If you know of any tips or tricks... do feel free to email them to me or Kenneth.

 

26/2/98

Next : NCU Tips & Tricks

 

22/2/98

• http://til.info.apple.com/techinfo.nsf/artnum/n30391
  • Newton Connection Utilities: Newton Works Import Message
  • Article ID: 30391
  • TOPIC
    • When I try to import information from my computer into Newton Works, I get a message that says "Please make sure Newton Works is installed on your Newton device, and you have run it at least once." I have run Newton Works before.
  • DISCUSSION
    • In order to import information from your desktop computer into Newton Works, a Newton Works data structure, technically referred to as a "soup," must exist in the desired storage area. Newton Works does not create a soup on a PC card if there is already one on the internal store, unless a Newton Works document has been filed or created on the card. If you intend to save Newton Works files to a PC card, you must create or file at least one Newton Works document to the card, prior to importing. Similarly, if you intend to save Newton Works files to the internal store, you must create or file at least one Newton Works document to the internal store, prior to importing.
• http://til.info.apple.com/techinfo.nsf/artnum/n30384
  • Newton OS: Determining Which OS Version & System Update Is Installed
  • Article ID: 30384
  • TOPIC
    • This article explains how to determine which Newton OS version, and system update is installed on the MessagePad.
  • DISCUSSION
    • To determine which version of the Newton OS is installed in the MessagePad:
      1. Tap Extras to open the Extras Drawer.
      2. The MessagePad has version 2.x Newton OS installed if: - you see an Information button and Rotate button in the lower left corner of the Extras Drawer - you see a folder tab at the top of the Extras Drawer - you see a Folder button, Routing button, and Close box below the battery gauge, in the lower right corner of the Extras Drawer.
      3. The MessagePad has version 1.x Newton OS installed if - you see only a Close box next to the battery gauge in the lower right corner of the Extras Drawer Note: The eMate 300 ships with Newton OS version 2.1.
    • To determine which system update is installed in the MessagePad:
      • Newton OS 1.x
        1. Tap Extras to open the Extras Drawer.
        2. Tap Preferences. A screen appears with several Topics. The ROM version and update are listed at the bottom of the screen. The update is located between the parentheses.
      • Newton OS 2.x
        1. Tap Extras to open the Extras Drawer.
        2. Tap the information button and , in the list that appears, tap Memory Info. A slip appears which displays the ROM version, and update. The update is located between the parentheses.

 

NUS-Net Dailup

• The NUS-Net Dialup on this page are courtesy of Tan Wei Leong
• Setup Name: NUS-Net Dialup
• Protocol: PPP
• Configuration: Server
• User ID: <enter your NUS user ID here>
• Access Number: 7739070
• Alternate Access Number: 7748856
• When closing, disconnect: <your choice>
• Primary DNS/Name Server Address: 137.132.5.2
• Alternate DNS/Name Server Address: 137.132.123.4
• Domain Name: nus.edu.sg
• Login Script: [12 Step(s)]
• Send ¶
• Send ¶
• Send ¶
• Wait For: "id:"
• Send User Name
• Send ¶
• Wait For: "rd?"
• Send Password
• Send ¶
• Wait For: "on:"
• Send: "p"
• Send ¶
• Done
• Redial Settings:
  • All numbers
  • 5 times
  • Every 5 seconds

 

21/2/98

• The Tips & Tricks on this page are courtesy of Lee Wolfe at Newton Source

  Tip #1

  If you are using More Info, you can make the backlighting turn on every time you turn on your Newton by going to the extras drawer, tap on the MI Pref's, and select Power On. Then check the box "Turn on backlighting at power on"

  Tip #2

  If your keyboard does not function when you plug it in, remember that you should turn your Newton off, then turn it back on again....lo and behold your keyboard works!

  Tip #3

  By "Freezing" applications that are not in use, such as NetHopper or Works, you can free up valuable "System Memory" aka "heap space," which will minimize those annoying restart messages. Freezing requires a utility such as "Freeze Utilities".

  Tip #4

  The minimal installed packages needed by Enroute iNet for email exchange are "Enroute Internet", "Enroute Core", and the "Internet Enabler". I have deleted everything else from my newton. Also, once you have set up the "Internet Enabler", you can delete the "ISP Templates" and the "Internet Setup". You must keep the "Internet Enabler" package installed, and if you change your service provider you must reinstall the "ISP Templates" & "Internet Setup" to reconfigure the "Internet Enabler".

  Tip #5

  Some people claim that if you keep your PCMCIA Modem inserted, it is best to keep it in the bottom slot of your MP 2000. The theory is that since it is closer to the battery, the power draw will be reduced and this will extend the battery life.

  Tip #6

  Did you know that you could save time writing those repetitive phrases or words by using the "Expand" feature in the personal word list? for example

  ht ---> http://www.
  
  or
  
  ba---> Newton Source
  210 Sutter Street
  San Francisco, CA 94108

  This feature is accessible by opening your on-screen keyboard and taping on the "Dictionary" icon (small book in lower left hand corner on the keyboard). Type in a code that you can remember later, such as "ba" (Business Address), then tap "Expand", then type in the text that you want your code to expand to and tap "Add". Expand is the same as a shortcut or abbreviation. There is a built-in limit of about 35 Characters, but programs Like Merlin / wordsleuth expand it and it also provides a Thesaurus and spell check in the note pad instead of just the Word Processor . It can save a lot of time in some situations. Definitely something to look into if you do a lot of writing.

