From: David Deranian (deranian_at_mac.com)
Date: Fri Jan 07 2005 - 19:39:55 PST
Some people on here know that I'm an old time Newton user, and still am.
However, I've just recently purchased a Sony Clie PEG-NZ90. Well, like
I expected, it certainly DOES NOT have the elegance or sophistication
of the Newton OS. Having said that, I hate to say it, but when paired
with "The Missing Sync" connection software for OSX from MarkSpace,
it's frickin' awesome, and can do way more than the Newton can do right
out of the box. For me, things like a genuine web browser, Instant
messaging, built in BlueTooth, Wifi capability and real dependable sync
functionality with OSX, allow you to do things easily. Some of this
functionality has been ported to the Newton, but you still have to jump
through way more hoops to get the Newton to do some of these things.
Don't get me wrong, but I'm sure if the Newton were still around today,
it would be a lot like this Clie only better and with a warmer fuzzier
operating system. This specific model of Clie has a built in 2mega
pixel camera that actually shoots good photos, plus takes video. If you
have a 1 Gig Memory Stick like I bought you can shoot like a two hour
movie if you wanted at high quality, (not that I plan on doing that).
Plus you can shoot photos or make movies and email right from wherever
you are with Bluetooth or WiFi.
From a practical stand point, when you stop romancing the "Newton Era",
and start looking at the alternatives because you feel like you need to
"move on". Palm OS seems the closest thing out there to the Newton.
Mind you, the Palm OS certainly isn't Nirvana, but at least it's still
supported commercially and you can get on with the work (or play) you
have in mind.
My recommendation would be to buy either one of the higher end Clies
from Ebay (some are still new in box) if you want the camera and all
the bells and whistles, OR the Palm Tungston 5. That's Palms newest,
and it looks real solid.
-Dave
--------------------------------------------------------------
On Jan 6, 2005, at 8:04 PM, newtontalk_at_newtontalk.net wrote:
>> If I wanted to buy a new PDA, what would you recommend? I would like
>> it to either have Wi-Fi built in or be able to add it with a card or
>> something. Also, I'd like it to play well with my PowerBook and OS X.
>>
>
> Some of the listers have talked up the (now abandoned) Sony clie
> products. You might want to look through the archives for that. They
> look pretty flash too... Also HP makes a bunch of Microsloth pocketPC
> devices which look cheesy but have nice specs.
-- David Deranian Digital Arts & Sciences, Inc. Communication Arts for the Digital Age -- This is the NewtonTalk list - http://www.newtontalk.net/ for all inquiries Official Newton FAQ: http://www.chuma.org/newton/faq/ WikiWikiNewt for all kinds of articles: http://tools.unna.org/wikiwikinewt/
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