New to Newton - How to add software?

[SpeakCuba]

Hello all. I recently found a pretty good deal on a Newton MessagePad 2000 with a 2100 upgrade, so I purchased it, and am loving it so far. Anywho, having never owned or seen a MessagePad in real life, I don't know much about it. I was wondering, how do you add software to it?

Another related question I have is, why do a lot of 2100s have software such as "Newton Tour", "Notes", "Works" and "HW Instructor" and "Internet Setup" pre-installed on them, whilst my 2000 does not? Is this 2100 specific software, or is there something I'm missing?

 

[finkmac]

you add software via a PC card, network, or serial.

to load stuff on there you're going to need the serial dongle or a powerbook with infrared.


also, the software you mentioned is stuff you gotta install yourself.

the only differences between a 2000 and 2100 are the front case, the rear label, and two ICs on the logic board.

 

[splorp]

As mentioned, you’ll need to use a serial connection (at the very least) to install packages on your Newton. There are various ways to do this, depending on what operating system you’re going to be connecting to (macOS, Windows, Linux).

The MessagePad 2000 and 2100 both came with CDs of software, both for your desktop/laptop and the Newton itself.

An image of the MessagePad 2100 Upgrade CD can be found on UNNA.

http://www.unna.org/view.php?/apple/software/2100CDROM

Some of the “built-in” packages you mentioned are also available there.

http://www.unna.org/view.php?/apple/software/BuiltIn

Let us know what operating system you’ll be using to transfer files and I’ll dig up some specific information for you.

 

[SpeakCuba]

As mentioned, you’ll need to use a serial connection (at the very least) to install packages on your Newton. There are various ways to do this, depending on what operating system you’re going to be connecting to (macOS, Windows, Linux).

The MessagePad 2000 and 2100 both came with CDs of software, both for your desktop/laptop and the Newton itself.

An image of the MessagePad 2100 Upgrade CD can be found on UNNA.

http://www.unna.org/view.php?/apple/software/2100CDROM

Some of the “built-in” packages you mentioned are also available there.

http://www.unna.org/view.php?/apple/software/BuiltIn

Let us know what operating system you’ll be using to transfer files and I’ll dig up some specific information for you.

Alright, thanks. I am planning on using macOS. How do I go about this?

 

[SpeakCuba]

you add software via a PC card, network, or serial.

to load stuff on there you're going to need the serial dongle or a powerbook with infrared.


also, the software you mentioned is stuff you gotta install yourself.

the only differences between a 2000 and 2100 are the front case, the rear label, and two ICs on the logic board.

What does network mean? Do you mean as in installing packages over the newtork?


As for the serial dongle, would that work with any computer, or does it have to be a supported one?


One last thing, what does IC stand for in this case?


Sorry for the simple questions; I’m new to this, although I am very eager to learn all that I can about the Newton MessagePad.

 

[splorp]

What does network mean? Do you mean as in installing packages over the network?

Yes. If your Newton has a networking card (ethernet, wireless, etc.), you can connect to another computer running a package installation program. However, connecting over the network requires additional drivers on the Newton to support the card itself, so you’ll still need to start with a serial connection to load those initial packages.

As for the serial dongle, would that work with any computer, or does it have to be a supported one?

Did your Newton come with any cables at all? Even the most basic connection will require a Newton Serial Adapter to convert the MessagePad 2x00 interconnect port to a standard DIN-8 serial port.

Once you have a DIN-8 port, you can use either a specific serial-USB cable or a serial-USB adapter such as the Keyspan USA-28X. Unfortunately, these adapters may not be very easy to find.

This article might help.

http://applenewton.co.uk/2019/04/30/best-usb-to-rs232-cable-for-ncx-and-newtons/

One last thing, what does IC stand for in this case?

Integrated Circuit

The MessagePad 2100 features a slightly different set of chips on the motherboard.

 

[SpeakCuba]

Yes. If your Newton has a networking card (ethernet, wireless, etc.), you can connect to another computer running a package installation program. However, connecting over the network requires additional drivers on the Newton to support the card itself, so you’ll still need to start with a serial connection to load those initial packages.

Makes sense.

Did your Newton come with any cables at all? Even the most basic connection will require a Newton Serial Adapter to convert the MessagePad 2x00 interconnect port to a standard DIN-8 serial port.

It only came with the power cable.

Once you have a DIN-8 port, you can use either a specific serial-USB cable or a serial-USB adapter such as the Keyspan USA-28X. Unfortunately, these adapters may not be very easy to find.

This article might help.

http://applenewton.co.uk/2019/04/30/best-usb-to-rs232-cable-for-ncx-and-newtons/

Alright, thanks!

Integrated Circuit

The MessagePad 2100 features a slightly different set of chips on the motherboard.