In the tech landscape of 1997, Apple unveiled the Newton MessagePad 2000, a groundbreaking personal digital assistant that promised to redefine how we access and organize information on the go. Despite its short-lived existence, the MessagePad 2000 left an indelible mark on the trajectory of mobile computing.
On March 21, 1997, Apple introduced the Newton MessagePad 2000, signaling a new era in mobile computing. Priced at $950, this compact device aimed to liberate professionals from the burden of carrying bulky laptops. Boasting 5 MB RAM, an 8MB ROM, and a cutting-edge Cirrus Voyager chipset, the MessagePad 2000 delivered unparalleled functionality.
The MessagePad 2000 was a marvel of engineering with its backlit screen capable of rotating 360 degrees, providing users with versatile viewing options. It featured a powerful 162 MHz StrongARM SA-110 RISC processor, outpacing other handheld devices of its time by up to ten times. This small wonder, weighing under a pound and a half, incorporated essential business applications like word processing, spreadsheets, datebooks, contacts, and to-do lists.
This handheld gem allowed users to connect to the world with ease. Equipped with two PC Card slots, the MessagePad 2000 supported configurations such as wireless modems and additional memory. Users could pair it with cellular phones or wireless modems, enabling connectivity from virtually anywhere. The device’s lightning-fast processor and extended battery life of 3 to 6 weeks under normal usage made it a reliable companion for professionals on the move.
Despite its discontinuation by Apple on February 27, 1998, merely a year after its release, the MessagePad 2000’s impact on the personal digital assistant market cannot be overstated. Its forward-thinking design and robust features paved the way for future innovations, including Apple’s iconic iPhone and iPad. Even 27 years later, the MessagePad 2000 remains a pivotal piece of tech history, a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of mobile computing.
The Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 may have had a brief stint in the limelight, but its legacy lives on. As we reflect on the revolutionary strides it made in mobile computing, we can appreciate how this compact device laid the groundwork for the sleek, powerful gadgets that define our connected world today. The MessagePad 2000 wasn’t just a gadget; it was a visionary leap into the future, reminding us that even in the fast-paced world of technology, the echoes of innovation endure.
Newton MessagePad 2000 Details
| Introduced | March 21, 1997 |
| Discontinued | February 27, 1998 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | H0226LL/A H0136Z/A H0225LL/A |
| Original Price | $950 |
| Colors | Dark Grey |
| Weight | 1.4 Ibs. 635 Grams |
| Dimensions | 8.3” H x 4.7” W x 1.1” D 21.08 cm H x 11.93 cm W x 2.79 cm |
MessagePad 2000 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | StrongARM SA-110 RISC |
| Processor Speed | 162 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
Memory
| ROM | 4 MB 8 MB |
| RAM | 5 MB |
Display
| Input Method | Telescoping Pen |
| Resolution | 480 x 320 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – Type II PC Card slots (3 V and 5 V cards) |
Connections
| Serial | 1 – Serial 1 – Newton InterConnect |
| Infrared | 1 – dual-mode at up to 115 Kbits/s (IrDA mode) and 38.4 Kbits/s (ASK mode) within 3.28 ft. (1 m) |
| Audio In | 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – Built-in speaker |
Software
| Original OS | Newton OS 2.1 (EN, GE) |
| Maximum OS | Unknown |
Power
| Battery | 4 AA or optional NiCd re-chargeable battery or external power supply |
| Battery Life | 12-36 hours |
Further Reading and References
- MessagePad – Wikipedia
- Apple Newton – Wikipedia
- Today in Apple history: Newton MessagePad reaches new heights – Cult of Mac
- Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 PDA – The Centre for Computing History
- Apple MessagePad Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: November 24, 2023
