NewtNews-06May97-Supplement
===========================

by Steve Holden <newtnews@pobox.com>.  This is a supplement issue for the
weekly freeware newsletter that focuses on the Apple Newton and related
technologies.  The supplement is published as a reference guide during
times when NewtNews is not being published.  NewtNews Copyright 1994-97
Steve Holden.  All rights reserved.  See the Administrivia at end for
details and FAQ info.

This issue of NewtNews is sponsored in part by:

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

 + X-Port, KwikMenu, NewtPaint, Quicknames Pro, proCALC Ex - Newton 2.0
   solutions - <sales@landware.com> - <http://www.landware.com>

 + WinSlurp from Rare White Tiger Creations - Available via WWW at:
   <http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/heringermr/winslurp.htm>.

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

 + PDA & HANDHELD DIRECT - Putting Technology in the Palm of Your Hand!
   800-279-4PDA 219-882-5228 [F]:219-845-0578 <http://www.pdadirect.com>

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

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

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

 + INFORMED FILLER FOR NEWTON - Custom Electronic Forms Integrated With
   Your Desktop - Shana Corp - <info@shana.com> - <http://www.shana.com>

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

 + BILLS TO PAY PRO 3.5.4 - Easily Track Bills & Expenses - Supports
   German - <info@marsoftware.com> - <http://www.marsoftware.com>

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


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

 1. From the Editor
 2. Pen Computing, April 1997
 3. Review: KwikMenu and Reflex
 4. Mobile Computing, May 1997
 5. Web Pointers
 6. mobilis
 7. TAPPED.IN
 8. Wireless for the Corporate User
 9. The PDA Connection
10. NewtNews Pro
11. Handheld Systems
12. REVIEW: DateMan 3.0
13. Edupage, 28Apr97 thru 04May97
14. INNOVATION, 31Mar97
15. Review: The Barrier vs. WriteRights
16. Advertising Notes
17. Product and Service Information
18. Guest Opinion
19. Administrivia


>From the Editor
---------------

** WELCOME **

Hello!  Welcome to the 6th NewtNews-Supplement.  The goal of this
supplement is to provide NewtNews readers with good reference material
during a week when NewtNews is not being published.  This issue includes
some software and hardware reviews, and some guest opinions.  If you have
any questions, suggestions, or comments, please send them ASAP to Steve
Holden at: <newtnews@pobox.com>.  Thanks!

** NEXT ISSUE OF NEWTNEWS **

The next issue of NewtNews (issue #139) will be published on 13May97.
For a complete look at a calendar of publication dates please check out:
<http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/NewtNews/NN_schedule.html>.

** WWDC? **

I will be travelling to Apple's World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC)
the week of 12-13May97.  The next two issue of NewtNews shouldn't be
delayed but if something comes up, please accept my apology now.

I don't think this WWDC conference will have much, if any, 'Newton'
information -- focus appears to be all Mac OS 8 and NextStep stuff.  If
you are a NewtNews readers making the trek, please send me email and we
can set-up a Newton meeting at the conference.

This trip will probably also be a 'test' of replacing a PowerBook with my
MessagePad 2000.  I'll let you know how it goes.


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  The New WriteRight Screen Enhancements protect your screen from
  scratches, reduce glare and improve your handwriting recognition by
  simulating the feel of writing on paper. WriteRights are available for
  all Newtons in packs of: 4-for $11.95, 8-for $18.95, and 12-for $24.95.
  Mention NewtNews and receive 10% off our 12-pack. For more info:
  415-929-1002 <Info@ConceptKitchen.com> <http://www.ConceptKitchen.com>
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  AvailWorks 3.0 - New version adds a text layer with spell-check, find
  and replace, and support for multiple page documents.  AvailWorks
  integrates text processing, powerful tables, dynamic business charts
  and graphs, and drawing and page layout tools into one convenient
  package for the Newton. From PelicanWare at $79.95+S&H. For more
  info: <info@pelicanware.com>. To order 800.655.6398 or visit resellers.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Pen Computing, April 1997
-------------------------

** FEATURES & NEWS **

The cover theme of this issue is 'CHOICES' -- with pictures and highlight
text for the Newton MessagePad 2000 ('Fast & Refined'); The HP 320 LX
('Big Screen'); and Xplore Genesys ('Handsomely Rugged').

Huge major focus article on: Pen Computers in Healthcare. Includes:
introduction by David Noack, and details on several healthcare solutions
(most are Newton, Windows CE, and Win95 Pen based).  Articles start on
page 18 and go until page 26.

David Noack has a good article on page 28 - 29 entitled "Handhelds in
Hollywood: Film makers have discovered the benefits of handheld
computers."  Article looks at the Newton based Shot Logger, Psion based
Filmcalculator, and PalmPilot based pocket pal.

Dan Hanttula has a detailed article starting on page 36 - 37 that
outlines "The Development of the Philips Velo-1" (Windows CE) with
pictures from Michael Hanttula.

David MacNeil, Dan Hanttula, and Jim Neal team up on page 36 to examine
the latest external trackpad solutions from: PC Concepts, GlidePoint,
Cirque, and Touche.

Tim Schmidt has a detailed article that examines LCD panel technology
starting on page 58.

C.H Blickenstorfer has a another great detailed article entitled "A New
Look at Handwriting Recognition" starting on page 76.

** OPINIONS **

Excellent PDA and handheld opinions from:

    - C.H Blickenstorfer on "requirements for mobile
      computing are different than those for the
      desktop" on page 6
    - Tim Schmidt on "rumors, gossip, opinions" on
      page 39
    - Dominic Giangrasso's column 'Mobile Strategies'
      on page 42 is on "small computers, smaller phones"
    - Tammy Parker's column 'Wireless Beat' on page 64
      is on "browsing the Web from your car"
    - Andrew Seybold's column 'The Outlook' is on
      "Windows CE-based HPCs and Their Role in Wireless
      Communications (Part II)"
    - John Jerney's column 'Reflections' is on "Mobile
      Web Browsing" (page 73)
    - Gerald Fox's column 'Letter From Japan' asks the
      question when Windows CE will be in Japan?
      (page 63)

** REVIEWS **

Hardware reviews of: HP Palmtop PC 320 LX (Windows CE); Casio QV-Link
(HPC & Camera); Xplore Genesys P133 Pen Computer (888.449.7567); Norand
Pen*Key 6622; EtherWave (Newton); PalmPilot Personal and Professional;
and Dauphin DTR-2.

