Computer Chronicles 1993 PDA Review Part 2 of 5

Computer Chronicles was a tech TV show screened between 1981-2002. This is a 1993 review of several PDAs, in 5 parts.
Pt 1: Sharp Expert Pad, Psion 3a, Amstrad, and the HP 100LX:
Pt 2: The Apple Newton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExVWoW_Vd7E
Pt 3: Casio Zoomer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPt-SOtnyE0
Pt 4: AT&T's EO 440 Personal Communicator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvp-nZ-8QY4
Pt 5: Industry news: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMHchYi-SOo

I looked around to see if anyone else had uploaded this historical episode but couldn't find it so here it is.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Apple
• Newton;
• Sharp
• ExpertPad;
• Casio
• Zoomer;
• HP
• 100LX;
• Psion
• 3a;
• Amstrad;
• PDA;
• AT&T
• Eo
• Communicator;
• Review

[ilcool90]

I have to say, I still kind of like the things it can do. The writing and drawing recognition is awesome, and I did not see any of these in current devices, it would be nice if the build these things in iPad.

[Genghis7777]

@ilcool90 Yeah, some1 was porting to iOS.. Now it looks Android might be the plat4m of choice. Those that say an iOS device is like a Newton don't know what they're talking about. HWR & pen input is great. But so is cross app data sharing, consistent ways 2 get info in & out, and unified inbox & outboxes. I use it more than a PC. Unfortunately Apple won't open srce NOS as their R 2 many patents tied up in its techniques.

[Genghis7777]

@ilcool90 U can go to myapplenewton.blogspot.com/201­1/03/apple-newton-on-android and find out more. It looks like MM was going to port it to iOS but Apple's iTunes commercial deal did him in.

[Genghis7777]

@icool90 Matthias Melcher tried porting it to iPad but decided in favour of porting it to Android instead because of Apple's commercial arrangements with iTunes. See myapplenewton.blogspot.com/201­1/03/apple-newton-on-android.h­tml

[Genghis7777]

@dsk7419: Yeah and with the new wave of smartphones and tablets all deferring to capacitive touchscreens and no system-wide integrated support for handwriting recognition, it looks like the Newton is going to remain unique for quite some time.

Don't get me wrong, HWR is possible but only within certain applications who have made the effort to support it. But there efforts are limited to just their applications. A good example is Phatware's productivity apps.

[factor6]

Thanks for sharing this. I think Apple's iPad is partly a rebirth of the Newton :)

[Genghis7777]

@factor6:  You're welcome. I agree, though this question divides the Newton Community.

Some feel that handwriting recognition is part of the Newton essence, others don't.

[EgoShredder]

Would love to see Pt 1: Sharp Expert Pad, Psion 3a, Amstrad, and the HP 100LX. Anyone know  if this is available to watch?

[BDawgNGP]

Apple FTW



[ZILOGz80VIDEOS]

I have a eMate 300, it's actually quite good

[REPOMAN24722]

so ahead of its time

[FreudRulz]

@Genghis7777 I think that Newton's tight integration of HWR in ALL applications was what made it a major part of the system. Just the fact that in the 2x00 series you have extremely accurate HWR, more screen real estate, and a faster processor, I believe that you are correct. Newtons are extremely unique, but I can't really say they're the best until I get my Zoomer in th mail. JSYK, Newtons original HWR engine is now based in ALL Wintel tablets.