e-mail drnewton@kc.net

***************************************************************************

The price of the MP2000 Upgrade is now $75.00 ( plus return shipping ).

I have a good supply of parts. I received another large shipment recently.

I'm selling some surplus Newton items. It's "first come, first served".

See my "Surplus" web page : http://www.kc.net/~drnewton/surplus.html

***************************************************************************

To subscribe to NewtonTalk, visit http://www.newtontalk.net

NewtonTalk is the discussion mailing list of the Newton user community. It's dedicated to the promotion and discussion of all things related to Newton technology that was originally developed at Apple Computer.

The list is now run by dedicated Newton users.

During the transition away from the intermittent list administration by Planet Newton, a backup emergency list ( NewtonTalk2 ) was also setup for use in the unlikely event of problems with NewtonTalk.net

To subscribe to NewtonTalk2, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NewtonTalk2

***************************************************************************

My real name is David Watson.

I've worked in the Electronics Industry for over 23 years.

In 1996-97, I was the Engineering Technician at Digital Ocean, Inc. in the Kansas City area. Digital Ocean ( D.O. ) was one of only a few Newton licensees' in the world. They specialized in developing wireless networking equipment for the Mac / Newton platforms.

FYI : Digital Ocean was one of the 3 companies that hammered out the IEEE 802.11 Wireless Ethernet Specification that is now used.

D.O. closed its doors in January of 1998, just a month before Apple ( Steve Jobs ) axed the Newton. Many months later, the valuable remnants of what was Digital Ocean ( it's share of the 802.11 technology rights ) were sold to Harris Corporation.

An auction was held soon after D.O. closed. I was able to purchase certain Newton parts that I use in the repairs I offer.

During my 18 months at D.O., I learned a lot about the Newton and built prototypes of a MP130 based wireless device called Seahorse.

***************************************************************************

Price :

$75.00 + return shipping *

In the past I insisted that FedEx be used for all MP2000 Upgrade shipping.

This was partly due to my close proximity to a FedEx office. With my recent move, this isn't a factor anymore.

Though I still prefer to receive/ship MP2000 Upgrade units via FedEx, I feel that U.S. Priority Mail is a good, inexpensive 2^nd choice.

*For $12.00 I now offer return shipping of MP2000 upgrades via U.S. Priority Mail. This includes $500.00 of insurance. This makes the total upgrade price $87.00.

* I now charge a flat $22.00 for 2-Day FedEx return ( with $500.00 insurance ) and $32.00 for FedEx Standard Overnight Service ( with $500.00 insurance ). So, the total is either $97.00 or $107.00. You pick the speed.

If you have your own FedEx account # and want to use it for the return shipping, that will be fine. Just send me the account # with your order and checklist information.

For the MP130 / 120 / 110 models I recommend and offer US Priority Mail ( with $300.00 insurance ) for return shipping. I charge $8.00 for this.

Internal Battery Contact Realignment

Wrong AC Adapter Used ( unit keeps resetting after Newton "boot-up" screen displayed )

SER-001 Installation ( you supply the board, no charge if done during MP2000 Upgrade )

PIXsolution Implant Installation ( you supply the board, no charge if done during MP2000 Upgrade )

Backlight Intermittent / Not Working

Dead / Intermittent Unit Operation

Note : The new replacement touchscreens that I use for MP110 / 120 repair do fit the MP130 as well. There are 2 differences though. The original MP130 touchscreen has a "non-glare" finish and a "paper-like" textured writing surface. The MP110 / 120 touchscreen does not have these features. If you wish, I can install a new MP110 / 120 touchscreen in your MP130 if it needs a replacement.

Broken Touchscreen / LCD Replacement

Main Logic Board Replacement ( I install the larger 2 MB version ). This doesn't include a ROM change.

Broken Touchscreen / LCD Replacement

Sorry, I don't offer any repairs to these models.

***************************************************************************

Send me an e-mail with "Ready to Ship" as the subject line.

State what service you want. Make sure it's something I offer.

A first name only with an e-mail address is difficult to keep track of.

Tell me where you are located.

If you wish, include your phone number and a time I should call.

I will soon reply. My e-mail subject line will read "Confirmed to Ship".

I will include my shipping address and phone number.

I prefer the phone to e-mail ! I just ask that you only call from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST.

Note : Please ship within 3 days of notification.

Ship your Newton to me with payment and a printed copy of my completed checklist.

Please e-mail the checklist as well.

Please follow my Packaging Recommendations.

The total payment must accompany your unit. Sorry, but that's just the way I operate. I only accept certified / cashiers checks or money orders made out to me, David Watson ( not Dr. Newton ! )

I've upgraded and repaired LOTS of units. I have a solid reputation but you can check for yourself. Ask about me on NewtonTalk, the Newton Newsgroups or Discussion Boards if you have any doubts about doing business with me.

