Some of you might recall that Apple released a series of machines based
on the Newton OS in the early 1990s. There were eight models in total
from Apple, and a few more from third parties who licensed both the
hardware and software to make eg. ruggedized handhelds, or "smart"
(landline) phones.
The operating system was bespoke. It had a Lisp influence during
development, but by the time it was released, it used a language called
NewtonScript that had an Algol-ish syntax with Lisp/Self-like
semantics. Although the OS core was written in C++, large parts of the
system were written in NewtonScript as well, as were the built-in
applications.
Newtons ended up as a dead-end branch of computer evolution. The
product line was cancelled by Jobs following his return to Apple, and
despite a few little respectful nods, iOS has basically no commonality
with NewtonOS. Ironically, the handwriting recognition engine (the
focal point for most Newton criticism) outlived the devices and was
ported to and shipped with Mac OS X.
A Newton emulator, called Einstein, exists. It's able to run the OS,
the built-in apps, and to install and run third-party applications with
good fidelity to the original experience. It requires a ROM image to
function. Apple made various ROM images available, and it's possible to
extract the image from a physical Newton device, but the consensus is
that it isn't legal to distribute these ROM images. This makes setting
up the emulator more complex than is ideal.
The NewtonTalk mailing list is a group of Newton fans that remain
engaged with the platform to this day, and we're currently discussing
the possibility of legally obtaining the Newton ROM images from
Apple. We've been heartened by Apple's recent releases of MacPaint
and the Lisa OS to the CHM, and are wondering if Apple might be
persuaded to release at least the NewtonOS ROM, or (ideally) system's
source code.
If there's anyone who was either involved in those previous
negotiations, or could introduce us to someone who was, and is willing
to offer advice and/or assistance with our quest ... really, any helpful
pointers would be useful, and much appreciated.
Cheers,
d
https://github.com/pguyot/Einsteinhttp://newtontalk.net/
Hi.
Has anyone got SCO Unix to successfully install and run on Virtualbox?
My efforts have failed. My host is Ubuntu 22.04 with Virtualbox 7.0.10.
Thanks, Ken
--
WWL 📚
I had heard he was in poor health due to a bad diagnosis but it's tragic to
hear he's gone now.
It was because his annual Free Stuff Days I was able to build up most of my
lab equipment. Those were the days when you could still pull up and fill
your car with all sorts of goodies. I bought my first real EPROM programmer
(a 29B) from him.
-John
I guess not many have survived but I want to ask if someone/some place has
software (papertapes, ...) for the Texas Instruments 960 minicomputers.
We have a 960B but at the moment, it is pretty much useless. I could
toggle in a small program, but would appreciate something like FORTRAN or
an assembler.
Christian
I purchased several items from Walter at Sphere over the years. I suspect many
others of you Tek and HP fans on this list have, too. He was always helpful and
kind. Walter has been ill for some time and passed away yesterday.
It's good that his wife, Susan, will continue to run the business (I got an
email from Susan before Walter passed so stating).
Here is a link to Walter's obituary: https://bit.ly/3qZ2lBX
Regards,
Lyle
--
73 NM6Y
Bickley Consulting West
https://bickleywest.com
"Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"
I plan on arriving around noon, and leaving around 6ish.
I have most Q-bus and MicroVAX CPU and memory boards along with options and
non-DEC boards.
In UNI-BUS, I have MOS and core sets plus most options.
I can't take everything with me, and whatever doesn't sell at VCFMW can be
shipped (small items) after I return.
If you are looking for any DEC product, feel free to contact me.
Thanks, Paul
This sounds kinda fun (via the Adafruit weekly Python on
microcontrollers newsletter):
https://pydata.org/language-creator-fundraiser/
Panelists:
Adele Goldberg - Smalltalk
Guido Van Rossum - Python
Anders Hejlsberg - Turbo Pascal, C#, TypeScript
James Gosling - Java
"PyData Seattle presents its inaugural charity event. The event will
feature the creators of C#, Java, Perl, Python, TypeScript, and
Smalltalk in a conversation about programming language design.
The charity event brings together this unique group of computer
science pioneers, unlike any event held before. These great minds come
together for what will surely be a fantastic night of discussion as
the panel delves into the past and future of programming language
creation. The event will attract innovators and engineers from
Seattle, the nation’s fastest-growing technology hub.
The event is a benefit for Last Mile Education Fund and NUMFOCUS."
General admission $229, Students $75.
12:00 - 4:00 PM September 19th, 2023
Cinemark Lincoln Square, Cinemas and IMAX
700 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 310 Bellevue WA 98004
