IdeaWell

Project ideas from Hacker News discussions.

Einstein: NewtonOS running on other operating systems

Original Article

Hacker News Discussion

📝 Discussion Summary (Click to expand)

The discussion primarily revolves around nostalgia for and appreciation of the Apple Newton, suggestions for modernizing its concepts, and specific critiques related to its usability and input methods.

Here are the three most prevalent themes:

  1. Nostalgia and Appreciation for the Newton Concept: Users express a strong fondness for the Newton's innovative nature and foundational ideas, viewing it as a device ahead of its time.

    • Supporting Quote: "Yet another device ahead of its time." (pjmlp)

  2. Desire for Modern Iterations of Newton-like Functionality: Several comments suggest longing for modern devices that incorporate the Newton's unique features, especially its interface strengths, into current hardware.

    • Supporting Quote: "I wish we had a device similar to the smaller Remarkable tablet, running something like NewtonOS." (InsideOutSanta)

  3. Friction and Usability Issues with the Original Input Method: Despite appreciating the device, users recall specific usability hurdles that hindered widespread adoption, particularly handwriting recognition and text input.

    • Supporting Quote: "While I appreciated the ability to write notes, I found having to enter letters one using the special character input was too much friction for regular use." (icu)

🚀 Project Ideas

NewtonScript Playground & Emulation Sandbox

Summary

  • A web-based environment for running, sharing, and experimenting with nostalgic or obscure NewtonScript code, potentially including emulation hooks for legacy applications or games.
  • Core value proposition: Preserving, learning, and interacting with the Newton's unique development ecosystem (NewtonScript/Dylan) without requiring proprietary hardware or complex local setup.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Developers interested in niche historical languages, hobbyists wanting to run classic Newton software/games (like Columbo's Mystery Capers), and former Newton users.
Core Feature A browser-based REPL or IDE supporting NewtonScript syntax, integrated with a lightweight, documented Newton OS emulator core (or virtual machine).
Tech Stack JavaScript/TypeScript (Frontend, Emulator Core if possible, e.g., using WebAssembly for critical performance parts), Monaco Editor or CodeMirror for the IDE.
Difficulty High

Notes

  • "I loved the Newton in all forms... Keeping it alive is very important." "The OS was kind of cool, even if Dylan missed the boat, the mix of NewtonScript with C++ was still kind of cool..."
  • This directly addresses the desire to keep the Newton legacy alive and explore its unique OS/language features mentioned by users like ktallett and pjmlp. It offers a collaborative learning tool.

Focused Handwriting Input Simulation Tool

Summary

  • A lightweight, focused web application designed to replicate and improve upon the Newton's handwriting input friction points by offering highly customizable, low-latency gesture recognition optimized for modern touchscreens.
  • Core value proposition: Isolating the core interaction mechanism (handwriting input) for study, customization, or fun, addressing the friction noted in the original device.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience HCI researchers, former Newton users nostalgic for the input method, and digital artists focused on minimalist sketching/note-taking.
Core Feature A large canvas where users write using Stylus/Finger. The system logs stroke data and visualizes the interpreted character/stroke confidence, allowing users to train or tweak a custom character mapping (addressing the "relearn how to write" friction).
Tech Stack Modern Web APIs (Pointer Events, Canvas API), TensorFlow.js or a similar ML library for lightweight, on-device gesture recognition/training.
Difficulty Medium

Notes

  • "I found having to enter letters one using the special character input was too much friction for regular use. You basically had to learn some of your ABCs when writing letter by letter." (icu)
  • This product directly tackles the biggest usability complaint mentioned. It moves the discussion from hardware reliance (Remarkable/Note 10+) to a software simulation that can be refined.

Infinite Mac/Newton Integration Layer (Plugin/Service)

Summary

  • A tooling layer or dedicated service that allows emulation environments like Infinite Mac (which emulates classic Mac OS software) to easily load, run, or exchange data with Newton applications or OS images.
  • Core value proposition: Bridging the gap between the classic Macintosh ecosystem and the Newton ecosystem, treating the Newton as a necessary companion device for historical continuity.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Users of Infinite Mac, developers working on retro computing projects, and users who want the full vintage Apple PDA experience alongside their classic Mac.
Core Feature A standardized API or connector utility to manage file transfer, synchronization, or remote execution commands between a running emulator instance (like Infinite Mac) and a Newton emulator instance.
Tech Stack Go or Rust (for robust cross-platform tools), potential use of established emulator APIs (if available) or custom serial/network port simulation layer targeting the browser context.
Difficulty Medium

Notes

  • "I hope sometime this can be added to Infite Mac https://infinitemac.org/" (huwr)
  • This directly fulfills a user request for integration with an existing popular project in the retro-computing space, providing immediate utility for an established community.