Note 2 :

I can't offer you a warranty. If you still have a warranty with Apple, my service would make that void. I have no connection with Apple.
 

The checklist :
 

• 1. Your full name and return shipping address.
• 2. Your daytime / evening phone numbers.
• 3. Type of Service (… MP2000 Upgrade,…. New MP120 Touchscreen,…etc. )
• 4. When should I receive the box ( which day ? )
• 5. How did you ship to me ? ( FedEx / U.S. Priority / UPS )
• 6. Include any tracking number here.
• 7. Your Newton model and serial number.
• 8. Acknowledgment if you insured the shipment to me.
• 9. The total amount of your included check ( made out to David Watson ).
• 10. Return shipping method you selected ( FedEx / U.S. Priority / UPS ).

Upon receipt of the box, I'll try to get a message out that day confirming it.

When I return ship ( within 5 days ), I'll send you an e-mail and include any tracking number.

When your Newton arrives back, please send me an e-mail.

I recommend that you wrap ( roll ) your Newton in a 12" x 36" sheet of 1" bubble wrap. Use tape to secure the outside edges of this padded bundle. DO NOT USE YOUR ORIGINAL NEWTON BOX FOR SHIPPING ! Think about it : Do you really want to advertise the contents to everyone who may see your box in transit ? Please use a new box. A standard 12" x 9" x 6" box is perfectly fine. Put a small amount of Styrofoam shipping peanuts in first. Center the Newton bundle inside. Include an envelope with your completed checklist and payment. Finish filling the box. When the box is taped shut, the bundle should not rattle at all.

***************************************************************************

Preparing Your MP2000 For Upgrade

I strongly recommend that you perform a backup of your data before sending me your unit. You should also perform a "deep reset" to erase all data and software just prior to shipping to me. I do not wish to upgrade ANY unit that has been experiencing problems, intermittent or otherwise. Check out your unit carefully before shipping it to me. If I notice a problem before starting the upgrade, I will contact you and ship it back.

Remove any memory, modem or network cards from the unit. The dummy cards should be installed for shipping. Install the original battery holder for the 4 "AA" cells ( empty ). Please do not send any rechargeable packs or cells. I do not want to keep track of them. The cover should be in place. Include your stylus. Do not include any carrying case or charger.

Before packing, make note of your MP2000's serial number. Write it down !

***************************************************************************

As you probably know, Apple ceased their upgrade program for the MessagePad 2000 at the end of April 1998. They charged $99 if your 2000 was purchased by November 7th, 1997. $199 if purchased after that.

When the Upgrade is complete, your unit is functionally identical to the MP2100. The only differences are the labels.

Included with Apple's Upgrade were Newton Press and an updated version of the E-mail software, EnRoute. I can't provide those items. At one point, Apple was including a free FLASH card. Sorry, I can't do that ! Also included by Apple was Newton Internet Enabler 2.0, ( NIE 2.0 ).

NIE 2.0 allows LAN connections using the Farallon EtherMac or EtherWave kit.

See this link for more info :

http://www.farallon.com/products/ether/cards/pbpccard.html
 
 

1. How Do I Check To See If My MP2000 Has Already Been Upgraded ?

 * When Apple completed the upgrade, they placed a small square sticker beside the InterConnect port that said "MP2100"

* If there isn't a sticker present, open the "Extras" screen. Press the " i " button in the lower left corner. Select "Memory Info".

2. Will you sell me the parts ?

• No.

A "hard reset" erases all of the data and information in the MessagePad’s internal memory.

This includes any third-party applications that were already on your MessagePad when you bought it

and any applications that you stored on the internal memory. It also erases information you have stored,

such as name cards, items in the Notepad, calls, and pages in the Date Book. This procedure does not

remove the MessagePad’s built-in programs, operating system software, or system updates.

To do a "hard reset" :

1. Remove any storage or application cards that are inserted in the MessagePad.
2. Turn the unit ON. ( operate off of strong batteries or the AC adapter )
3. With the unit ON, slowly slide the ON/OFF switch to the ON position and HOLD it there.
4. Press and release the Reset button on the back of the unit while continuing to hold the ON/OFF switch in the ON position.
5. Allow about 5 seconds for a message to appear. When it does, release the ON/OFF switch.
6. The message asks if you want to erase your data completely. Tap Yes.
7. Another message appears telling you that all of the data will be erased.
8. Tap OK. The next message states that the erasing procedure will take some time. Do not disturb the unit in any way during this time. Allow the unit to re-boot by itself.

All of the information on your MessagePad ( including any packages you loaded and other applications that are not

built-in ) is erased and your MessagePad reverts to the defaults set at the factory. Check the time in the Date

and Time preferences whenever you press Reset. ( The MessagePad’s clock may lose some time when you press Reset. )

***************************************************************************

I'm willing to provide MP2000 Upgrades and repairs to Newton owners outside the USA.