  Tip #7

  Have you ever wanted to get the latest system update for your computer system in the easiest and cheapest way? Well With your Newton, it couldn't be simpler. By now you probably have a modem that is up and running....so connect it to a telephone line, and tap on your "in/out" box. Make sure you are in the "in box" and then tap "receive." Then tap "update." You will see an area to put in a telephone #. Enter 800-639-8669, then tap "Call." An easy way to remember this # is 800-NEWTON-9. It may seem like it has frozen, but be patient, a new system patch (if there is a newer patch available for your machine) is being downloaded to your MessagePad. The device will reset then you will be all done. System patches typically update some minor glitches in the OS, like the MP2000 power switch/backlight issue, or may give you more printer drivers. Here you will know that your are on the cutting edge of Newton Technology.

  Tip #8

  Some helpful hints to getting the handwriting recognition to work better for us Newton users:

  - Use #2 ink instead of the # 1 ink. You can choose the ink weight by clicking on the "Styles" icon in the extras drawer. This is also where you change your Font, Font size & Font style.

  -If at all possible use the "print recognition" instead of "cursive." Print mode only has to do a character-by-character search.

  -Don't worry about writing in between, or on the dotted lines in the NotePad, but do use them as a guide. You want to write parallel to the lines, don't let your handwriting run at an angle.

  -Slightly exaggerate the spacing between your words and write slightly larger than usual. The exception to the slightly larger rule is when you are entering information into certain fields on the Newton, such as in the Names application, which are a bit cramped. A pen stroke that is started outside the field (and the fields have invisible borders) will not register.

  Tip #9

  If you find yourself cruising around your extras drawer and it is taking too long because of all the icons, try filing the icons into different folders, or create a folder like "The Usuals" to keep your regularly used items in. Some other suggestions are software packages called:

  
  i++ which is $10 shareware on the internet. The Newton Reference Page has some excellent utilities listed Package PopUp/BackDrop Plus which sells for $44.95 and allows quick access of icons without opening the extras drawer. Imagine..... being able to access all your utilities just like the Apple Menu on a Macintosh. Including recent items and sub menus.

  Tip #10

  Have you have ever been in a meeting and recorded the conversation and noticed that the sound is very faint when you play it back? One thing I've noticed to improve The quality is to change The sampling rate and input volume. To change The sampling rate go to your EXTRAS Drawer and Tap "prefs". Then Tap "recording". Change The rate to The highest one which should be music 5k/sec. Keep in mind this will take up more memory when recording longer messages, but will sound much better. If you adjust the volume higher it will also sound much better during playback depending on the room volume.

  Tip #11

  If you ever work with a desktop or laptop computer and want to import, export, or even synchronize, you would most likely be using the NCU (Newton Connection Utility) that came with your MessagePad 2000. (MP120 or MP130 owners can get the NCU from Apple for $29.95 by calling 1-800-211-1537) However many people have found that it is not 100% accurate with the popular contact managers on your Mac or PC.

  
  Blake of Newton Source in San Francisco has found Claris Organizer 2.0 on the Mac to be the closest in terms of accuracy. Out of several contact managers, he has found that when you change the phone label from "phone" to "work", or "home" in your Newton, you seem to get more success. We have noticed that when you leave it labeled "phone" often times contact managers on your desktop computer don't recognize it until you change the label.
  This is not an attempt to sell you Claris organizer or anything of that matter.

  Tip #12

  Here is a clever idea brought to you by Bordon from NewtonSource in SF. Sometimes when you get a buzzing sound from your recording, it is most likely due to the backlight. Try shutting the back lighting off to reduce the "buzz." Also if it sounds choppy, you may want to record it to the internal instead of to the card. If you want it to the card, file it later, but remember to record it internally.
  Hope this helps.!!!

  Tip #13

  If you ever do email from your Newton MessagePad you may have come up with some problems downloading many messages. One suggestion would be to go into your iNet prefs (go to In/Out box, tap the "i" button in the lower left hand corner, choose inet Mail Prefs, then tap the "i" button in the lower left corner of the inet Mail Preferences window, and choose POP List Manager). Here you can navigate through the different messages that are on your server. One or more messages may be too large, or have an attachment that the Newton can not handle or simply is corrupt. Delete the one you feel may be stopping the transmission.

  Tip #14

  (This weeks tip is courtesy of Hardy Macia, Catamount Software)
  FAQ: Stuffit Expander for Windows/Mac

  Q) I tried downloading a *.sit (or *hqx) file, expanded the file using stuffit, and installing the two files with the pkg extension. My Newton said that neither file appeared to be a package format?

  A) A common problem when using Stuffit Expander for Windows is the CROSS PLATFORM preference needs to be set to NEVER for 'Convert Text files to windows format' and set to NEVER for 'Save Macintosh files in MacBinary format'. When it is not set to never Stuffit Expander leaves in the resource fork. The resource fork is what the Macintosh OS uses to determine which programs can open a file.