Apple Computer Inc is seeking to generate outside investment in its Newton computer group, especially for its hot eMate product for the schools market, chief scientist Larry Tesler told Reuter late Thursday, adding that rather than kill them altogether, Apple is looking to find new homes for at least a dozen of those technology projects it just decided to stop funding. Tesler said that Apple is getting rave reviews for its latest Newton offerings, with demand for eMate particularly strong. A small group of Apple executives is charged with exploring alternatives to increase investment in the Newton business but Tesler would not name names. But Apple will not scale back or kill Newton. Separately, Apple said it had reduced its Singapore workforce nearly 10%, shedding 101 position to reduce its staff to 872. The axe fell hardest on the Apple Design Center, something of a jewel in Singapore’s crown, which the company closed altogether. It was set up in 1993 to design circuits, products and software.
