C H A P T E R 7

Routing and Communications

Receiving In Box Items

To receive items, a user can pick a routing action from the In Box’s Receive picker, which pops up when the user taps the Receive button. The Receive picker lists all Newton transports capable of receiving data items from external sources. Figure 7-18 shows a sample Receive button and picker.

Figure 7-18The Receive picker lists the transports available for receiving

Receive picker

Receive button

Transports capable of receiving items

When a user picks a routing action from the Receive picker, the corresponding transport connects to its source of incoming data. Each transport may have a different procedure for connecting. For example, the fax transport displays

a slip asking whether the user wants to wait for a fax call or connect manually. An e-mail transport might display a slip in which a user sets up the phone number to dial, specifies what items to retrieve, and taps a Connect button when ready. The beam transport tries to connect immediately. Figure 7-19 shows the connection slips for the fax transport and an example e-mail transport.

Some transports can connect automatically when the system detects incoming data items for them. For example, the beam transport can connect automati- cally to another Newton device that is sending through its beam transport.

A transport that can connect automatically should allow users to disable automatic connection by setting preferences in the In/Out Box application, as described in “Transport Preferences” on page 7-32.

Routing Incoming Items

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Apple 2 manual Receiving In Box Items

2 specifications

The Apple II is a defining product in the history of personal computing, first introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer, Inc. Designed by Steve Wozniak, the Apple II was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products and played a significant role in bringing personal computers into homes and schools.

One of the Apple II's standout features was its color graphics capability. It was one of the first personal computers to provide color output, thanks to its built-in video interface. The initial model supported a resolution of 280x192 pixels with a palette of 6 colors, which allowed for vibrant visuals that set it apart from contemporaries like the monochrome Altair 8800.

The Apple II was notable for its open architecture. This design allowed users to expand the computer's capabilities easily through a series of expansion slots. Users could add floppy disk drives, additional memory, and various peripheral devices, making the system highly adaptable to individual needs. This encouraged a thriving ecosystem of third-party hardware and software, which contributed to its popularity.

Another significant feature was its use of the 6502 microprocessor. This 8-bit CPU was not only affordable but also powerful for its time, allowing the Apple II to run various applications efficiently. Along with a built-in keyboard and an innovative plastic case that housed its components, the design was user-friendly and appealing.

The Apple II also introduced the concept of “bootable software” through the use of floppy disks. The disk operating system (DOS) allowed users to store and run multiple programs without having to reload software manually, providing a level of convenience that had not been widely available before. Key software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, helped boost sales, showcasing the Apple II's utility in business and education environments.

The computer was also well-known for its early adoption of BASIC programming language. Apple provided an operating system that supported Applesoft BASIC, which enabled users, including students, to write their programs, further fostering a community of developers.

In summary, the Apple II's color graphics, open architecture, powerful 6502 processor, innovative use of floppy disks, and support for BASIC programming made it a revolutionary product in its time. Its legacy laid the groundwork for future personal computers and established Apple as a leader in the burgeoning tech industry. The Apple II remains an iconic symbol of the early personal computing era, reflecting a generation's transition into a digitally connected world.