Newton MessagePad 2000
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(Click on a thumbnail for a larger picture.)
Specs:
CPU:
DIGITAL's ARM 610 @ 20MHz
MEM:
OS:
Interfaces:
RS-422 LocalTalk compatible serial port
Type II PCMCIA slot
Low-power, half-duplex, infrared transceiver (9600 baud at 1 meter)
AC adapter port
Screen:
Audio:
Batteries:
5 AAA
Optional rechargeable Nicad
Lithium backup battery
Size:
7.25" x 4.5" x .75", .9lb
Coolness Scale Rating (1=foul, 10=insane fine):
Info Links:
Comments:
After having used the MessagePad 2000 (now 2100) for almost a year, I must say that
MessagePad 100 seems rather small. It clearly, as far as being a practical handheld for
use today, has the disadvantage of a rather old version of NewtonOS (1.3). Its handwriting
recognizer is notably less effective than that of the more recent MessagePad's. But taken
for what it is, the first announced PDA (Apple coined that term), and one of the very
first to come to market--it is quite a nice machine to tinker with. It has a nice feel to
it, and could be of some use as a ragular day-to-day handheld. I've not attempted modem
communications with it, though they should work fine with a PCMCIA modem (currently using
a 1mb Apple Newton SRAM card for program storage--only about 150K free on a clean MessagePad
100). I think this machine has enough utility that I will likely head out the front door
with it every now and again, using it for my PDA needs (on that level though, it takes a
notable back seat to my trusty MessagePad 2100).
Production Status:
