🚀 go-pugleaf

David Mays wrote:
 
> 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.

One note, this does seem to be the Newton Lovers' Newsgroup.  The lack
of dissenting views does not mean that there are many people who either
dislike their Newton or are ambivalent about it.  I suspect many people
in the latter two categories do not subscribe to this newsgroup, present
company excluded.  Regardless of this fact, one cannot deride the number
of people speaking on the Newton's behalf.

> 
> 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.

If the device operated in a tolerant range, I would deal with it.  If
the muffler falls of my car or my laptop's fan starts clicking, I expect
it to be repaired (if it's under warranty, which my Newton is.)  I have
no doubt Honda or Toshiba would have responded differently to these
comparable problems than Apple did.

One other comment, white noise and low frequency noises are much less
bothersome than high frequency whines.

> >
> > 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.
 
I can say it completely seriously.  I was rather clueless about the
number of packages out there for the Newton before coming to this
newsgroup, so I do thank all those who have made product
recommendations.  Perhaps by relying on some third party software I can
bear my Newton.  I still think it is too much of a bother to get
software for the Newton, but then I am always willing to pay for
convenience.  (Hint, hint any entrepreneurs out there who want to offer
a one-stop shop for all the small Newton software development shops
without a distribution network other than the Newton solution book and
an 800 number?)

> >
> > 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.
> 

Did you use the keyboard?  I'm assuming you did not.  Do you use a short
hand technique?  I'm very curious about this because I consulted for
Andersen Consulting for some time before coming back for an MBA and it
was expressly the situation you described for which I found the Newton
unacceptable.


> > 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.

A CannonDale bicycle is marketted as an upper-middle tier bicycle, but
there are other options.  Some options cost 1/4 the cost and other cost
4 times the cost.  This same level of price fluctation in a product
category does not exist for PDAs (unless you count those single function
Name and Address books or schedulers as PDAs.) If I want a PC or a
laptop, where do I as Mr. American Shopper go to become educated about
my options?  I expect to go to a single retail outlet to get my INITIAL
information, as I did with a laptop.  CompuUSA, MicroAge, etc. are not
valid comparisons with Walmart because Walmart only carries low end
bicycles.  The Computer Superstores carry all kinds of computers and
SOME Newton stuff.  (You don't see Walmart carrying a model or two of
CannonDale, do you?)

> >
> > 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.
 
Once again someone brings up the eventuality of the Newton's
functionality.  It is this temporal factor to which I am speaking when I
speak of product maturity.  The fact that the Newton will EVENTUALLY
link easily (read as: "I can buy the software easily, receive the
software easily, install the software easily, and use the software
easily.") to my PC does not help me NOW.

By the way, one thing I do think Apple has done markedly well (as is a
core competency of theirs) is the User Interface.  For what basically
amounts to a second generation product, the Newton is very easy to use. 
To boot, it is a stable platform.

My disappointment with Apple is that it holds a very strong reputation
for customer service, yet my experience has not been positive at all.  
> 
> --
> David Mays
> dmays@ldd.net
> JDM Computers