Software reviews of: bFax Professional (Windows CE); MS Entertainment
Pack for Windows CE; Reflex 1.0 (Newton); Informed 2.0 (Newton); DateMan
3.0.2 (Newton); and IntelliSync 1.02 (Pilot).

** PLATFORM FOCUS **

    - Windows Central by Dan Hanttula on page 30
    - Newton Notes by David MacNeil on page 48
    - Pilot Page by Scott Sbihli on page 54
    - Zaurus Way by Daniel Rasmus on page 60
    - Magic Mirror (Magic Cap) by Dan Hanttula on page 62

** OTHER POINTERS **

    - Microslate Pentium Pen Computer: <sales@microslate.com>
    - TriTech Microelectronics: <http://www.tritech-sg.com>
    - CommonTime's Cadenza [Newton]: <http://www.commontime.com>
    - Knowledge Revolution [Newton]: <http://www.krev.com/ed>
    - Navitel: <http://www.navitel.com>

** ON THE WEB **

    - <http://www.pencomputing.com>


Review: KwikMenu and Reflex
---------------------------

** NOW UTILITIES FOR THE NEWTON **

by Don J. Modesto <modesto@gol.com>

** WASTED MOTION **

The Newton has marvelous gee-whiz! value but can be tedious.  Both
KwikMenu and Reflex enhance basic Newt features increasing your
productivity with and enjoyment of the Newt.

As an example of clunky Newt procedures, you must often leave the
application you are in for the Extras drawer (where applications are),
dig around for some needed function, and return to complete your work in
the original app. Working in Notes e.g. I want to format text as bold.  I
have to --

    1.  tap Extras
    2.  wait
    3.  search out Styles from among the other 30 icons
    4.  (possibly searching in a different folder to do so)
    5.  open it
    6.  return to Notes
    7.  select the text
    8.  do the formatting

With the Newt's Styles app installed in a Reflex menu, on the other hand,
or using KwikMenu's own format menu, I --

    1.  select my text
    2.  tap for the menu to come up
    3.  do the formatting.

No contest.  Moreover, there is similar economy of motion with
connections, scheduling, and text input.

KwikMenu and Reflex are must-haves.  Even if you don't have both, you owe
it to yourself to have one.  They both provide multiple pop-up menus that
streamline Newton actions.  In some ways their functionality overlaps.
Both can automatically enter the date, set up new To Do items, and
restart the Newt.  I depend on both and tend to think of Reflex as saving
me from tedious navigation around the Newt.  I go to KwikMenu for system
enhancements such as the three clipboards.

** SINE KWIK NON **

KwikMenu's five menus are pre-configured with such goodies as KwikText, a
Newt version of Word 5's glossary.  Copy a letter salutation to it and
the next time you send a letter, select it from KwikText rather than
writing it.  Some items you might include, though, may already appear in
another menu which provides information from your personal Names cards,
'home #,' e.g.  or 'address.' The formatting menu reappears with each tap
facilitating multiple changes to text without multiple trips to the
button.  Yet another menu provides several connect options such as via
serial, via modem, etc.

KwikMenu offers three points of access.  There is a GestureLaunch Lite
Script option.  You can call up a palette of buttons or configure the
menus to appear with taps below Apple's silk-screened buttons.  Without
too much effort, you can remember where the invisible buttons lie and
leave the Newt's scarce screen space uncluttered.  (At first, I could not
get this option to work.  Following Landware support's recommendation, I
re-calibrated the screen with the Newt's Setup package and now it works
perfectly.)

** REFLECTS ON APPLE **

For years, Mac reviewers hailed Now Menus.  Apple finally included
similar options (Apple Menu Options and the extension manager) in its Mac
OS. Now, the Newt can be pretty spastic.  With such experience under
their belt, you have to wonder why Apple would send the Newt into the
cruel world without good Reflexes to render it graceful again.  It's
Reflex or plodding.

Reflex installs two tiny 'notches' in the upper left and right corners of
the screen and a floating button.  Tap any of these and a menu appears.
The Prefs file allows for extensive customization of the menus.  You can
turn them off, clear them of any or all items, and install applications
and 'actions' (which consolidate several actions into one or two taps.)
Reflex ships with 41 actions but others, such as Aloha Mail for AOL, are
also available on C & G's Web site.  Moreover, any Newt programmer can
develop more in order to enhance their product as Reflex has a public
API-Application Programming Interface-which means something like
published protocols that developers can use in programming for the
application as they do for QuicKeys shortcuts and Photoshop plug-ins on
the desktop.

With frequently used apps in the left pull-down menu and Newton books
(read-only text files-I make them from downloaded text) in the right, I
seldom see the Extras drawer anymore.  I use the floating menu for system
actions such as rotating the screen or setting the volume.

Reflex also subsumes the functionality of some Newt shareware.  I++ also
allows configuration of a menu.  But it offers only one menu and you have
to clean it up manually.  That is, if you erase an installed application,
I++'s menu won't know it until you tell it.  Reflex can take care of
itself.  It also lets you jump to the first or last notes or a specific
date in the Notes app, although it doesn't offer a previous/next note
feature as does the shareware NoteHopper.

** CONCLUSION **

Before installing Reflex and KwikMenu, I writhed at the thought of
plodding along the Newt way.  These two utilities have made using the
Newt immeasurably more enjoyable and I recommend both highly.

** SUMMARY **

Reflex -- PROS: Reduces navigation and wait time; opens keyboards
anywhere.  CONS: Can't make menu text smaller or larger.  For more
information about Reflex (US $39.95) check out Casady and Greene at:
<http://www.casadyg.com>.

KwikMenu -- PROS:  Consolidates and enhances functions and text entry.
CONS: Can't make menu text smaller or larger.  For more information about
KwikMenu (US$$39.95) check out Landware at: <http://www.landware.com>.

** SIDEBAR **

One problem with the Newt is how you have to go to the Extras Drawer,
i.e.  the applications folder, to open up programs.  Sometimes scrolling
down the list of available applications, waiting several seconds at each
juncture.

