap 3.1 for OEMs. Apparently devices will be built for vertical markets
by Oki Electric Industry and these devices will hopefully also be
available to the 'general public.'

SiRF Technology <http://www.sirf.com> is now officially shipping samples
of their  "GPS-module-on-a-chip" called the GPSMS1.  The chip is designed
by u-blox AG <http://www.u-blox.ch> of Zurich, Switzerland, and should be
shipping in volume in early 1998.

Spyglass <http://www.spyglass.com> has announced that they have licensed
Spyglass' Prism content conversion technology to Nokia Telecommunications
<http://www.nokia.com>.  Spyglass Prism "is a server based solution that
reduces the time required to access Web sites by dynamically converting
Web content to the specific display characteristics of devices such as
wireless laptops, handheld computers, personal digital assistants or
mobile phones."

A REX review article was also written recently by Michael Kannell for Cox
News Service.  The article was entitled "Rex is the card for people
on the go" and is published on page 15 of the San Diego Union-Tribune's
COMPUTERLINK on 28Oct97.  In the end, REX scored a "2 stars out of a
possible 5 stars."

Sharp has a new Zaurus handheld they are calling "Power Zaurus" that can
use SanDisk <http://www.sandisk.com> ATA flash storage cards.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  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 **

Bellcore has announced their Mobile Network Computing Protocol (MNCP) at
the recent Wireless Apps '97 trade show and conference.

Unwired Planet <http://www.uplanet.com> has announced plans to make their
UP.Browser software available, free of royalties, to mobile phone
manufacturers.

Motorola has a new pager called the 'Jazz' that is the "smallest word
pager" at 2.9 x 1.49 x 0.78 inches.  It offers a one-line scrolling
display but a memory that can hold 2200 characters.  The SRP is US$149.

CITA's Wireless Apps '97 conference is being held 27-29Oct97 at the
Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, WA.  For more information
check out: <http://www.wow-com.com>.

Ardis <http://www.ardis.com> has redesigned their WWW site.

Wynd Communications <http://www.wynd.com> has a an wireless LAN solution
for the 'corporate' marketplace called "WyndPower" for Windows 95 and
Windows CE Users.  WyndPower enables email, Web, and LAN access to
intranets using a variety of wireless connection options.

AT&T's new PocketNet <http://www.att.com/pocketnet/> device and services
continue to generate press releases out of AT&T and vendors supporting
PocketNet related services.  No word yet on real world end-user
experiences, so hype factor is pretty high.

Cruise Technologies <http://www.cruisetech.com> and Proxim
<http://www.proxim.com> are working closely to ensure product
compatibilities  Cruise builds high-end tablet computers, and Proxim is
one of the big players in the wireless LAN and WAN marketplaces.

** LAPTOPS **

Intel reportedly has a new power-savvy 0.35 micron 120-MHz Pentium MMX
processor available for the 'Libretto' mini-notebook marketplace, and
possibly for Windows CE 2.0 devices.  It looks like Toshiba, Matsushita,
and NEC have plans to use this chip in future devices -- with the
Matsushita device will reportedly weigh no more than 1-kg. [EDITOR: Bob
<bobk@gol.com> contributed information via email about the Matsushita
device.]

PC World <http://www.pcworld.com/cgi-bin/news?ID=971030111655%20> - Acer
reportedly is going to release a 2 pound Win95 subnotebook in early 1998.

PC World <http://www.pcworld.com/cgi-bin/news?ID=971029173410%20> has news of
new Compaq laptops and handhelds.

** APPLE & MACINTOSH **

David Pogue has a new book -- "More Macs for Dummies" -- being published
by IDG Books <http://www.dummies.com>.  The ISBN#: 0-7645-0267-0.

Claris <http:/www.claris.com> announced record revenues for their Q4'97
fiscal quarter -- US$91.1 million.  In 1997, Claris brought in US$281.7
million.

Glenn Howes <grhowes@xnet.com> has posted beta 4 of InCDius GH 1.1
<http://www.xnet.com/~grhowes/> for those running Apple's Macintouch
Runtime for Java (MRJ).

