Acorn NewsPAD Prototype

The Acorn NewsPAD was a tablet-style technology demonstrator built around the 40 MHz ARM7500FE, 8MB RAM and a touch screen. It explored network-delivered news and information years before tablet computers became mainstream products.

Only a small number of demonstrators are believed to have existed, so the NewsPAD is recorded as a prototype rather than a released Acorn computer.

Notable Features

• The main processing arrangement was ARM7500FE at 40 MHz.
• Its standard memory provision was 8MB; designed for expansion.
• The model’s storage arrangement was Network and solid-state storage concepts.

Historical Significance

• Only a small number of demonstrators are believed to have existed, so the NewsPAD is recorded as a prototype rather than a released Acorn computer.
• This entry represents a distinct processor, storage or enclosure design rather than a software bundle.

Collector’s Notes

• Surviving examples are scarce, and fitted boards, firmware and storage may differ from announced specifications.
• Original documentation, peripherals and prototype provenance are particularly important for specialist Acorn systems.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Acorn NewsPAD Prototype
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Monday, January 1, 1996
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	ARM7500FE at 40 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Development NCOS based on RISC OS
I/O	Network interface and prototype expansion connections
Keyboard	Touch screen with on-screen controls
Storage	Network and solid-state storage concepts
Sound	Integrated digital sound
Graphics	Integrated VIDC20 graphics
Display	Built-in touch-sensitive colour LCD
ROM	Development NCOS ROM
RAM	8MB; designed for expansion
CPU Speed	40 MHz