From: David Deranian (deranian_at_mac.com)
Date: Fri Aug 29 2003 - 14:50:36 PDT
Hi Everyone-
I'm addressing this to members of the community that have had more
experience with other PDA devices than I have had. I've ONLY
experienced the Newton, since buying my first one at the MacWorld show
in Boston ten years ago!
Since then I've owned every model, including the 2000U that I use now,
along with a brand new (never been used 2100) that's in storage as a
backup when my 2000u finally craps out someday.
So last night I'm on the Pen Computing website, and I read this review
of the new Sony Clie UX50. Built-in wireless, built-in Bluetooth. A
color display with a pretty high resolution in a horizontal position
that also rotates for keyboard use or for touchscreen use. Brand new
Sony designed ARM processor, the list goes on and on with regard to
having one device that does nearly everything imaginable from quick
snapshots that you can email wirelessly, to playing video at 30 fps.
I'll stop here, because I'll include the link at the end of this
message for anyone that would like to check it out.
I should point out that while I'm not a very active list member, I read
just about everything and I'm the first one to defend the Newton when
people ask me why I'm still using "that old thing". For work, I own a
small advertising agency that specializes in consumer electronic and
tech companies. I run practically the entire administrative side of my
business on my Newton. I use Leverage and Time Reporter for Job
Tracking and Invoicing. I use PocketMoney for all my financial tracking
in conjunction with Bills-To-Pay for payables. In other words, while
I'm not a developer or programer, I consider myself a "Newton
PowerUser" because I have integrated so much of what Newton does into
my work and personal life.
Having said all that, with programs like TimeReporter and PocketMoney
available for the Palm operating system, why don't any of you other
serious Newton people out there consider this Sony Clie a possible
"Newton Killer"? In other words, when I read much of what people here
on the list are asking the Newton to do today, especially in the area
of wireless connectivity and Internet applications like a fast browser,
the Clie looks like it should blow the Newton right out of the water.
Believe me, I'm not trying to be a troublemaker here, I'm just trying
to get past the "blind faith" issue. Even in that New York Times
article about us Newton users a few months ago, we were mildly accused
of being stubborn and more than just slightly eccentric about our
Newtons. Assuming we can bury all that "blind faith" stuff, and get to
the unemotional facts, what is the biggest stumbling block for not
leaving the Newton behind and replacing it with the Sony Clie that
looks to me like it will do everything the Newton can do now, and a lot
more.
Yes I am playing devil's advocate here. Is it the screen size and form
factor mostly? Handwriting recognition? I feel strongly that there MUST
be something I'm missing that would help me to understand WHY a device
as powerful and comprehensive as the Sony Clie UX50 would not be
considered a serious contender by the people on this list as a Newton
replacement. Could the newest Palm Operating System be that bad?
I apologize for being so verbose.
-David
Here's the Link to see the Clie:
http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/imagesProducts/
ProductTour/computing/ux50/features.html
-- David Deranian Digital Arts & Sciences, Inc. Communication Arts for the Digital Age -- This is the NewtonTalk list - http://www.newtontalk.net/ for all inquiries List FAQ/Etiquette/Terms: http://www.newtontalk.net/faq.html Official Newton FAQ: http://www.chuma.org/newton/faq/
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