TechWorks <http://www.techworks.com> is now shipping their Power3D Cards
for my Mac OS.  This PCI card includes the 3dfx Voodoo chipset.  The
product comes bundled with a demo of Quake, MechTech, VR Soccer, and .
The new game from Bungie -- Myth -- is suppose to be 3dfx Voodoo savvy.

MacTech Magazine <http://www.mactech.com> has added 3000+ pages to their
WWW site. In the past MacTech has included a small number of handheld
related programming articles.

Some Macintosh related sites of potential interest:

    - Core Technologies's CoreFTP SERVER for 4th
      Dimension: <http://www.coretechnologies.net/>
    - Jon Stevens <jon@clearink.com>'s wpoison [random
      CGI tool for Mac OS HTTP servers]:
      <http://www.clearink.com/fun_stuff/plugins/>
    - GIFmation: <http://www.boxtopsoft.com/GIFmation>

** MISCELLANEOUS INFO **

The recently held Japan Electronics Show (JES) hosted a host of new
technologies.  Some hot moving products included: portable DVD players;
more advanced LCD technology; next generation satellite multimedia
devices; and continued 'advanced' home theater offerings.

LSI Logic <http://www.lsilogic.com> today announced a new 16/32-bit
TinyRISC microprocessor specifically targeted at low power and low cost
embedded applications.

** OTHER SITES WORTHY OF A POTENTIAL BROWSE **

    - Video Professor: <http://www.videoprofessor.com>
    - Big Island Communications' YoYo Telephone Manager:
      <http://www.big-island.com>
    - Interlink Electronics:
      <http://www.interlinkelec.com>
    - Tom Clancy's Politika: <http://www.redstorm.com>
    - MetaCreations' Bryce 3D: <http://www.metacreations.com>


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

Lizard Technology is now advertising the availability of Apple 9v AC
adapters.

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

* GET POWERED UP! Bargain Priced AC Adapters compatible with all Newtons
- only US$10 bucks!  Get an extra one for the home or office.  These are
the original Apple 9v AC Adapters and quantities are limited so get one
before their gone. See <http://www.lizardtech.com/power> for details.

* 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, 27Oct97 thru 02Nov97
-----------------------------

** IBM OFFERS DESIGN KITS FOR COPPER CHIPS **

IBM says that in January it will begin offering manufacturers chip design
kits, allowing them to use IBM's breakthrough technology using copper
rather than silicon for computer chips.  Copper chips will be
significantly faster and more powerful than chips currently available.
(Wall Street Journal 27 Oct 97)

** NEW STANDARD FOR PARALLEL PROCESSING WORKSTATIONS **

Compaq, Digital, Intel, IBM and Silicon Graphics have agreed to support
Open MP, a new standard developed by Silicon Graphics and Kuck &
Associates to allow programmers to write a single version of their
software that will run on parallel processor computers using Unix or
Windows NT operating systems. The new standard will hasten the trend in
which scientists and engineers choose high-end workstations rather than
supercomputers for complex computational applications.  (New York Times
28 Oct 97)

** ROCKWELL UPS THE ANTE IN MODEM WARS **

Rockwell International, in an effort to influence a current meeting of
the International Telecommunication Union, says that within a year it may
introduce computer modems capable of transmitting data over conventional
phone lines at speeds up to 20 times faster than current models.  "We
hope that, by presenting this technology very early in the ITU
discussions, we can accelerate the standardization process," says a
Rockwell VP.  Meanwhile, 3Com's U.S. Robotics has developed a competing
standard for 56-Kbps modems. Rockwell says that if its standard is
accepted now, it can provide "a seamless transition" between 56-Kbps
technology and the next-generation consumer digital subscriber line
standard.  (Wall Street Journal 29 Oct 97)

** MAC OS FOR INTEL MACHINES:  WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN **

Apple is thought to be involved in an effort to develop a version of its
Macintosh operating system to run on computers based on Intel processors,
but it's not the first time the company worked on such a project.  Five
years ago Apple and Novell software engineers worked together on a secret
project called "Star Trek" that produced a prototype design in late 1993.
However, the project was soon killed off by internal politics after the
departure of its two biggest supporters, when Vice President Roger Heinen
left to work for Microsoft and Chief Executive Officer John Sculley was
forced out of the company.  It is not unreasonable to speculate whether
Apple would now control most of the PC operating system market if in 1994
it had preempted Microsoft and the introduction of Windows 95.  (San Jose
Mercury News 31 Oct 97)

