From: Humphreys, David (URB) (david.humphreys_at_honeywell.com)
Date: Tue Sep 10 2002 - 06:57:27 PDT
The SER-001 serial board is still available. It costs $42.50 with shipping to anywhere included!
For those new to the list, the SER-001 is a small board that fits inside the MP2000/2100 and provides a more standard
connector for the serial peripherals (i.e. keyboard, external modem etc.).
More importantly, perhaps, is that it eliminates the dongle. This is a weak point in the design as a cable plugged into
a dongle and the plugged into the Interconnect port forms a long cantilever that can easily break with prolonged use.
That's not to say you shouldn't use this port but extended use will damage it over time and the pool of available
Newtons grows ever smaller.
Now if you have an Ethernet card you may well just use that for getting info into the machine but:
What about a Newton keyboard?
What about a serial/parallel printer?
What about an external modem?
Or any other serial connection?
If you don't use any of these things then the SER-001 is probably not for you.
But if you do, then it is a smart choice to ensure the longevity of your Newton.
One thing I must point out though. In recent weeks, it has come to my attention that users may have a less than
successful result when using outlink.
I have been unable, so far, to ascertain why this particular program gives problems. There are no physical differences
between my SER-001 and the original port but this program steadfastly refuses to work with it.
The board works fine in all other respects and is well proven. There are just a few instances where there are minor
problems.
For the time being, I would advise people who are thinking of purchasing it for use with OUTLINK to be aware of the fact
that it might not work in all cases.
I want to stress, however, that it works in the overwhelming majority of cases other than outlink use and that I have
many happy customers who have given me glowing testimonials.
Please visit my website:
Where you will be able to place an order if you so desire.
Regards,
PCBman (aka David Humphreys)
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