What happened to the Hand Stand? I see the product on your website but can't figure out how to order it.

Thank you for your interest in the Hand Stand carrying case for the Newton Message Pad. Unfortunately, the Hand Stand has been discontinued and is no longer available. The only way to get a Hand Stand would be to buy a used one and here are the following places that we suggest you try:

Web Sites:
www.ebay.com

Usenet Newsgroups:
comp.sys.newton.marketplace
comp.sys.newton.misc

Mailing Lists:
Newton Talk Mailing List (www.planetnewton.com)

Please check out the Satellite carrying case as an alternative to the Hand Stand. Here is a quick look at a few of the similarities and differences of the Satellite vs. the Hand Stand.

Similarities
Both have a built in stand to hold the Newton.
Both carry the Newton keyboard.
You can use both cases to type with the Newton & Keyboard on your lap.

Differences
Satellite is more compact
Satellite holds the Newton Keyboard in the exterior pocket when closed instead of inside the case.
Satellite is more versatile by having more options and accessories.
Hand Stand has a greater range of built in angles.

What are the differences between the Hand Stand and the Satellite carrying cases?

The Hand Stand is designed to hold both the Newton and the Keyboard inside the case at the same time, just open up the Hand Stand, turn on the Newton and begin typing. The Hand Stand can provide angles ranging from 0 to 70 degrees. The Hand Stand's dimensions are 12" by 6" by 3" and the dimensions stay pretty much the same regardless of being full or empty. This case is great for people who carry their Newton and Keyboard all the time and want the functionality of a lap top computer.

The Satellite is designed to be the most versatile case possible. There is a large selection of accessories for the Satellite. The Newton Keyboard can fit in the exterior pocket but will not fit inside the Satellite with the Newton and close. The exterior pocket is also great for carrying other large or small items. The Newton and keyboard can be set up to make a stand, although the angles are limited. The Satellite's dimensions are 10.75" by 6.25" by 2.25" and has the ability to be compact or expand to a larger size when holding more items. This case is great for people who want a compact case for their Newton and occasionally carry their keyboards or don't mind setting it up with every use.

What is the Newton Harness System Case Upgrade Program?

This is a way that owners of any other Newton carrying case (that has a soft loop Velcro surface such as the new Apple or Calise cases) can upgrade to the Holster harness system that is found in the Hand Stand. Click here to see the Apple/Calise elastic band harness system and discussion on PDA Concepts solution.

How much does the Hand Stand cost?

The retail price is $89.95 plus shipping and handling. (Utah residents need to add appropriate sales tax) See the order page for tax, shipping, and handling info.

Is the new Hand Stand useable with older Newtons like the 120 &130?

Anyone could use the Hand Stand to carry an OMP or MP110/120/130. In fact any type of personal digital assistant, not much larger than a Newton, will work. The only thing that would be lacking is a holster since the one included with the Hand Stand is specifically designed to fit the MP2000.

Why is a holster necessary?

I used my MessagePad 2000 in the early Hand Stand prototype that did not have a holster and it worked fine. The only difficulty was that I had to be careful when adjusting the angles, so that I didn't let my Newton fall on top of the keyboard. PDA Concepts may be offering a holster for the 110/120/130 if enough interested users can justify the cost to manufacture them. Otherwise people with earlier models could use the Hand Stand without a holster or use Velcro™ directly on the back of the Newton which would work great for those who are willing.

Will it file papers?

The Hand Stands dimensions are 12" x 6" x 3.5". Because of it's unique, compact nature, it will not hold full size files or papers, but papers can be filed in it's built-in filing sections if papers are folded.

Will the Hand Stand hold an AC adapter or a cellular phone?

Yes, the inside of the Hand Stand is capable of holding a Newton 9W AC adapter if the Newton is properly positioned.

The outer pocket, however, was not designed to hold bulky items, but rather items like a checkbook or currency. The reason for this is that the front and back of the case should lay flat to be used as the bottom of the stand (click here for example). It's pretty safe to say that a cellular phone will not fit in the outside pouch, but someone may prove me wrong. I did fit my Newton 9W AC Adapter in the pouch but it was an extremely tight fit. PDA Concepts will not be held responsible for any damage to the Hand Stand or your accessories caused by cramming the pouch, since this pocket was not designed for such items, but of course you may do as you wish. We have been contemplating a future accessory that would attach to the Hand Stand that would hold a cellular phone, an AC adapter, a Print Pack, a digital camera, cords, or anything else large and bulky. Please let us know if you're interested in such an accessory as it will augment its production.

What should I do if I don't want to put Velcro™ on my keyboard?

Actually, Velcro™ to hold the keyboard down is not necessary but makes using the keyboard easier and safer for those who are willing. Two pieces of Velcro™ are included with the Hand Stand in case you decide to attach the keyboard to it's compartment. By doing so, you ensure that the keyboard will not unexpectedly fall out and it makes it a little easier to close. If you are uneasy about attaching Velcro™ to your equipment refrain from doing so as it will work fine without it. We do have a tip for those of you who attach the Velcro™ and will at some point remove the adhesive from the underside of the keyboard. There is a spot remover on the market called Thoro® (though others may work) that will remove the adhesive within seconds. I used this on mine and it did not damage or discolor the keyboard at all.

Where can I buy a Newton Keyboard?

MacWorks www.macworks.com
Shreeve Systems www.shreeve.com
Small Dog www.smalldog.com
Mac Rescue, www.macresq.com
networks@starnetinc.com
newtonoz@ix.netcom.com
And hey, we can even get a hold of one for you if you would like ($95 US Dollars). You can place your order on our secure website. Search our products by Newton category to find and order the Newton Keyboard or click here.