Second Post-Apple Newton Life?

An anonymous reader with a lot of time on his hands writes "As seen on Slashdot b e f o r e, the Newton refuses to die. Since Apple discontinued it, it got ATA, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zeroconf and even a NES emulator. Now, several Mac news sites r e p o r t, Newton users founded an association with John Sculley, who pushed the Newton at Apple, as its honorary president. They're organizing a conference in Paris in September. How long until all these users switch to new hardware?"

Re:Why should they switch to new hardware?

[AvitarX]

I would switch mine because the touch screen randomly drops out sometimes mid stroke.

Last I checked this was a bug without a fix.

Also it is frikken huge. Not so big as to be terrible to carry in a sack or briefecase or something, but too big to carry in a pocket.

Re:Funny how...

[Anonymous Coward]

adding a lot of links is commonly used trick to get your story submission accepted. This one just pushes it to the extreme. Kinda typical that micheal fell for it, tho

iPods already have PDA-like functionality

[SuperBanana]

But if they can create such a buzz with the iPod couldn't they ride the buzz with a hip pocket organizer or even a program that syncs with the iPod combining all the third party news grab and weather grab apps into something that the iPod user could use to sync with other information.

iSync already synchronizes contacts and appointments to an iPod. Further, you can put text files into a root-level folder on the iPod called "Notes", and they appear under Extras->Notes(you can put notes on the root level menu if you want).

I believe there's also some sort of way to do rich-text documents, and rudimentary databases, but I'm not sure.

I do the text file bit all the time for driving directions- the only irritation is that the iPod jumps back to the whatever's-playing screen rather quickly. In fact, with the text-clipping functionality in OS X, I just drag the selected text to the iPod icon, it spring-boards open, then drop it on Notes. Done!

Re:NOBODY....

[Slack3r78]

Because Apple believes that the PDA and cell phone markets will likely converge in the near future, and aren't really interested in competing in the cell phone market right now. Steve Jobs has said as much in numerous interviews.

Re:iPods already have PDA-like functionality

[RevAaron]

Yeah, except for that little bummer about not being able to enter new text onto the iPod. Kind of limits its usefulness as a "PDA."

The "rudimentary database" support you speak of is having text files that a meaty hu-man organizes.

Re:Newton Emulator?

[RevAaron]

oh, the joys of google!

someone tried [sourceforge.net] to write such an emulator. gave up, though. He wasn't writing a virtualization layer, like I think you're proposing though, rather a complete emulator.

Re:I want an eMate II

[Anonymous Coward]

I concur, but thought i would suggest the Dana...
http://www.alphasmart.com/products/dana_o verview.h tml

not as pretty, not as portable (doesn't fold), not that modern... oh never mind...
how about a treo 600, or even a treo 90? maybe a v100...
who am I kidding... Steve! Where's OUR PDA?! Hell, I don't even need a full keyboard... this would do just fine...
http://www.frogpad.com/
whether built in like an emate or maybe with bluetooth.
In response to the ones who want wireless built in... Not such a great idea... I'd much prefer being able to remove a card as the standards get ironed out.

Re:Why should they switch to new hardware?

[RevAaron]

I must say, your analysis of the Newton-as-NES analogy was superb. However, the greatest flaw in this analogy is not the lack of later generations. What is it, say you? The color, of course. The Newton is a very dark green and the NES is grey.

Ok, that was a joke.

But there was a progression of models with the Newton- from the OMP (original message pad) to the MP 2100, with the different form factor of the eMate tossed in there. The difference between NewtonOS 1.x and 2.x was greater than NES and SNES.

But I could sure go for a 2004 Apple iNewt 3100. *sigh*

Cost/Duration Relationship

[NewtonEatPalm!]

I've always been a multi-platform user, and have always been able to properly deride and/or appreciate the various advantages and disadvantages each platform brings to the table.

As most will agree, Apple hardware in particular has historically been introduced at higher retail price points. However, I've always been struck by the value inherent to Apple hardware as compared to other platforms. I usually build a new Windows based PC for gaming and administrative tasks every 2 years or so, costing anywhere from $700 - $1000 (I don't use pirated software. I use only name brand components), usually relegating said Windows box to serving using Linux or other serving tasks.

My Newtons, while initially pricey, still play a vital role in my day-to-day business operations today, years later. (to this day, I still get many queries by curious onlookers wondering if this was a new piece of Apple hardware, and where they can get one...) In addition, I still use my first generation G4 Macs for content creation, video editing, and with some peripherals, DVD authoring. I paid upwards of $2,500 for the Macs in 1999, but they continue to serve me today, and I foresee utilizing them for at least another 2 years. This brings the cost of ownership down to Windows box levels, for what I feel are more elegantly designed, integrated machines.

Much can be said about Apples choices in pricing and "chic" design, but I've always found the "now" factor and expense of Apple harware to bear out quite well in the long run. The Newton brought to the handheld market not only forward thinking innovation, but, I think, renewable sustainability.

Re:I want an eMate II

[silentbozo]

Big problem with the Dana (I have one) is that the default package doesn't include a screen cover or a case - those come extra, and you'll WANT a case to keep the dust out. However, on the plus side, the keyboard is good, the screen is very legible (think 1st generation b&w screens, like the Pilot 5000), it has TWO SD slots, USB ports (limited use though), IR, and the newest models have built-in wifi.

Oh, and for something that looks like a variant of 1996 technology, be prepared to pay upwards of $300 for one. There's no included backup application (like my Clie has), meaning you have to manually copy files to your memory cards, or get a 3rd party backup application (HotSyncing requires a computer, a problem when you're on the road...) Makes a dandy word processor though (the included word processing program is quite decent), I only have to plug it into the charger once every couple of days, even when using it for hours. And it is tough - reminds me of the eMate, only smaller and thinner...

Replacement for the eMate?

[rogerborn]

Right now, there are a handful of devices that could preplace my eMate.

I love the eMate, and the pre-iMac translucent color, but its too slow, and needs a grayscale screen. I do love the keyboard and long lasting battery life.

Here is the lineup of eMate wannabes. The downside of all of them is that they use Win-duh-ohs.

NEC (MobilePro 900c)

Psion Teklogix (NetBook Pro)

Zupera Technology (SmartBook) (China)

Motorola (MPx Pocket Phone)

HP (Jornada 728)

However, HP may be coming out with a very eMate-like palmtop.

Here is the link to the new HP:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/07/06/hp_moots _h andheld_comeback/

Since HP is licensing the iPod from Apple, perhaps Apple could license HP's new little palmtop with a full sized keyboard. It is, after all, supposed to be a cell phone too.

Regards,
Roger Born
writing.borngraphics.com

Re:How much would it cost?

[bhtooefr]

Actually, the XScale PXA255 is the direct successor to the StrongARM SA-2110 (aka StrongARM 110) used in the Newts. WiFi and BT aren't already in the Newton - drivers have been hacked up for it.