[Gametes]

I'm about to buy a 2100, but only if I can be certain it won't operate in a vacuum. I have an original iBook, so the only ways to connect for me are ethernet and USB. I've been looking into how Newton can use ethernet, but it appears you have to install software on the Newton first.

Will I have to get this software onto the newton or is it already on?
Is there some other way to make this work?

If I can't get the Newton to talk to my iBook, it's useless...

Thanks

[SupahCoolX]

Originally posted by Gametes:
I'm about to buy a 2100, but only if I can be certain it won't operate in a vacuum. I have an original iBook, so the only ways to connect for me are ethernet and USB. I've been looking into how Newton can use ethernet, but it appears you have to install software on the Newton first.

Will I have to get this software onto the newton or is it already on?
Is there some other way to make this work?

If I can't get the Newton to talk to my iBook, it's useless...

Thanks

This is known as the "chicken/egg" problem with Newts. You need to make a connection to a computer to install the Ethernet drivers on the Newt, but you need the Ethernet drivers to make a connection to a computer.
You'll have to either get a USB/Serial adaptor (like the ones made by Keyspan or Belkin), find an old Mac with serial ports, or find someone else with a Newt who can beam the files to you.
The Newton FAQ hosted on www.thisoldnewt.com and the NewtonTalk mailing list at www.newtontalk.net are great resources.

[steph9900]

Get a serial adapter - it works great, and is less expensive than getting an Ethernet card for the Newton (unless it comes with it).

And hey - you may be able to use that old printer again!

[sine -''-..-]

well i would suggest finding someone with a mac with serial, just to install the required ethernet software... because if you have the enet software from then on you're sailing. syncing is much nicer over ethernet, plus you can use the ethernet to access networks.