The Q1 is a technological octopus of input/output connectivity. In fact, it's more like a Siamese octopus of I/O connectivity with 16 arms and enough suckers to connect to every conceivable device ever invented.

It has an analogue D-Sub video connector, through which you can connect it to an external computer display or home television. There's also a pair of USB ports, so you can quickly get information on and off the device by plugging in a USB stick.

The Q1 isn't designed to be synchronised with your everyday desktop or laptop PC, but you can sync it with other portable devices, such as a mobile phone, using the integrated Bluetooth adaptor.

The Newton will synchronise with the very latest version of Mac OS X, using the amusingly named nSync software (available as a free download from Everchanging Software). You can send and receive faxes and email from the Newton using a wired or wireless modem. The Newton can print directly to IrDA printers without the need for a cable, and many serial or parallel printers are also compatible.

As with Bluetooth today, the Newton's IR port can 'beam' notes, messages, schedules and business cards to other Newton users. The Newton can also automate phone calls.