From: tfbiii_at_nbscomputers.net
Date: Mon Feb 03 2003 - 10:30:05 PST
There are pages floating around of people who have custom built docks
for their 2k systems that utilize the multiple functions of the NIC
port.
(don't ask me for the links though) ;-)
Fred
-----Original Message-----
From: Victor Rehorst [mailto:victor_at_newtontalk.net]=20
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2003 1:18 PM
Subject: Re: [NTLK] Why did Apple use a serial dongle?
Quoting Brian Braunschweiger <brianbraun_at_earthlink.net>:
> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know why Apple designed a dongle=20
> rather than using a traditional circular serial port? Does the dongle=20
> port save space, make it more compatible with Windows or what?=20
> Inquiring minds want to know.
It was done so that Apple and third-parties could make cables or docking
stations for the Newton that would have more connectivity than just a
serial
port. The Interconnect provides 2 serial channels (one at line-level,
one at
CMOS level), audio in/out, +5V out for external peripherals, as well as
pins
to charge the Newton via the Interconnect port (although I don't think
this
was ever implemented in the NewtonOS).
To quote page 1 of the Newton Interconnect Port specs:
(http://newyork.unna.org/unna/development/documentation/interconnect/new
ton_i.pdf)
"Because of the wide array of devices that may be connected to the
MessagePad,
the Newton Interconnect Port has been designed with the flexibility
needed to
accommodate the majority of such devices. There is no minimum set of
required
signals: a device could, for example, use only audio out to provide a
connection to a set of amplified speakers."
--=20
Victor Rehorst - victor_at_newtontalk.net - chuma_at_chuma.org
NewtonTalk list administrator - http://www.newtontalk.net
Will the last person to leave the platform please turn off the
backlight?
--=20
This is the NewtonTalk list - http://www.newtontalk.net/ for all
inquiries
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Official Newton FAQ: http://www.chuma.org/newton/faq/
-- 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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