MacOSXConnection

OS X native software is under development by some sources. Apple has never released any Mac OS X native software or UNIX software for the Newton. All OS X software is being developed by Third Parties.

Hardware

The Newton has the following methods of connecting to other computers or the Internet:

• Serial Port, via the InterConnectPort and an InterConnectDongle

• InfraRed Port

• Ethernet via PCMCIA card (PCCard) (*)
• Wireless Ethernet (WI-FI) via PCMCIA card (*)
• Modem via PCMCIA card or Serial Port (*)

(The * means that using this method requires software to be installed on the Newton.)

Package transfers to a Completely Reset Newton:

A Newton has the following connections supported after a complete BrainWipe:

• Serial Ports: Since most OS X capable machines lack serial ports, you will have to invest in a USB to Serial adapter to use this hardware. You will also need an InterConnectDongle.
• IrDA: use an !InfraRed (IrDA) capable Powerbook, or use a USB to IrDA adapter on a Mac without built-in IrDA (you won't be able to use any native MacOS X application for that transfer and you might actually need to reboot on MacOS 9 to use Jerome Vernet's IrDAPackageInstaller).
• PCMCIA Linear Flash Card: From someone in the Newton community, get a Linear Flash Card that has the additional drivers and software you need. You will want to transfer the driver packages and probably the NewtonInternetEnabler (NIE) pkgs. People on the !NewtonTalk list are willing to do this for the cost of shipping.

Package transfers to a Newton that has additional drivers on it:

Use the methods listed above or use EtherNet or AirPort. To use EtherNet, remember that you have to install EtherNet drivers on the Newton first, if they aren't already there. To use an Internet connection to transfer packages (Via e-mail or via a Web Browser) you will also need the NewtonInternetEnabler (NIE) pkgs.

Package Transfer Software

In Classic

• NewtonConnectionUtilities (From Apple)
• NewtonBackupUtility (From Apple)
• NewtonPackageInstaller (From Apple)

All of the above run under OS X, but in Classic mode. You must have Classic installed, and both OS X and Classic configured to use AppleTalk properly.

Native

There are also some OS X native package installation utils:

• NewTen is a serial-only package installer.
• PkgInstall-OSX is a TCP/IP based package installer, that uses the TCP/IP Dock transport from the DILTester. Note: The transport must be installed on the Newton before this can be used. This software supports Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. It is run from the Command Line (Terminal) (*)
• Delivery is a DesktopConnectionLibrary-based TCP/IP, Rendezvous and AppleTalk package installer (uses DILTester Dock transport or the provided TCP/IP Dock Transport)
• E-mail with Enroute or !SimpleMail over Ethernet or Wi-Fi (*)
• Via Web using NetHopper or NewtsCape or LunaSuite over Ethernet or Wi-Fi (*)

(The * means that this method requires software to be installed on the Newton.)

Information Synchronization Software

Known OS X native connection/synchronization utils:

• NewtSync is a OS X Jaguar (10.2+) sync tool that boasts a plugin-style architecture. It currently supports syncing Dates and Names from the Newton, and looks very promising. It is capable of using both Serial and TCP/IP connections. There are also some additional 3rd-party plugins for NewtSync that lets you sync todos, notes, and other things.
• Escale is another DesktopConnectionLibrary-based application. It provides Package Installation, Keyboard use and Synchronization.
• NCX is a rewrite of the Newton Connection Utilities for OS X. Created by Simon Bell, it is currently capable of backups and package installation with the ultimate goal of full data synchronization.
• AbiWord is an open source multiplatform word processor that reads and write Word, WordPerfect, rtf, html, etc. Providing Newton-plugins for the desktop app could improve exchangeability of Newton-generated data with Windows/Unix/Linux/MacOSX-users of AbiWord. / Porting a slimmed down AbiWord to NewtonOS would teach the Newton all these formats and make exchange of documents with Windows/Unix/Linux/MacOSX-users of any word processor a snap. (*)

(The * means that this method requires software to be installed on the Newton.)

See also: 230KSerialConnection

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