[NTLK] best Newton software?

[Don Zahniser]

On Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:31:56 -0500, Boyer Jason wrote:

> I've got my 2100 up and running, with a marginally successful link to my  
> laptop.  I've been able to download packages, which begs the next  
> question.  What software should I run?  Right now the Newton isn't being  
> used daily, so I don't have a specific task in mind.  I've browsed a few  
> software repositories, but much of the software doesn't have  
> descriptions (like at UNNA).
>
> So, what good repositories are out there?  What are people's 5-10 top  
> programs they love and use on their Newtons?

If you want an archive with descriptions of the programs, you might try  
the Newton section of the Info-Mac archive:

http://files.tidbits.com/pub/info-mac/_Newton/

Lots of good stuff, but there's no indication of what works on OS 1.x vs.  
OS 2.x, and I'm not very confident that the latest versions are there.   
However, you can browse around, note the program names (or download the  
files) and then go to UNNA to download the most recent.  In some cases,  
programs that are labeled shareware on Info-Mac were later released as  
freeware, and/or with registration codes. You may need Stuffit Expander to  
handle the files (another reason to download from UNNA).

I also recommend browsing around 'Newton Does It!'.  The site hasn't been  
updated in several years, so some of the links probably won't work, but  
there is a lot of information.

http://dettmer.maclab.org/newton/index.html


There are several vendors that I am aware of that make it easy to still  
download and try out their software (all links worked as of Dec 13, 2009):

  - Catamount Software:

Shareware. Lots of enhancements to the built-in Newton functionality, but  
I use and would heartily recommend PocketMoney and MPG.  A few years ago,  
I spent the $100.00 for the 'register everything' option, and remain  
pleased that I did.  Hardy Macia actually has a spot in his User Forums  
for discussing his Newton programs!

http://www.catamount.com/NewtonApps/ProductsNOS20.html


  - Standalone Software:

Commercial, everything currently is $10.00 (with the exception of some  
freebies). Lots of stuff - Games, enhancements, etc). I like and use  
DateMan (a PIM program/enhancement), and many folks here like SuperNotePad  
(although I have experienced Notes soup errors when I tried it).  HWRWorks  
(free) allows handwriting recognition in Newton Works, which otherwise  
would require a keyboard.

Download Page: http://standalone.com/newtonos/

Program Descriptions:  
http://www.standalone.com/MessagePad/products/2.1/content21.html  Note  
that download links off the linked pages don't work.


  - Deep Focus Designs:

Programs and system enhancements, some Freeware, some Shareware.  I tried  
an early version of Roosta, and liked it, but settled for Alarm Clock  
instead.

http://www.deepfocus.com/newton/SoftwareList.shtml


  - Foundation Systems:

High Quality software, once shareware/commercial, most now freeware.  In  
particular, I wouldn't be without HyperNewt or Alarm Clock.  NewtTodo is a  
great To Do application, but I can't warm up to it because it maintains a  
separate database from the integrated PIM functionality, and therefore you  
can't view a collected list of meetings/events/Todos in one place.

http://www.tow.com/software/newton.shtml


  - Nemesys Software:

GeekSafe.  Great password manager.  This is also the place that I would  
send folks to download Newton Works components.  The site also has  
BackDrop Builder, which allows you to create simple or complex backdrop  
packages.  Some bugs, but most can be worked around.


  - Tactile Systems:

Games, sounds and other programs.  Shareware.

http://www.tactile.com/downloads.html


(whew) Still a lot of good stuff out there!

-- 
Don Zahniser