I++ is a tidy $10 Now Menus look alike that installs applications in a
pop up menu for access without returning to Extras drawer.  This
functionality is a must have (see KwikMenu/Reflex review.)

So far, so good.  The problem is the shareware reminders.  Although you
can only use it for 30 days without registration, its author has
booby-trapped it with little dialogs-each needing to be canceled with a
pen tap-that pop up sometimes within seconds of each other, exclaiming
how much you must like it because you've already used it X number of
times and that you really ought to pay the shareware fee.  Sometimes you
get the reminder in lieu of the selection making you select twice.

If this indicates the author's homelife, his kids have got to end up
patricides.  It's only 10 bucks.  If you're real hard up, you can save
yourself three fourths the price of KwikMenu or Reflex (or re-install I++
when it expires.)  But KwikMenu and Reflex do more than four times what
I++ does and are the real deal.


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

$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  TeleType GPS is software for the Newton which displays your location
  while driving or flying. The software includes a moving map which shows
  you where you are in relation to cities and towns. It is controlled by
  the Garmin 30 TracPack, a powerful yet small Global Positioning System
  (GPS) antenna.  Never get lost again. Email: <TeleTypeGPS@teletype.com>
  or WWW to: <http://www.teletype.com/gps/> for more information.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Mobile Computing, May 1997
--------------------------

** ARTICLES OF INTEREST **

A short letter to the editor lists another shortcoming of Windows CE
devices is that they lack, out of the box, printer support. (page 16)

Tim Bajarin's 'Industry Insider' column starts on page 45 and is
entitled "What's Up at Apple? -- The enduring icon has rebounded into the
mobile market with the fastest notebook ever.  But it has just laid off
almost a third of its work force."

B. A. Nilson looks at "Ready to Ware -- Wearable Computers: Replacing
Interruption with Integration" starting on page 48.

Tom Sullivan has a 'Buyer's Guide' called "Small Talk" that examines 32
cellular phones starting on page 97.

There is a special section to this magazine called "Connect:
Communications Solutions for the Enterprise" that starts on page 104 and
stops on page 129.

** REVIEWS OF INTEREST **

Short reviews with pictures of the following products:

    - Mitsubishi's MobileAccess smart phone (page 30)
    - Avatar Peripherals' Shark 250 portable drive (page 38)
    - Wyndmail for Windows CE available (page 42)
    - pcAnywhere CE by Symantec (page 42)

** INTERESTING ADS **

    - Apple MessagePad 2000 ad on page 39
    - Socket & GTE for Windows CE wireless access on page C4
    - Mobile Planet (Sharp, HP, and Psion)
    - ClubPC (NEC HPC, PalmPilot)
    - Psion Series 3c
    - Japan Palmtop Direct (IBM PC110) 800.641.5996
    - Etak "The Digital Map Company" seems to have some
      potentially interesting solutions.
      <http://www.etak.com/SkyMap>

[EDITOR: It is interesting to note that Apple and Psion are the only
handheld manufacturers who have primary ads in this issue.]

** ON THE WEB **

    - <http://www.mobilecomputing.com>


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

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


Web Pointers
------------

** MAJOR TECHNOLOGY WEEKLY JOURNALS **

    - 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>

** NEWTON LINKS **

    - Newton Reference: <http://www.panix.com/~clay/newton/>
    - AMUG'S PKG Search: <http://amug.org/amug/cd/http/newtonsearch.html>
    - Gecko: <http://members.aol.com/geraldfox/gecko/gecko.html>
    - Newton Classifieds: <http://pobox.com/~bnet/newton>
    - The Ultimate Newton Page: <http://rainbow.rmi.net/~rbruce/>
    - Newton Software Digest:
      <http://www.compulink.co.uk/~stormont/newton/weekly.htm>
    - Always Newton Central: <http://www.theonly.com/newton.html>
    - Project Newtonberg: <http://www.aa.net/~robwest>

** GOOD INFO SERVICE LINKS **

    - The URL-minder: <http://www.netmind.com/URL-minder/URL-minder.html>
    - Farcast: <http://www.farcast.com>
    - HotBot: <http://www.hotbot.com>

** OTHER PDA SITES **

    - Ultimate Windows CE Page: <http://www.paonline.com/msmalley>
    - USR's Pilot FAQ: <http://www-etb.info.nih.gov/~weisen/pilot_faq.html>

** COMPLETE DAILY MACINTOSH NEWS SITES **

    - MacInTouch: <http://www.macintouch.com>
    - MacCentral: <http://www.maccentral.com>
    - MacSurfer: <http://www.macsurfer.com>


mobilis
-------

** APRIL 1997 **

John Jerney <mobilis@CAM.ORG> reports that the April 1997 issue of
"mobilis: the mobile computing lifestyle magazine" is now available via:
<http://www.volksware.com/mobilis>.  mobilis is a free monthly magazine
available exclusively on the Web in its entirety featuring interviews,
tutorials, reviews, and opinion concerning all aspects of PDAs, wireless
communication, and mobile peripherals.

Here are some topics that might be of interest:

    - "A Conversation with Microsoft's Robert O'Hara by John
       Jerney
    - "DIGITAL CAMERAS: A Look at the Casio QV-300 by K.C. Toh
    - "NEWTON SPOTLIGHT: The Latest and Greatest from NewtNews"
       by Steve Holden
    - "System Integrator Profile: River Run Software" by Steve
       Mann
    - "Results of Our Second Annual Online Awards Survey" by
       mobilis Readers
    - "APPLE NEWTON MESSAGEPAD: Newton Programming with NS BASIC
       3.6" by John Schettino
    - "PSION SERIES 3/3A: Another Smattering of Psion Hardware &
       Software" by Steve Clack
    - "HEWLETT-PACKARD LX SERIES: Backing Up and Off-Line
       Browsing with Your Palmtop" by Conrad Cox
    - "USR PALMPILOT: On the Road with Palmeta Mail 1.5" by Jeff
       Schaffzin
    - "SHARP ZAURUS: Project Management Using Your Zaurus" by
       Scott Skibell
    -  OPINION: "Some Creative Thinking about Windows CE" by John
       Jerney
    -  OPINION: "Infrared -- The Standard That Should Be" by Marty
       Mankins
    -  POSITION PAPER: "Network Cards" by Andrew Prophet

