Newton MessagePad Specs History

The Newton MessagePad 2000 was a complete mobile computer featuring a variety of software like a web browser, email client, word processor, fax software, calendar, and address book, and could even record up to an hour of voice on a 4 MB memory card. However, its main advantage over its predecessor (the MP 130) was the brand-new processor. The 160 MHz StrongARM processor significantly sped up all operations on the MessagePad 2000. It was later re-released as the MessagePad 2100, which became the first Newton to feature an Ethernet card.

The eMate 300 was a personal digital assistant designed for the education market, serving as a low-cost laptop running the Newton OS. It was the only Newton device with a built-in keyboard. Launched on March 7, 1997, at $799, it was discontinued on February 27, 1998, along with the rest of the Newton product line and operating system. The keyboard was approximately 85% of standard full size. Power came from built-in rechargeable batteries, offering up to 28 hours on a full charge. To achieve its low price point, the eMate 300 lacked some features of its contemporary Newton equivalent, the MessagePad 2000. It used a 25 MHz ARM 710a RISC processor with less memory, while the MessagePad 2000 used the StrongARM 110 RISC processor and was more expandable. Unlike the MessagePad series, the eMate 300 featured an internal memory expansion slot. Encased in a translucent green, durable shell, it was designed for heavy classroom use. The eMate 300 featured a dark green keyboard, similar to the PowerBook models of its time.

The Newton MessagePad 2000 was a complete mobile computer featuring a variety of software like a web browser, email client, word processor, fax software, calendar, and address book, and could even record up to an hour of voice on a 4 MB memory card. However, its main advantage over its predecessor (the MP 130) was the brand-new processor. The 160 MHz StrongARM processor significantly sped up all operations on the MessagePad 2000. It was later re-released as the MessagePad 2100, which became the first Newton to feature an Ethernet card.

It took Apple more than a year to upgrade the original Newton. This was mainly because the Newton team had been working hard for over six years, and morale was low following devastating media reviews of the original MessagePad. The first revisions were the Newton MessagePad 100 and 110. The MP 100 was essentially the original MessagePad with new ROM, while the MP 110 featured a completely new design with a smaller screen and longer battery life. The MessagePad 130 was released in early 1996 at the CeBIT trade show in Germany, featuring an optional backlit display for improved readability.

It took Apple more than a year to upgrade the original Newton. This was mainly because the Newton team had been working hard for over six years, and morale was low following devastating media reviews of the original MessagePad. The first revisions were the Newton MessagePad 100 and 110. The MP 100 was essentially the original MessagePad with new ROM, while the MP 110 featured a completely new design with a smaller screen and longer battery life. The MessagePad 130 was released in early 1996 at the CeBIT trade show in Germany, featuring an optional backlit display for improved readability.

It took Apple more than a year to upgrade the original Newton. This was mainly because the Newton team had been working hard for over six years, and morale was low following devastating media reviews of the original MessagePad. The first revisions were the Newton MessagePad 100 and 110. The MP 100 was essentially the original MessagePad with new ROM, while the MP 110 featured a completely new design with a smaller screen and longer battery life. The MessagePad 130 was released in early 1996 at the CeBIT trade show in Germany, featuring an optional backlit display for improved readability.

It took Apple more than a year to upgrade the original Newton. This was mainly because the Newton team had been working hard for over six years, and morale was low following devastating media reviews of the original MessagePad. The first revisions were the Newton MessagePad 100 and 110. The MP 100 was essentially the original MessagePad with new ROM, while the MP 110 featured a completely new design with a smaller screen and longer battery life. The MessagePad 130 was released in early 1996 at the CeBIT trade show in Germany, featuring an optional backlit display for improved readability.

Apple spent more than six and a half years developing the first Newton MessagePad. When it finally launched, it featured impressive specs: a 20 MHz processor, a pressure-sensitive LCD display, a LocalTalk port, and an infrared transmitter. However, all these features were overshadowed by the Newton's handwriting recognition. It was Apple's pride and expectation was high, but its accuracy was far below the promised 95%.