Of course, roundtrip FedEx shipping would be quite expensive.

You can visit the FedEx web page to get a quote from the "RateFinder".

http://www.fedex.com

I recommend that you check with your local Postal Authorities and learn what services are available.

Ask if "Air Mail" service is available.

Please do the homework on your end first before contacting me.

Learn everything there is to know about shipping a small package from your country.

Your Post Office will need a weight estimate to give you a preliminary quote. Use 4 pounds ( lbs.) as a total weight.

Again, try to keep the size to 12" x 9" x 6". Double boxing is strongly recommended in this case. Please only use new boxes.

***************************************************************************

Apple continues to provide repair services for the Newton Messagepad.

I've read reports that this is now contracted out to a company called Teleplan.

The following was posted by Cliff Penwell in Newtontalk Digest V1 #38 ( June 29, 2001 )

Cliff Penwell

If you make arrangements to send your Newton in for repair, I've read that it's a good idea to attach a list explaining exactly what you want them to do. It appears that Apple charges a flat rate to perform all repairs. So, if your Newton has damaged, missing plastic ( MP2x00 lid clips missing ? ) bring this to their attention and ask that it be replaced.

***************************************************************************

See this web page :

http://www.chuma.org/newton/docs/apple-canada-repair.shtml

***************************************************************************

Apple does not sell "internal parts" for Newton MessagePad's. The clips that hold the MP2x00 door in place are considered "internal parts".

Apple might have certain Newton accessories available through the "Apple Fulfillment Center".

Call 1 888 273-3594

#922-3306 Flip Cover ( MP2x00 )

#922-2969 Stylus ( MP2x00 )

#922-3308 MP2x00 Rubber Feet ( pkg. of 5 )

#922-3307 Battery Tray ( MP2x00 )

#922-2951 Power Adapter, Newton, 9W ( 7.5 volt x 1.2 Amp = 9 Watts )

#922-2968 Battery Pack, Rechargeable, NiMh ( MP2x00 )

#922-2975 Adapter Plug, Australia

#922-2974 Adapter Plug, Europe

#922-2973 Adapter Plug, UK

#922-2972 Case, Carrying, Nylon

#922-2035 Cable, Print Pack

#922-2971 Cable, Adapter, Message Pad 2000 / 2100 to DIN-9 (NIC adapter)

#922-0565 Cable, PC Connect

#922-0675 Cable, PC Adapter, DB9 / DB25, Black

#922-0564 Cable, Macintosh Connect

***************************************************************************

U.N.N.A. http://www.unna.org/

Kallisys (Paul Guyot) http://www.kallisys.com/newton/

Pda-Soft (Frank Gruendel) http://www.pda-soft.de

Info-Newt http://www.info-newt.com/

Newted Community http://newted.dyndns.org/

Newton Resources http://www.chuma.org/newton/

This Old Newt http://hometown.aol.com/thisolnewt/index2.html

Planet Newton http://www.planetnewton.com/

Newton Source http://www.oldschool.net/newton/

Newton Gallery http://www.msu.edu/~luckie/newtgal.htm

Newton Hall of Fame http://www.msu.edu/~luckie/hallofame.htm

Newton Classifieds http://www.personaladdoctor.com/newton/index3.cgi

Smaller.com Discussions http://talk.smaller.com/Ultimate.cgi

Tucows PDA-Newton http://pda.tucows.com/newton/

NewtonArchives http://home.newtonarchives.com/

 ***************************************************************************

A while back I had heard that Apple may have discontinued producing MP2x00 NiMh battery packs ( p/n 922-2968 ).

I'm only aware of one other company that cloned the pack, BTI ( Battery Technology Inc. ) http://www.batterytech.com/

Their version is part number NT-2000.

When I called them at the time they told me it was discontinued and none were available.

As of 7-20-00 their web page stated "Limited Quantity. PLEASE CALL."

In any event, it appears that the availability of this much needed accessory is fading.

I recently visited a store called Batteries Plus.

It's a franchise store that sells different types of batteries ( some hard to find ).

Though they don't have batteries for MP2x00's, they do offer reconditioning and rebuilding services.

Each store has either a Cadex or an iTECH battery analyzer / reconditioner.

They charge $5.00 per battery pack if they can bring it up to at least 80% capacity.

They charge nothing if the cells can't be "reconditioned".

Also, they claim they can rebuild worn out packs with new cells.

Of course, they would have to cut open the plastic of your existing pack to do this.

Though wiring in the new cells isn't a problem, getting the plastic case glued back together "tightly" is a concern.

Remember, the pack slides into the battery compartment with little room to spare.

To find a Batteries Plus store near you.

See : http://www.batteriesplus.com