** RSA SEEKS TO ESTABLISH INTERNET ENCRYPTION STANDARD **

RSA Data Security has formally applied to the Internet Engineering Task
Force to make its S/MIME encryption technology an Internet standard.
Supporting RSA's drive is a group of 12 Japanese vendors that have
announced they will form a Japanese consortium to advocate the adoption
of S/MIME encryption in that country.  RSA's major competitor is Pretty
Good Privacy, which has been pushing its own technology with the IETF.
"We think that RSA coming out and working within the standards
organizations is a good thing," says the director of technology at PGP,
who adds that this is where these types of issues should be discussed.
(Net Insider 31 Oct 97)


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


INNOVATION, 27Oct97
-------------------

** TRENDS: EXECUTIVE SUITE AS HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME **

Some "home office workers" may be looking for half-way houses:  American
Demographics magazine sees a significant number of home office workers
becoming disenchanted with their situations, and trying to reconstruct a
semblance of office life in shared executive suites that allow them
to share conference rooms, reception areas, and camaraderie.  Sometimes
said jokingly to be offering "McOffices," the $2 billion executive suites
business has doubled in size in just five years.  The Journal of Property
Management says that "the reason for growth sounds like a business
journal lexicon: 'downsizing,' 'globalization,' and 'satellite locations'
all pop up in explanations, as does the phrase:  'home offices that
didn't work out.'" One tenant of a shared executive office explains that
"when you're on your own, you get in your own little world and lose sight
of what's going on. Here you can share war stories." (Kathi S. Allen &
Gloria Flynn Moorman, "Leaving Home:  The Emigration Of Home-Office
Workers," American Demographics Oct 97)

** STRATEGIES: ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN **

In the age of networked organizations, large vertically integrated
companies that do everything from market research and product development
to sales and shipping "are sinking into the tarpits of turbulent change,
much like the dinosaurs of old."  However, these new networked
organizations (or meta-organizations) still need to be concerned about
giving employees a sense of emotional connection.  "Employees also want
an office or work space they can call their own, where they can leave
their work on their desktop and know that it will be there, in the same
orderly or chaotic fashion they left it, when they return.  In the face
of continual and often dramatic change, they want some constancy, a safe
harbor where they can withdraw from the turmoil around them." What people
want is a flexible organization, not a chaotic one, and they need to be
actively and personally involved in the design of flexible organization
structures in which they will function. (Don Mankin,  Susan G. Cohen,
Tora K. Bikson, "Teams & Technology:  Tensions In Participatory Design,"
Organizational Dynamics Summer 1997)

** INNOVATIONS: WIRELESS PUSH **

A new technology from Wyrex Communications Inc. in Toronto promises to
extend the reach of "push" technology to mobile devices, such as pagers
and cellular handsets.  Currently, to receive continuous updates of news
and information from Internet sources, users must be stationed at their
PC posts.  The new technology, called Wysdom, enables data from any
source to be collected, filtered and transmitted to wireless devices.
Analysts anticipate the new technology could enable wireless service
providers to gain entry into the Internet service provider business.
Wysdom will be ready for beta testing this winter, and is scheduled for
commercial release next spring.  (tele.com Oct 97)
<http://www.teledotcom.com/>

** 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
highlighted as -- [Editor: Comments].  Publication, product, and company
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THIS EDITION OF NEWTNEWS WAS WRITTEN WITH THE HELP OF: dinner with Amy &
Dave at San Diego Brewing Company on Friday; desert with Mary & Jeff on
Saturday at Incredible Deserts; and doing some furniture moving to make
more space in the living room & office.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "We should be careful to get out of an experience only
the wisdom that is in it, lest we be like the cat that sits down on a
hot-stove lid. She will not sit down on a hot stove-lid again -- but also
she will not sit down on a cold one either." -- Mark Twain [Forbes,
03Nov97, page 420]

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