And some other interesting tidbits on:

    - Mobile Watch [Hardware]: "Apple MessagePad 2000, Psion Gold
      Card, CompactFlash Reader"
    - Mobile Watch [Software]: "Psion licenses Java, Mail on the
      Run for Newton, Narrowband Sockets Technology"
    - Mobile Watch [Communications]: "Psion & Ericsson Team up,
      Intel Provides Storage for HP camera, Hayes Ships First 56K
      PC Card Modems"


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


TAPPED.IN
---------

** VOL. 1 ISSUE 31 -- APRIL 1997 **

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Newton Toolkit for Windows is now available for purchase
through Apple Developer Catalog and selected retail outlets.  WinNTK
provides the same "rich object-oriented environment and NewtonScript
language" as MacNTK.  WinNTK requires a 486DX (or better) processor;
CD-ROM; and either Windows 3.1 (w/ Win32s), Windows95 or WindowsNT.
Memory requirements are 8MB RAM for Windows 3.1 users and 16 MB RAM for
Windows95 and WindowsNT users.  To order from the U.S. call:
800.282.2732, from International call: 716.871.6555.

HOW TO CONTACT THE NEWTON SYSTEM GROUP:

    - Marketing and Sales: <solutions@newton.apple.com>
    - Developer Technical Support: <newtondev@newton.apple.com>
    - NSG Webmaster: <webmaster@newton.apple.com>

INSIDE NSG: Q&A with Beth Clark, Program Manager within the Newton System
Group.  This job is the "connect the dot" role where all the 'big
picture' projects get tracked on a day-to-day basis, and any issues
between projects are handled.  She is currently working on the
localization of Newton OS to German which currently involves over 15
people and 30 pieces of "Whole Product Solution."

MARKETING FRONT: Q&A with Mike Zimmers, Solutions Marketing Manager, who
is responsible for managing the relations with third-party developers for
selected vertical markets (Sales Force Automation, Field Service,
Transportation, Inside Plant, Health Care, & Education).  One of the main
things he is working on is defining Whole Product Solutions (WPS) for
each segment so that it is easier to evangelize developers for missing
pieces, and to make sure that sales folks can identify all the parts
necessary to build a Newton solution.

VENDOR SPLENDOR1: GEOIDE Systemes S.A., a Vernon France based company,
was founded in 1994 to develop and market accessories for Apple
MessagePads.  The well-known protective case, the Rubber-Boot, was their
first product for the MP110, MP120, MP130. and a version for the MP 2000
will be available in May97.  They also have a laser bar code reader that
plugs directly into the inter-connect port of the MP2K in the works
called Scan2000.  The unit should also be available in May97.  For more
information: voice: 33 2 32 21 17 50, fax: 33 2 32 21 17 60, or email:
<geoidsys@imaginet.fr>.

VENDOR SPLENDOR2: Waverley Software Design provides both vertical and
horizontal Newton solutions.  On the horizontal side they have: Workout
Log which tracks, graphs and logs fitness information.  And on the
vertical side they just recently developed EZRx for EZ Cel Tech -- a
mobile prescription writing and management application for health care
professionals.  For more information contact Matt Brown by phone at:
415.322.5356 or by email at: <WaverleySD@aol.com>.

TECHIE TIP: J. Christopher Bell, DTS Engineer, tackles the subject of
"Word Processing in Newton 2.1 OS" in this issue.  Specifically giving a
short overview of the new Newton 2.1 OS Text Engine called "protoTXView".

TOP PROJECT: ETE, Inc. of San Diego, California demoed the latest in
wireless and navigation technologies on the new, handheld Apple
MessagePad 2000 at the Comdex'96 exposition in Las Vegas.   The demo was
also developed with help from MITRE Corp. as a prototype for the U.S.
military.  The system is called TASR (Tactical Automated Situation
Receiver), and is a combination of: Newton MessagePad, a Global
Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a wireless 2-way radio, MITRE
proprietary software and ETE's proprietary QuickFlight wireless
communications software.  For more info, contact Howard Griffith by phone
at: 619.793.5400 or by email at: <wireless@ete.com>.  You can also get
more info via: <http://www.ete.com>.

CALENDAR: The Newton Systems Group will have a presence at the following
upcoming events:

    - Forum for Handheld Computing in HealthCare,
      28-30May97, Cambridge, MA
    - PC Expo <http://www.pcexpo.com/>, 16-19Jun97,
      New York, NY

NEWTON PROGRAMMING COURSES: from NSG Developer Training.  Learn more via:
<http://devworld.apple.com/dev/newton/devservices/nsgtraining.html>, or
Arroyo Software <http://www.arroyosoft.com/> and via Calliope Enterprises
at: <http://www.pobox.com/~neil/training.html>.

    - Newton 2.1 Essentials+Comms; 19-23May97; Ann
      Arbor, MI' $1500' call 313.439.3828 to register
    - Newton 2.1 Essentials; 09-13Jun97; San Jose, CA;
      $1500; call 909.793.5995 to register
    - Newton 2.1 Essentials; 08-12Sep97; San Jose, CA;
      $1500; call 909.793.5995 to register

For more info about TAPPED.IN send an email to: <tapped.in@newton.apple.com>.


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

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  Still looking for a great screen protector?  Look at The BARRIER!!
     * Clearly Superior Protection
     * Abrasion, Chemical AND Thermal resistant
     * Indispensable!
  "Why doesn't Apple mount a Barrier on every unit? -- Marco Mailand (.ch)
  For more info: <http://www.losalamos.com/roadrunner> or call 800-882-8382
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$


Wireless for the Corporate User
-------------------------------

** MARCH 1997 - VOL.6/NO. 3 **

The front cover may have a picture of Casio's Windows CE savvy Cassiopeia
being weighed on a scale, but inside you'll find an article by NewtNews
editor and publisher Steve Holden covering the recent release of Apple's
MessagePad 2000.  This 'great' Cover Feature article starts on page 30.

Sean Keating points out in the 'From The Editor' corner that any success
a PDA device hopes to achieve in the future will be totally linked to how
well it connects and communicates, not how well it makes information
portable. [page 1]

Q&A with Unwired Planet's CEO & Chairman Alain Rossman on pages 8 - 9.

