🚀 go-pugleaf

I've got to comment on this because I have a completely different opinion
of this device.  And as the popularity of this forum dictates, so do many
other users.


richar88@upenn.wharton.edu wrote in article
<841977070.4807@dejanews.com>...
> I purchased a Message Pad 120 a couple of months ago and have not been
happy with it at all.  There are multiple reasons for this.  Please weigh
my experiences into your purchase decision:
> 
> 1.  The screen emits a high pitched whine.  I called Apple about this. 
They said it was a known but unrepairable problem. 

You're right many do emit a hum that is rather annoying.  I personally have
not seen a Newton yet that is unbearable but I believe those on the net who
say otherwise.  My question is this:  Have you ever listened to a laptop
and the noises it makes while turned on?  How about your PC?  Your Car?
Your TV?  It's an electronic device, it will make some noise.  Deal with it
like we do with everything else.

> 
> 2.  Connection software is nearly impossible to acquire.  It is my
understanding that Newton Connections for Windows 95 which would allow me
to dump my Notes pages into Microsoft Word is not yet ready.  Additionally,
the Spreadsheet software from Holosoft (Equate) was slipped again. 

I am not sure how you can seriously say that.  I use Win95 and send
everything I do on the newt to the PC = spreadsheets (Quickfigure Pro),
databases (FilePad 1.5), notes (X-port), dates (Sync+), Contacts (X-port). 
If they are considered impossible to acquire - how did one ever find this
newsgroup.

> 
> 3.  The handwriting recognition is faster than the old version but still
too slow to use in business meetings or for taking notes in an educational
environment.

I was in a meeting just yesterday with Plant Manager and other managers. 
As a consultant I took three typed pages worth of notes.  No one made a
comment about it or found it distracting in the least.

> 4.  While software is supposed to be readily available, I have had very
little luck at companies such as CompUSA, MicroAge, etc.  Most of the
"Computer Superstores" do not carry much if anything.
> 
You don't go to Wal-Mart to buy a CannonDale bicycle why go to a CompUSA to
buy a software package for a Newton.  If you are on the net - which you are
- you have all the resources you need to gain access to free programs, demo
programs, and information on all commercial programs available for the
Newton.  I have yet to find a program that did not have a web site.

> 5.  The Newton Executive Organizer I bought from an Apple Reseller in
Dallas is worthless. 

Why did you buy it?  You saw it first. You knew it did not have what you
wanted.

> 6.  Every now and again, certain "To Do"s will start returning errors if
I try to edit them.  
> 
Bummer

> SUMMARY
> 
> Apple has a nice concept, but they have failed to implement.  They tried
to produce an open system and to license software development to several
small companies.  In my experience I have been only frustrated by the
inability to execute by Apple and its licensees.  Lastly, Apple will not
stand behind its product (see #2).
> 
I have to disagree.  I believe they implemented very well.  I agree that
compatibility with Win95 machines should be more straight forward and
available out of the box.  That is a problem but it does not destroy it's
functionality.  Apple will begin to support PC-platform documents,
printers, and standards or they will be forced out of the market by those
who do.  

> IN SHORT -- THE MESSAGE PAD IS A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY IF YOUR
NEEDS ARE DAILY ORGANIZATION IN A TRANSIENT PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
REQUIRING PC COORDINATION.

My needs are that very description and I don't get it.
> 
> If you appreciate quality products, lobby Apple to license Microsoft to
product software for their product.  Hopefully, Apple can get HP to make
the hardware as well.  (Actually maybe, HP and MS can get together and
finish off Apple.)

The destruction of Apple would be the worst thing that could happen to the
computer industry.  No one wants Microsoft to dominate everything - not
even Microsoft.  As far as a quality product I must say I have never owned
a computer that in the number of months I have used have never lost ANY
data.  My PC MSWord locks up once and a while (not often) I lose data. 
Other apps have done likewise.  I have never lost anything on my newt.  I
trust it because of that.

My .002

-- 
David Mays
dmays@ldd.net
JDM Computers