The Myth of Newton Resurrection
Leander Kahney's latest
examines the "consumer myth"-cum-NYT-fit-to-print of the resurrection of
Newton, the latest incarnation being the iPhone.
The Newton community is locked in a paradox. On the one hand, the Newton
is very much alive; it's a usable, technologically sophisticated device
that continues to develop through the efforts of its fans.
On the other hand, the Newton is on life support. Every year it gets more and more outdated, and the supply of usable machines is always dwindling.
...
The rumor-mongering is an essential process in the creation of the Newton "ideoculture," a group identity with clearly defined knowledge, beliefs, behaviors and customs.