Steve Mann <smann@cdpubs.com> has a detailed article entitled "Make Way
for the PDAs! -- A New Generation of Personal Digital Assistants Promise
to Reinvigorate the Hand-Held Computer Market" starting on page 10.  The
article examines on the PDA front: PalmPilot, Windows CE, Newton, Sharp,
and Psion. The article also examines: wireless handhelds, hand-held
applications, custom solutions, and platform maturity.

This month's 'Utilities Vertical Market Focus' has a Q&A round table of
industry players moderated by Warren Hersch on page 16.  Hersch also has
a very interesting article following this one called "Attention: This is
a test of the new emergency alert system -- A range of wireless and
information technologies are helping Public Safety Officials Plan for,
and Manage, Civil Emergencies" on page 20.

Andrew Seybold has the Cover Feature story entitled "Hand-held PCs -- the
vehicles for wireless data" starting  on page 26.  Article looks at:
Windows CE, RAM Mobile, ARIDS, and the Portable Computer and
Communications Association (PCCA) that is attempting to 'standardize'
with help from Microsoft on wireless connectivity issues.  The article
does mention that folks like Palm Pilot, Psion, Sharp, and HP are also
working on remote access solutions.  No mention of the Newton or Apple in
the article.

Ron Lindsey <comarch@aol.com> has 'Special Feature' article entitled
"Strategic Wireless Implementation: implementing wireless technologies
may mean redefining the company's business process with new roles and
rules for employees" on page 32.

Interesting ad on page 35 -- Epson and Cardinal Tracking
<http://www.cardinaltracking.com> have an ad for the Epson EHT-400
touchscreen slate PC that runs Windows 95 with PenRight! for Windows.


The PDA Connection
------------------

** VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 **

This issue includes the following articles:

    - "Hand-Held & PDA Forum: PDAs in the Utilities
       Vertical Markets" by Phil Allingham
    - "PDAs aren't just PDAs anymore" by Jon Covington
    - "PDA Statistics: PDAia Implements New Research
       Program" by Phil Allingham
    - "Beyond Obvious: Marketing Where No PDA Has Gone
       Before -- Libraries" by Al Lieter
    - "Wireless Without Middleware" by Steven Baer
    - "Creating My Ideal PDA" by Al Beeman
    - "John Sculley Corrects The Red Herring" by John
       Sculley

IDC has published the following U.S. hand-held companion shipments in the
thousands:

    = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
    Categories           1996  1997   2000
    = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
    PDA                   163   256    624
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    Personal
    Organizers             45   120    789
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    High-end organizers/
    PC Companions         581   733   1282
    = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
    Total                 789  1109   2696
    = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

For more information about 'The PDA Connection' or PDAia (PDA Industry
Association) send an email to: <info@pdaia.org>.


NewtNews Pro
------------

** APRIL 1997 **

Dave Hina <nnpro@aol.com> reports that the latest issue of NewtNews Pro
is out and can be downloaded from:

    - <http://members.aol.com/nnpro/newton.html>

It will also be available shortly from the Newton forum on AOL (keyword
"Newton").  Read the newsletter either offline or online in "pdf" format
(online version requires Netscape Navigator and Adobe Acrobat version
3.0).  The ReadMe included with the download gives additional details
about the purpose and audience of NewtNews Pro.


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


Handheld Systems
----------------

** ISSUE 5.2 -- MAR/APR 1997 **

Regular articles:

    - "Handheld News" by Steve Mann
    - "The New PalmPilot Hits the Streets" by Steve Mann
    - "The Year of Wireless Data?" by Andrew Seybold
    - "System Integrator Profile: River Run Software"
       by Scott Sbihli
    - "NS BASIC Corner: Building Newton Applications"
       by John Schettino
    - "NewtonScript Pearls: Overriding Parent
       Inheritances" by Mark Zeren

Reviews and Previews:

    - "The Nokia 9000" by Daniel Pfund
    - "CASL [Fera's newest multi-platform developer
       tool]" by John Blue
    - "Pilot GNU Tools for Unix" by Jeff Dionne

Getting Started:

    - "Going Digital in the US" by Lee Ann Fujii
    - "Cooking with Rosemary [Magic Cap]" by Ray
       Rischpater
    - "Handheld Lynx Browsing" by Paul Quinlan

Features:

    - "Unix and Pilots: The Protocol Stack, Part 1"
       by Kevin Flynn
    - "Nokia 9000 Puzzle" by Jouni Miettunen
    - "GEOS Data Exchange" by Marcus Groeber
    - "Debugging Newton Software" by Ray Rischpater
    - "The Dark Side" by M. Montclair

Handheld Systems is also holding a conference and expo for handheld
system development the 24-26Apr97 at the San Francisco Airport Hilton.
You can get more information by sending an email to: <hhsc@cdpubs.com>.

For a complementary sample of Handheld Systems, go to Creative Digital's
Web page at: <http://www.cdpubs.com> fill out a request for a sample
issue, and email it to: <hhsj@cdpubs.com>.


REVIEW: DateMan 3.0
-------------------

** DATEMAN GROWS UP! **

by Mike Blocker <mblocker@insightmcg.com>

DateMan, the contact management software with strong PIM links for the
Newton (NOS 2.x) by Ben Gottlieb at Stand Alone, Inc., has gone from a
useful, if awkward, adolescent in v2.0 to a flexible, mature and well
integrated product in v3.0.

I upgraded to DateMan 3.0 a couple of months ago, and love its well
thought out features, plus the little niceties I continue to discover the
more I use it. It is fast and stable, has tons of options available to
customize DateMan to your heart's content, and provides unlimited links
among contact items, name cards, and notes. It makes extensive use of
picklists that get updated as you enter info, and even lets you create
customized picklists for commonly used entries. You can print out your
agenda (based on the date range you define) or a To-Do list, as well as
email or fax contact info, as needed.

The Preferences menu included in v3.0 offers extensive customization
options covering the use of alarms, display fonts, linking, and item
priorities. DateMan also lets you customize how and where you can access
the program. You can choose where you want the 'DM' button to appear, and
how the Newton 'Dates' button should react when tapped. Common item
titles can be entered here, and will then appear in the picklist on the
item entry slip. Lots of options are available to customize Calls,
Events, To-Do lists and Meetings, and you can also choose how DateMan
should start up.

