March 25th, 2008 by Gary Rosenzweig
Gary Rosenzweig compares his old Newton MessagePad 2000 against the iPhone. The Newton had handwriting recognition and 3rd party software right from the start.
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March 26th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I still have my Newton MessagePads (an MP110, MP130, and two MP2100s). I used the 2100s daily until I got my iPhone, and still use it on occasion.
The Newton missing features I find most useful is the natural language interface (Newton Intelligence), the extensible Notepad (especially the built in outline and addon timesheet paper types), and the Office 97 compatible Works application.
The browser and e-mail on the iPhone is so superior to what was available on the Newton, they are not in the same league. But the Newton’s Address book and calendar (especially after installing some add-ons) still blows away the iPhone’s equivalents (and even Leopard’s versions of those apps).
What is amazing to me is how well though out, flexible, and integrated the Newton was–and still is–and the degree to which it is still being used and even developed for.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I gave up on my Newton about 2 years ago. I still miss it. I use a Palm Tx daily but still get frustrated by the handwriting recognition. Letter by letter recognition never cuts it, even on the Newton. I gave mine up because I just couldn’t sync it reliably on a PC, unfortunately the crap I have to use at work…but even on my Mac it was a little sketchy.
I still use Hardy Macia’s software Pocket Money and MPG regularly on my palm, but cut it’s teeth on my trusty Newton. I forget the software now but there was a program that allowed linking between database, calendar, notes etc. I loved it! I could write a note in memos and link it to a contact and vice versa…..it was brilliant and kept me way more organized.
The only thing I have left to remember my trusted friend by is the book Defying Gravity and a box full of plastic replacement styli in multiple colors.
Thanks for bringing back great memories for me. I can’t wait for a real Newton replacement.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Well having both devices I’ve got to say that I prefer the Newton. However, the iPhone’s size makes it more practical. Not better! Practical.
BTW Gary you forgot to mention the Newt’s text-to-speech capability.
Cheers!
Mike