[NTLK] Hi Newton users, question about the best way to go for getting connected

arceeHS arceehs at gmail.com
Wed Aug 17 21:16:05 EDT 2011


Steve

By far the easiest, most straightforward, way to connect your MP 2100 to
your Macintosh computer is with a serial cable and a Keyspan Serial/USB
Adapter. Then, with Newton Connection X software on your Mac, you will be
using the natural connectivity of the the MP - the Dock - built into NewtOS
2.1, to personalize your Newton as much as you wish. Yes, wireless and/or
USB connectivity may be in your future, but you can't get there directly
from where you are now.

Hardware Requirements

Newton MP 2000/2100
Newton Interconnect Adapter (aka the serial dongle)
MiniDIN8 x2 serial cable (Newton black is nice but think an ImageWriter II
data cable of which there are many available)
Keyspan Serial/USB Adapter (any version of USA-28, -28X, -28XB, -28XG)
A Macintosh computer with a USB port (1.0, 1.1, 2.0, it doesn't matter)

Software Requirements

Newton Connection X for your Mac
Driver software for the Keyspan Adapter (available at least thru' Mac OS
10.6)

Knowledge Requirements

Basic understanding of the operation of 1. your computer, and 2. your
MessagePad.
Ability to read and follow the instructions in the Newton Connection X
User's Manual.


On Wed, Aug 17, 2011 at 6:21 PM, Steve S. <shawsteve at gmail.com> wrote:

> I've had a used Newton for some time (since a little before the iPhone
> era), and I previously followed this list fairly avidly in an attempt to
> figure out some way to get connected to my network.  I tried to go the
> cable route and after some misadventures, gave up.
>
> I recently brought out my old Newton, which seems to work fine except
> that the batteries are nearing the ends of their little lives.  And of
> course, the calendar/time are now totally wonky and I need the 2010
> patch.  I'd also like to get a WiFi PC card and eventually use the
> Newton wirelessly on my home network.  Since I have no way to connect, I
> have the typical bootstrapping problem.  My computers are both new Macs
> (iMac and Air) running OS X 10.6 and 10.7.  My Newton is a Messagepad
> 2100 with 1 4 mb PCMCIA card.  Backlight works fine, handwriting
> recognition is good, no jaggies---I'm THIS CLOSE to having a fine little
> unit.
>
> I'm soliciting opinions on the least expensive and most hassle-free way
> to connect and hopefully revive my Newton into the useful device I know
> it can be.  Is the USB card from Newtonsales.com the way to go?
> (http://www.newtonsales.com/usb-001.pdf).
>
> Thanks for any thoughts.
>
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