UPDATE: Sign of the Times: From Pen Computing to RV
I got a flash back to the past today — and not in a good way. Way back when I was really getting started in the handheld computing world, I was immersed in the Apple Newton. Whatever you thought about the Newton at the time, there was no question it changed how we viewed handheld computing. The Newton made a serious attempt at bringing inking and handwriting recognition into the real world. The term “PDA” was also born to describe the Newton, at least I remember that to be the case.
One of the sources of information I followed religiously was “Newton Notes in Pen Computing Magazine.” Editor David MacNeill started the column right after the release of the Newton and kept the good coverage coming until the demise of the gadget. I respected the good job that MacNeill did for the magazine, and it was an inspiration for me to pursue the work I do now.
The uniqueness of the Newton has an appeal even today, and you can still buy them. There is even an online presence still active, even though the Newton died in 1998.
What does this have to do with anything? I got some sad news today, and it brought it all back with a vengeance. David was hit hard by the economic crisis, and a series of events has seen him fall on hard times. He lost his job, moved across country only to find that job no longer existed, sued them for moving expenses, and then an accident left him with huge medical bills. The end result is he can’t find work, and he’s moved his wife and daughter full-time into a 300-square-foot RV.
Apparently, there are quite a few people in the same boat (or RV), as David and ABC did a segment on families that live in RVs. The segment centers on David and his family and how they are doing whatever it takes to keep going. I wish him and his family the best and hope that things turn around quickly for him. He touched me with his Newton Notes column way back when, and I thank him for that.
UPDATE: David MacNeill is now a songwriter/ musician and has a web site. Listen to his music, and if you like it, then buy it.
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What kind of work is/was David doing?
There but for the grace of God…I live in Lander, WY and if Dave and family are ever through here, I hope they will stay awhile. We are all connected, not just through ones and zeroes but through blood, soul, family and community. Here is to better cheer and better times to the McNeil’s, to all in need and to our country.
@Richard
Thats a heckuva nice offer, to minvite someone that you have never met (im assuming) to come by and stay is really something to see in todays world.
I also wish him well, its a tough world we live in.
Wow, that’s very sad news, James…
Hope that things turn for David…always enjoyed reading his columns like you….
Also, remember the Newt fondly (MP2100 specifically) and what it could have become if His Steveness hadn’t killed it out of spite for his nemesis ol’ Scully….
As I live just a few minutes from Apple Hdqtrs I went along with many others to protest in front of Apple Hdqtrs the death of the Newt…think Apple was quite surprised to see so many people there…didn’t do much good though, but we felt better for doing it… ;-)
As a Newton Owner in the 90′s, getting my latest copy of Pen Computing and particularly getting to Dave MacNeill’s column was a techie highlight for me. Very best wishes to Dave and his family from down under in New Zealand. With the Dave and Leslie’s life skills I know they will come out on top.
With some extra white hair and stories about the 90s people will start believe that you are not in your 20s James. But you can’t fool me. Its just your blog mask. I have seen you dancing in your X70-S5 video with Pandora – I still bet on a 17 year old behind the mask.
Tal
Well, the RV is better than homeless.. Just last month I moved out of a 17′ travel trailer into an apartment. I lived in it for 3 years, and I can tell you that you can get used to anything. The difference would be that I did it alone, so no one else had to put up with it as well. I feel for dave and his family. These are tough times, and it really puts things into perspective. Many people think it’s the end of the world that they have to buy the new iPhone at an unsubsidized price, while others are scraping and clawing just to survive.. hang in there guys!!!
“These are tough times, and it really puts things into perspective. Many people think it’s the end of the world that they have to buy the new iPhone at an unsubsidized price, while others are scraping and clawing just to survive.”
Thanks for the perspective/reminder.
Wow. I used to read his fine column too.
I used to have dealings with Dave when he was the editor of Digital Camera. He is a class act, and I wish him the best.
That is unfortunate. I picked up my first edition of Pen Computing in 1997 just after picking up my first Palm Pilot. David’s enthusiasm for the platform and eloquent way writing made me use my little Palm in ways that I didn’t think possible.
I remember a column that Leslie wrote about the Newton being better than a notebook computer on long flights. Again, a great story!
I would love nothing more than for David and Leslie to begin writing again about the mobile platforms that they had passion for.