DateMan 3.0 offers four types of contact item templates: To Do's,
Meetings (for items where you need to specify date AND time), Events (for
items where you need to specify only the date), and Calls (to schedule,
make, document, or follow up on a call). You can also set up an Annual
Event such as an anniversary or birthday, plus the program also supports
Repeating Events (which did not work well in v2.0 but are great in v3.0!)
and Repeating Meetings.

Each type of item has a comprehensive entry slip where you enter the
subject of the item, date (and time), set alarms and priorities, identify
repeating choices, and choose names and the location associated with the
item. If the name does not exist, you can enter a new name using a
wonderfully complete name slip! You can set the date by tapping on the
displayed calendar, and pick the time by tapping and dragging on the
displayed timeline. It couldn't be easier or more intuitive! DateMan also
displays all existing items for the date entered right on the entry
slip--a very useful feature that lets you see any scheduling conflicts
before you finish the entry of the new item. You can also add notes here
(which are automatically linked to the item), and can establish links to
other items, names, or notes.

You have a choice of two ways to display your calendar of contact items:
Agenda or Day View. Day View provides the maximum info for each item for
the date specified, while Agenda View allows you to look at items over a
date range that you select. DateMan also provides some 'tappable' common
time frames such as 'This Week', This Month' and, my personal favorite,
'Until the Weekend'!

Any item you create can be linked to any other item, name, or note. You
can create a linked note on-the-fly, and can select from several note
types, including Outline, Checklist, or (if you have them) Message Slip,
Graph Paper, or Timecard. Once linked, you can call up any linked item by
tapping on the Link icon (a paper clip) and choosing the item you want.
Another DateMan 'nice touch:' when you bring up a name in the Newt's
Names application, DateMan places a Link icon in the upper left corner
that, when tapped, displays a list of links to that name. Even better,
DateMan displays a description of all upcoming links when you use the
"All Info" Names display option.

DateMan 3.0 has become an indispensable part of my Newton. But as much as
I love it, there are a few things I would like to see added or fixed in
the next update (By the way, if you already have v2.0, updates to v3.0
are free!) The Newt snooze function for the alarm is limited to 30
minutes--not very useful when you set the DateMan alarm for a day or more
in advance. It would also be nice, when you add a new name while you are
creating a new item, to have the option to automatically add the name to
your Names file (perhaps through a Preferences setting). And, while you
can rotate the display, the Preferences Menu gets cut off if you do. But
these are minor 'nits' compared to the power and flexibility that DateMan
3.0 gives you.

SUMMARY -- DateMan 3.0 provides a tightly integrated, completely
customizable, and very powerful contact management solution that goes way
beyond the Newton's built-in capabilities. Check it out, along with Ben
Gottlieb's other excellent Newton tools, via the following URL:
<http://www.standalone.com/newton>


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  Back-up your Newton to a desktop Mac through your Ethernet Network
  without having to switch to Localtalk. Upload Newton packages and print
  to Appletalk network printers too. Farallon offers four Newton-to-
  Ethernet solutions, including EtherWave, the daisy-chainable technology
  that connects up to 7 devices to one Ethernet port. For more info visit:
  <http://www.farallon.com/markets/solutions/newtsolutions.html>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

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


Edupage, 28Apr97 thru 04May97
-----------------------------

** ONE MORE REASON TO DRIVE A MERCEDES **

As part of a demonstration of technological feasibility, a Mercedes E420
automobile has been outfitted by Daimler-Benz research engineers with
equipment to allow its driver and passengers access to the Internet and
the World Wide Web.  The idea is that, sometime in the future, it will be
routinely possible for drivers to do such things as receive customized
traffic alerts, allow car repair centers to conduct remote diagnoses of
automobile breakdowns, do e-mail, and of course read Edupage.  The
demonstration vehicle is equipped with three flat-panel displays, a
wireless digital cellular phone and modem, a palmtop computer for
transferring data to the car system, and a global positioning
navigational system that uses satellite transmissions to display map data
and other information.  (New York Times 29 Apr 97)

** ARPA FUNDS RESEARCH TO SPEED UP INTERNET **

The Advanced Research Projects Agency is funding research projects at the
University of Utah, MIT, the University of Arizona and BBN Planet in the
hope of developing a new "active network" architecture that would enhance
the performance and flexibility of the Internet.  "An IP packet is
passive," says a computer scientist at the University of Utah.  "Any
IP-directed action is hardwired into the router.  This new work involves
injecting code into the packets."  The smarter packets could then convey
to the receiving computer what information is wanted, allowing them to
modify router information accordingly.  The data could then be handled in
the most efficient way possible.  (InfoWorld Electric 25 Apr 97)

** TRINITY U. STUDENTS COLLABORATE ON HOME-AUTOMATION PROJECT **

Three engineering students at Trinity University have developed a system
that enables a PC to control a household's appliances, including
lighting, a thermostat, a security device, and an answering machine.  The
system is designed to handle 256 electric appliances altogether,
including TV sets, radios and coffee makers.  (Chronicle of Higher
Education 2 May 97) <http://www.engr.trinity.edu/~ha/>.

** BOEING GETS IN ON TELEDESIC DEAL **

Boeing is partnering with Teledesic, a satellite data communications
venture partly owned by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and cellular
pioneer Craig McCaw, to build the $9-billion network of several hundred
low-Earth-orbit satellites.  As part of the deal, Boeing will purchase a
10% stake in Teledesic for $100 million.  When complete, the Teledesic
network will offer broadband Internet access, videoconferencing and
interactive multimedia services anywhere in the world.  (Investor's
Business Daily 30 Apr 97)

** XEROX TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS ONLINE COPYRIGHT **

Xerox has developed a Digital Property Rights Language (DPRL) that
encrypts any digital work -- book, movie, software or other -- and
delivers it in a "digital envelope" to a recipient with a designation as
to how the recipient may use that work:  "For instance, a Web publisher
could watermark a file if it is printed or disallow printing unless it is
sent to a trusted printer." The company, which began developing DPRL four
years ago, is now converting its software to Java, ensuring that DPRL
will run on all platforms. <http://www.parc.xerox.com/> (InfoWorld
Electric 26 Apr 97)

