Newton Backups to Flash Cards
and
Newton as a Mobile Stand-Alone Device

I purposely, by design, do not use a flash card for any reason and store
ALL my packages internally.

This is for the simple reason that I only use my Newton 2100 as mobile
stand-alone device mainly for Calendaring, Contact, and ToDo Scut Lists.

I have no mobile communication needs, email or Internet, or otherwise,
and do not "sync" my Newton data with any desktops as this would be
counter-productive to the simplicity which is by design and meets all of
my requirement for mobile PDA'ing. The only other device I carry with
me besides my Newton is a cell phone. Incidentally, I even tried using a
Treo 650 before I went totally to my Newton as this amazing little
device is functional in terms of my needs, but the screen and keyboard
are way too small for me. And besides I really don't want to type the
Bible on the head of a pin using toothpicks ;-) (Sorry Treo people, my
eyes are not that good any more, I don't like Graffitti, and if I need a
keyboard I plug the Newton into a Newton keyboard or a Stowaway
keyboard, otherwise you just can't beat the Newton's handwriting
capabilities as far as I am concerned.

I use Dashboard, TimeTrax, ExpensePlus, RotateBook, MacInTalk,
SpeakText, and that's it. I want to keep my Newton as lean as possible.

This simple foundation of packages allows me to accomplish all of my
PIM///CRM///PM (Personal Information Management///Client Relations
Management///Project Management) needs. Additionally the audio
applications allow me to hear spoken text from my Newtons while I am
driving or otherwise occupied, etc.

My theory is that "Less is More" and I do not want to clutter up my
soups and packages unless there is a true need in order to accomplish my
goals of PIM///CRM///PM.

As such, I am able to easily install and run all my packages and data
internally (I think even on a 2000, as well as easily on a 2100), thus
eliminating expanded or addition memory needs and therefore never use
any flash cards. This is all intentional to keep my data integrity as
good as possible.

Therefore, I am able to do FULL package and data backups daily to one of
ten flash cards which I use in rotation, a new one (the oldest one) each day.

Therefore, I never need to backup any on-board auxiliary flash card(s)
in the first place because I purposely do not need or use one for my day-
to-day needs.

So far so good. In the event of a hardware problem or loss, all I do is
get out a new Newton, do a hard-reset, get out my last flash card and
click on RESTORE. Done. I'm totally back up and running 100% in under
five minutes and can proceed with my work.

John Hay

OceanCity@mac.com