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VIDEOApple's iPad Is Newton 7.0
The evolution of the latest tech craze, and what should come with future generations.
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Rumor has it that internally it was called Newton 7.0, but to the public it's called the iPad. There are remarkable similarities and differences too. The original Newton screen was pen-based, but 7.0 has been downgraded to finger based, resulting in a significant decrease in input resolution. Offsetting input resolution is the ability to directly import files and data from a central hub, generally within 75 feet of the hub, but a cable isn't needed! It can be done wirelessly through a small radio transmitter. A remarkable advancement since public announcement of Newton development was shut down in 1998.
Perhaps the most striking difference between earlier Newtons and 7.0 is the obvious attempt to prevent input. The 7.0 is designed to be read. Amazon's (AMZN) Kindle was designed as a reader. Newton 7.0 is a reader on steroids. Beautiful color screen, but if you try to use it as a replacement for an overpriced iBook, 7.0 will put your thumbs in traction. Anybody trying to shortcut buying an iBook will end up with carpal thumbs.
Apple has suggested that it might be able to develop an external keyboard for faster input. I would think it might be possible to design the external keyboard in a manner that it could be connected to the 7.0 and folded over to protect the glass 7.0 screen when not in use. Although Apple prides itself in elegant design, conceptually I might try to guess that it would resemble current laptops, but that is a tiny design mind at work.
Apple has stated that 7.2 and 7.4 versions will be available within a few weeks and that these Newtons will be able to connect to the cellular network, which obviously has advanced dramatically since 1998. Wow, no more 75-foot tether! The Newton 7.x generation still has significant shortcomings compared to even low-end laptops. The 7.0 can read Word documents, but not edit them. Flash video isn't supported, and it can't multitask. However, with the cash inflow from the huge initial sales of 7.0, Apple should be able to afford a few more engineers to address these issues. I'm sure Newton 8.0 will be good and 9.0 will be great.
In the meantime, if you're the proud owner of 7.0, just remember two things: Pioneers are the guys with arrows in their backs, and the second mouse gets the cheese. But, hey, you still have the best color reader out there!
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