** E-MAIL ARCHIVES CREATE LEGAL BURDEN **

With untold billions of e-mail messages stored on tapes and disk drives
in companies and organizations throughout the country, legal experts now
say that the electronic discovery process in lawsuits is now becoming a
mini-industry, with the threat of having to pay the expense of delving
into mountains of e-mail archives now acting as a catalyst for settling
many commercial cases rather than defending them.  "On one hard drive
that takes up 10 square inches, you can store more than you can store on
the whole floor of a building," says the CEO of Electronic Evidence
Discovery, a company that provides computer support to parties in
litigation.  "Just the threat of conducting electronic discovery is a
very powerful negotiation tool."  Some judges have dealt with the issue
by placing the burden of the search on the plaintiff, but this raises
another problem -- most defendants don't want someone who's in the
process of suing them poking around in their computer files.  Judge Paul
Niemeyer of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Baltimore is engaged in a
national effort to re-examine the federal rules governing electronic
discovery:  "I sense that discovery is being used as a tool of
oppression, rather than as a tool of fairness."  (Miami Herald 1 May 97)


$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$
  If you are too cheap to pay $20 for weekly Newton/PDA/Wireless info,
  then check out the freeware-monthly-Acrobat-savvy-version of NewtNews
  called NewtNews Pro at: <http://members.aol.com/nnpro/newton.html>.
$-----------$------------$------------$------------$-----------$-----------$

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


INNOVATION, 31Mar97
-------------------

** TRENDS: EVERYONE A PROGRAMMER **

In his book, "What Will Be:  How the New World of Information Will Change
Our Lives," author Michael Dertouzos says, "The biggest promise of the
Information Age is the great and still unrealized potential of tailoring
information technology to individual human needs.  Today's applications
programs are like ready-made clothes -- one size fits all.  So most are
ill-fitting, and we have to contort ourselves to improve the fit...
Great gains will be achieved when individuals and businesses can bend and
fashion information tools to do exactly what they want them to do, rather
than bending themselves to what the tools can do.  This quest for
customizable information tools with specialized knowledge will be no
different than the current trend toward customized manufacturing.  It
could well be that by the close of the twenty-first century, a new form
of truly accessible programming will be the province of everyone and will
be viewed like writing, which was once the province of the ancient
scribes but eventually became universally accessible...  When I say
people will program, I am not talking about writing the detailed code and
instructions that make computers run...  Each individual's 'programming'
will account for a very small fraction of the software code, maybe 1
percent.  But it will be the crucial factor that gives the program its
specificity.  It will be like building a model railroad;  you don't make
all the track or engines or cars, but you do arrange the pieces to create
your own custom railway pattern."  (Michael Dertouzos, "What Will Be:
How the New World of Information Will Change Our Lives," HarperEdge,
1997)

** STRATEGIES: GUERRILLA MARKETING SCORES BIG **

In "The Way of the Guerrilla," author Jay Levinson says the only way for
small companies to prosper in the coming century is to operate as
guerrillas -- using unconventional tactics to outsmart the competition:
"A guerrilla enterprise is flexible, innovative, unconventional, low in
overhead costs, dependent, interactive, generous, enjoyable and
profitable.  The goal of the enterprise is to stay that way."  Levinson
says to do that, several misconceptions must first be clarified:  Owning
a business doesn't mean being a workaholic -- that condition actually is
indicative of poor planning.  Getting older doesn't mean you're over the
hill -- "Getting old means trading in some abilities to acquire others...
losing some body power but gaining mind power." Retirement can be lethal
-- you should strive to reduce, but not eliminate, your activities in
later years.  You're not the only one who can do the job right -- "Such a
mindset means you lack the ability to train or to link with others,
mandatory skills in the 21st century."  Levinson recommends having a
portfolio of work, that combines a primary source of income with
alternative sources, such as part-time or temporary work.  The variety
helps guard against burnout, and the alternative work acts as a safety
net.  "It's not easy to change your life when you have a full-time job
that is disconnected from your life, but change is at your fingertips and
at your command when you have a selection of work skills, a variety of
income sources."  Finally, don't forget to nurture your network:  "The
larger your network, the more work will come your way.  The better you
treat other members of the network, the better they'll treat you." (Jay
Conrad Levinson, "The Way of the Guerrilla: Achieving Success and Balance
as an Entrepreneur in the 21st Century," Houghton Mifflin, 1997)

** INNOVATIONS: SOFTWARE COULD AVERT TRAGEDIES LIKE MECCA **

Researchers at Barcelona's Polytechnic University of Catalonia have
developed software that models the intense traffic caused by millions of
Moslem pilgrims converging on the holy city of Mecca.  During the five
days of the annual event, traffic grinds to a halt with more than 2.5
million people and 67,000 vehicles retracing the trail linking the holy
sites.  That number is expected to increase by a third by 2010.  The
Spanish scientists say their software could be used by Saudi authorities
to test disaster scenarios and create traffic "clearways," enabling
emergency vehicles to reach disaster scenes more rapidly.  "If the
project goes ahead, these disasters could be completely avoided in the
future," says one of the researchers, referring to the fire that claimed
343 lives last week, a death toll that was exacerbated by the
excruciatingly slow access yielded to ambulances trying to transport the
injured to hospitals.  (TechWire 23 Apr 97)

** MORE INFO ON INNOVATION **

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


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


Review: The Barrier vs. WriteRights
----------------------------------

** BOTTOMLINE -- PERSONAL CHOICE **

Dave Lloyd<dlloyd@clover.net> posted the following review to the USENET
newsgroup comp.sys.newton.misc recently:

    I've owned 4 Newtons so far (110, 120, 130, 2000), and all
    of them have been protected with screen protectors.  I've
    used both the Barrier and the WriteRights on all of them.
    And both of these products are excellent and do a good job.
    The basic differences between the two are to me in the
    following areas:

        - How easy are they to install?
        - How they affect the clarity of the Newt's
          screen?
        - How much they affect the feel of writing
          on the Newton screen.

    Ease of Installation -- The Barrier is much more simple to
    install than the WriteRights.  All that is needed is to
    slide the edges of the Barrier under the edges of the Newt's
    case. The WriteRights on the other hand are a little more
    tricky! Since they actually adhere to the Newt's screen they
    take a little more care in getting them placed properly on
    the screen.  However by the time you do one or two they
    become second nature putting them on.

