Re: NTLK Considering Newton purchase

From: Philip Bennett (pbnt@earthlink.net)
Date: Sat Jun 17 2000 - 07:59:27 CDT


on 6/17/00 6:46 AM, Thomas Zimmerman at thomasz@gol.com wrote:

> Hello everyone,
....> Now I have a few questions:
>
> 1. For Starters, I was curious wether you suggest I get one? (Humm, I wonder
> how you might awnser this one.) The main reason I would want it are for
> keeping adresses, Taking notes, Writting emails, maybe doing some limited
> websurfing (checking stocks and headline news), and just generally keeping
> myself organized.
>
Thomas,

As long as size is not an issue--and it doesn't seem to be, since you have
used Palms before--a Messagepad 2000 or 21000 would be ideal. And,fun, too!

> 2. Is it possible to sync it to a USB iBook or Power Mac G4? If so, what do
> I need to do so?

A couple of options come to mind. First, using the Newton Connection
Utilities (NCU) and a USB to Serial adapter (Keyspan, Entrega, and others).
Second, if you want full syncing, you could get Now Contacts and Up-to-Date
with a program called Now Synchronize (for the Newton). There are some other
possibilties if you check out the FAQ's (try www.planetnewton.com). Also,
connection with a Mac can be accomplished with an ethernet card (again,
check FAQ's). Just a note: syncing became popular with the Palms because
that's what they were designed for: an extension of the Desktop computer,
not a standalone. I just keep all my contacts, dates, etc on my Newton and
just use the desktop for a backup, since no sync is perfect.

>
> 3. Are there any plans by anybody to make a way to sync a Newton with a
> computer using Mac OS X without using Classic?
The Newton has connected with every Mac so far. Since we don't know
everything about OS X, we'll just have to wait and see. The ethernet card
comes to mind, though. I was surprised that even though OS 9.0.4 required
major contortions with my Palm until a couple of weeks ago, the Newton
sailed through with flying colors. NCU even recognized my USB connection as
Printer Port USB. Not bad.

>
> 4. Is there any way to use wireless internet with the Newton (not airport
> type wireless, but actual wireless.)
I think so, you'll have to check the FAQ's or leave a message here.

>
> 5. Is there anyway to use an Airport compatible card with a newton?
See above3.

>
> 6. What's the difference between the Newton 2100 and 2000? Is it worth the
> extra money?
4 MB of memory and, IMHO, well worth the money. If you get a good deal on a
2000, you can always ask Dr. Newton (Dave Watson) who will resume doing the
upgrades in Sept. for about $200. (He does a fantastic job).

>
> 7.If I was to get a Newton, what add-on's would you suggest?
A lot depends on your needs. Basic additions might be: case, different
stylus (check www.pdapanache.com), screen protectors (Writerights or
Nushields), rechargeable battery pack (no longer being made and a little
hard to find), PC memory cards (not ATA), Modem card (see FAQ's), Ethernet
card, keyboard (if you don't get one with it). For software, check some of
the last years posts on www.smaller.com in the Newton area. I think you'll
be surprised as what is available

>
> 8. Where is the best place to buy a Newton and if you don't have an idea of
> a good place, what would be considered a good deal on a Newton (I'm a high
> school student with not a whole lot of money.)
Ebay is what people seem to think of first. However most Newton users have
found prices a little high and people not always as honest as they could be
(not everyone, just some). Check This Old Newt (TON) for Newton Classifieds
(very good source. They also have a suggested price guide. And there is also
the news group comp.sys.newton.marketplace. Generally, a 2000 will run
around $350 to $500 and a 2100 around $450 to $700+. But, you never know
what you may find. I've seen 2000's as low as $200 (Darn! I missed it, too)
Find them is part of the fun.

>
> 9. Any other pieces of advice (Like where I could get software) would be
> greatly appriciated.

Once again, check out Planet Newton and This Old Newt for links. You'll find
a lot of them.
>
> Thank you in advance. I am really curious about the prospects of buying a
> newton. I am sorry if I have broken any Bulliten board rules, but this is my
> first post and I have not yet gotten my first digest. Thank you once again.

Glad you're interested. Let us know what you get your Newton. Remember, if
it's not in the FAQ's, this is a great place to get questions answered or
even find a program you're looking for but can't find.

Good luck,

Phil Bennett
pbnt@earthlink.net

>
> -Thomas Zimmerman-
>
> ***************************************
> NewtonTalk brought to you by:
>
> EVOTE.COM -- the ESPN of politics on the Internet! All the players, all the
> news, and the hottest analysis and features (plus 'toons!) anywhere.... visit
> http://www.evote.com today!
>
> ***************************************
> Need Subscribe/Unsubscribe info?
>
> Visit the NewtonTalk section at http://www.planetnewton.com
>

***************************************
NewtonTalk brought to you by:

EVOTE.COM -- the ESPN of politics on the Internet! All the players, all the news, and the hottest analysis and features (plus 'toons!) anywhere.... visit http://www.evote.com today!

***************************************
Need Subscribe/Unsubscribe info?

Visit the NewtonTalk section at http://www.planetnewton.com



This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat Jul 01 2000 - 00:00:06 CDT