There is no sense in comparing the IT to PDAs because they are PDAs . The only difference being that they are a more modern rendition of the product. Nokia doesn't seem to want to recognize that this is part of the product, instead trying to sell the device as an internet cruising device. I just don't see a demand for a device with that narrow focus. To Nokia credit the device does run Linux and as such people can customize to their hearts content. That is great if you are a techie or geek but pretty hard row to hoe from the marketing standpoint.
Part of newtons problems where related to the need to save much more of Apple. Along with that was the issue of limited depth to the Newton.
Nope haven't gotten it yet. That by no means implies that the IT's are bad devices. On the contrary very interesting but not suitable for some potential uses.
Personally I feel Nokia went a little to far off the beaten open source path with the earlier software releases. That is it would have been better to make use of as mainstream software tool kits as possible. This simply from the standpoint of simplifying software porting. It is the supply of software that makes things like the N800 desirable not its internet features per say. Yes having access to the internet is good, but flexibility to do other things is far better.
Interestingly one of the machines I'm looking at is the ASUS Eee PC. Again a LINUX machine but not pocketable. This is key in my mind and like I've stated in this thread and others, people want to carry something with them but not have pockets full of devices. I think this is why the iPhone has been such a hit as limited as it is.

The iPhone lets you shove one device into your pocket that covers multiple bases. It solves the issue of a conventional CELL phone, the issue of an MP3 player and allows state of the art internet access. Well state of the art for a device that small, certainly better than any other CELL phone.

This is where it is at right now people simply do not want pockets that are overflowing with electronics. Apple is doing really well with a device that I consider half done, so outfits like Nokia could potentially learn a lot from them. At least from the standpoint of technology, the IPhone isn't perfect.

The area where the iPhone looses it the most is its physical size. It is just to small! Tiny in the hand and a smaller than desirable screen. The screens on these sorts of devices are where development must now focus. Except for storage the electronics are pretty well nailed down except for the video aspects. Everything needs improvement Video wise including the power usage, speed and color quality.

Dave