    Clarity of the Screen -- The Barriers while cutting down the
    glare of the Newt's screen seem to decrease the contrast a
    good bit.  Something you don't notice to you take one off of
    the Newton after a while.  The WriteRights once they settle
    onto you screen are about as clear as you will get unless
    you use no protection at all.

    Writing Feel -- The Barrier is more like writing on the bare
    Newt's screen while the WriteRights require a little more
    pressure to get the same results.  I guess it comes down to
    just how hard you usually press when writing.

    The only other difference between the two is that since the
    Barrier doesn't actually adhere to the Newt's screen it is
    still possible to get dirt and dust under the protector in
    some situations.  The WriteRights since they do adhere
    actually seal the screen from any dust and dirt.

    Like I said they both do good jobs and you should probably
    try them both to see which is best for you. :-)

** GETTING MORE INFO **

    - WriteRights: <http://www.ConceptKitchen.com>
    - The Barrier: <http://www.losalamos.com/roadrunner>


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* CATAMOUNT SOFTWARE offers the following:
   - POCKETMONEY assists you in balancing your checking, savings,
       credit card and loan accounts. Export and import transactions
       to Quicken, MYM and other desktop based program.
   - NAMIGATOR gives rapid access to Names. I know, I have over 5000.
   - MPG helps you keep your vehicle records in order. Track fuel
       economy, record mileage for tax purposes, schedule repeating
       vehicle maintenance items for multiple vehicles.
   - MORGAN is the Newton Media ORGANizer. Track CDs, tapes, records
       books, laserdiscs, videos, and more...
For more information call 802-372-9512, email <products@catamount.com>, or
visit our web site <http://www.catamount.com>.

* NEW BILLS TO PAY PRO 3.5.5 Rated 5 out of 5 by Gecko Magazine! Now
available in German! For NOS 2.0. Includes support for stationery,
enhanced overview, and new printing options! Easily track bills and
expenses; create budget projections; and set alarms to remind you of
bills. Send bill info to Pocket Quicken or Pocket Money. $39.95+S&H MAR
Software at: <info@marsoftware.com> or <http://www.marsoftware.com>.

* GET AMIGO NOW! Did you know you can order AMIGO the premier 8000+ word
English/Spanish Dictionary Reference Tool and Translation program for the
Newton over the World Wide Web at: <http://www.1stopsoft.com>?  AMIGO is
available for US$24.95 and it comes with a full year of upgrades. For
more information contact ACCSYS by email at: <rkaplan@well.com>

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

* Newt Development Environment: develop object-oriented applications in
NewtonScript on the Newton (shareware: $49.50; tools, examples, support).
* Newt's Cape: create Newton books with text, graphics, tables, links,
and forms from HTML (via web browsing or Notepad) (shareware: $38.50;
tools, examples, support). For details, software, and registration info:
<http://www.netaxs.com/~weyer/newton/releases.html> or <weyer@netaxs.com>

* INFORMED FILLER FOR NEWTON is your mobile data collection solution for
Inspection forms, Health Care forms ... in fact, for any forms you use!
Design custom forms on your Macintosh with Informed Designer.  Then, fill
out your forms on the Newton quickly and accurately using automatic
defaults, choice lists, calculations and signatures.  Finally, send
completed forms directly to Informed Filler on your desktop for further
processing.  Now when you buy Informed Designer, you'll also get Informed
Filler for the desktop AND a BONUS Newton Filler.  For more details about
this exciting offer, contact Shana Corp. at: (800) 386-7244, email at:
<info@shana.com> or visit our Web site at: <http://www.shana.com>.


Guest Opinion
-------------

** TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS **

Michael Masella <ace118@cycor.ca> writes:

    Dear NewtNews Readers,

    I've been a Newton user since they called the salesmen from
    my store in with about 200 other Apple salesmen from the
    Montreal area to roll out the newest product line from Apple
    in 1993.  The Newton MessagePad (now fondly called the OMP).
    After seeing it's potential and power, we were all
    clamouring over each other, credit cards in hand as they
    offered them at serious discounts in order to seed them in
    all stores around town.

    However, that attitude changed over time as Apple became
    complacent with the channel.  Although I was anxious to get
    the MP 110 and I was able to sell my OMP off to help finance
    it, Apple didn't exactly bend over backwards to try and get
    more customers for their new product.

    Thus, all I could do was watch and sigh as I saw the 120 and
    130 (with NOS 2.0) roll by. By the time I saw the 130,
    NewtNews was posting rumors about the "150" -- now the 2000.
     Two cards slots, backlight, websurfing and email, longer
    battery life and the StrongARM chip to give it the power it
    needs to chew through my less than perfect handwriting.

    So I bided my time and over a year later, the MP2K was a
    reality and I knew I had to have it.  Discount or no
    discount.  I didn't even have a customer lined up for my MP
    110.

    I have never regretted my purchase.

    Only a few days later (and before NewtNews posted it), I
    received a letter in the mail with the MP2K coupon for the
    free keyboard or the $80 rebate on the modem.  It wasn't an
    enormous discount, but it was forward-thinking on the part
    of Apple.  Here we are, the brunt of "egg-freckles" jokes
    for three years with hardly a thank-you from the Newton
    team.

    Finally, those of us who have been faithful because we
    believed in a product with the potential to be so much more
    can go and buy the MP2K and at least feel as though Apple
    has made an effort to reward those of us who were 'early
    adopters.'  As Ian Cargill said in the previous NewtNews
    posting, "look after your Newton users.  They sell more
    Newtons than the in-store salespeople."

    My congratulations and thanks to Apple and the Newton team.
    For their consideration, for their product and for their
    imagination.

    Sincerely,

    Mike Masella
    Compucentre Place Vertu
    St-Laurent, Que.


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

NewtNews Copyright 1994-97 Steve Holden.  All rights reserved.
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accuracy of articles.  NewtNews does not express or imply any
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highlighting them as -- [SDH: Comments].  Official NewtNews Editor's
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Send contributions and comments to Steve Holden, Editor and Publisher
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This issue of NewtNews was made possible by: Cindy and Brian's wonderful
wedding on Sunday, and all the 'fun' events surrounding the wedding event
(golf tournament, rehearsal dinner, pool party, and poker night).

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