Apple Newton MessagePad

Apple Newton MessagePad was introduced in 2 August 1993. It launched Apple's Newton personal digital assistant platform with pen input, handwriting recognition and mobile information-management applications. It combined ARM 610 at 20 MHz with 640KB RAM.

Early recognition problems drew criticism, but the MessagePad established concepts later common in handheld computing.

Notable Features

• It launched Apple's Newton personal digital assistant platform with pen input, handwriting recognition and mobile information-management applications.
• Its ARM 610 at 20 MHz and 640KB RAM configuration defined this model within Apple's changing product range.
• Early recognition problems drew criticism, but the MessagePad established concepts later common in handheld computing.

Historical Significance

• Early recognition problems drew criticism, but the MessagePad established concepts later common in handheld computing.
• The model records a distinct hardware, enclosure or market stage rather than a storage-only configuration.

Collector’s Notes

• Processor speed, display type, regional branding and original model label should be checked when identifying a surviving system.
• Original power supplies, keyboards, media and expansion accessories add useful historical context.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Apple Newton MessagePad
Manufacturer	Apple
Launched	Monday, August 2, 1993
Country	United States
CPU	ARM 610 at 20 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Newton OS 1.0
I/O	Serial, LocalTalk and PC Card
Keyboard	Pen input with on-screen keyboard
Storage	Internal flash storage and one PC Card slot
Sound	Piezoelectric system audio
Graphics	336 x 240 pen-driven monochrome graphics
Display	Built-in 336 x 240 monochrome LCD
ROM	4MB Newton ROM
RAM	640KB RAM
CPU Speed	20 MHz