Return of the Newton

AppleInsider Article on the Newton's Possible Return

I'll admit it: I still believe the Newton is the best PDA anyone has made so far.
Hell, I'd use my Newton now, if I could find a decent way to sync to my Mac. It seemed to focus on the right things including note taking, document access, and a quality calendar and contacts. It was weakened by it's large physical size and glacial synchronization.

I think Apple could take the iPhone and iPod Touch and move back into the actual PDA space, but I think they delay so they can maximize their income from laptops and the iPhone. They may be able to grow the iPhone and/or Touch to fulfill the niche of the PDA. Or they may continue to keep the product lines very separate and distinct, leaving a gap between traditional laptops and cell phones. I believe they are missing an opportunity to own this space after the failures of Palm and Microsoft.

Personally, I would love to have a device I always had with me that I could cache my most important documents, use for spur-of-the-moment input, and access the Internet when needed. The iPhone can almost do these things, but it almost completely lacks data storage and this deal with the devil forces a relationship with AT&T. And I find it highly frustrating to be so close, but not close enough.

Target discusses a major electronics launch on September 5. Could it be the new iPods?

AppleInsider | Major electronics launch; new iPods & iPhones; Apple lobbying

Although it may be coincidence, Target is apparently warning their stores to be ready for a major product announcements and incoming inventory that may be enticing to thieves. That combined with the rumors and case manufacturers seems to make it a lock that a new iPod with the short, fat form factor is coming on September 5th.

The only questions are:

1) Is the fat iPod a nano or a regular iPod replacement?
Because it is hard to take features away from customers and storage capacity is a feature, it will be the new nano with video capabilities and maybe higher storage (maybe 16GB).

2) Will there be a wide-screen iPhone with out the phone?
While I would really love an wide screen iPod with WiFi and all the iPhone features minus the cell phone, I think it is unfortunately unlikely to be released this way. With Apple deriving so much revenue from the iPhone and AT&T plans, it seems more likely they will release something without WiFi, although they may find a way to include a wide screen. I am afraid it will continue to be a traditional media player.

What do you think?