The release of the Newton MessagePad 2000 brought a true revolution to the Newton's hardware configuration and form factor. The recent upgrade to the MessagePad 2100 has quadrupled the RAM (now 4MB) available for system resources to play in! The 2000/2100 series has an ECL backlit screen like the MP130 but with twice the number of pixels (480 x 320 vs. previous model's 320 x 240) in a 20% increase in screen dimensions resulting in a high resolution display (100 dpi vs. 85 dpi). It also propelled the newton from being just black and white pixels to 16 level grayscale pixels. The most amazing development is clearly its CPU chip. It has a 162 MHz StrongARM 110 RISC chip that puts out 150 MIPS (@400 MIPS/watt). The previous newtons all had 20 MHz ARM RISC chips that ran at 15 MIPS (1/10 th the speed) and 100 MIPS/watt thus using 4 times as much power. The net result of the StrongARM chip is an unbelievable ten fold increase in speed with 1/4 the power usage. This is ideal for a handheld device and gives the new newton weeks to months of battery life. This is one insanely great computer! I think Steve Capps would be proud of the hardware, yet he would want a tiny MessagePad too.
 

Original Product Specifications Announcement (1996)

Now, with the Apple MessagePad 2000 handheld computer you don't have to lug a heavy laptop around anymore [click here to play a MP2000 animation (33k)]. That's because this small wonder weighs under a pound and a half, yet puts all the business applications you need-word processor, spreadsheet, datebook, contacts, and to-do lists-at your fingertips.

Slip a modem into one of its two PC Card slots, and you can send and receive e-mail and faxes, and connect to the Internet or an intranet. You can even pair the MessagePad 2000 with your cellular phone or wireless modem, and connect from virtually anywhere.

In terms of speed, the new StrongARM processor in the MessagePad 2000 allows it to run up to 10 times faster than any previous model. It also includes more memory. The backlit screen-larger than that of any other MessagePad-displays sharp graphics in 16 levels of gray at 100 dots per inch. And the internal microphone and speaker allow you to record and playback voice notes.

The MessagePad 2000 includes all the cables and software you need to connect to your Mac OS- or Windows software-based computer. It lets you import and export data for use with most popular personal computer software programs, and make backups.

But probably the best news for busy professionals on the move is that the MessagePad 2000 can deliver over 24 hours of continuous battery life. So no matter where or how you're traveling, the MessagePad 2000 is the smart choice for staying connected, and for putting critical information at your fingertips when you need it.
 

Built-in organization functions Includes business software programs: word processor, e-mail, World Wide Web browser, and spreadsheet  Allows freeform notes, outlines, lists, and phone logs  Helps you plan activities using the calendar, and manage priorities using the To Do List  Includes customizable name and address files  Offers productivity tools such as time-zone maps, a calculator, and currency exchange

Built-in communications Includes Internet access through TCP/IP, PPP, SLIP, PAP, and CHAP protocols, and a World Wide Web browser  Imports and exports data, installs software, and backs up files with your personal computer using the included Newton Connection Utilities  Can send and receive faxes and electronic mail using an optional wired or wireless modem  Prints formatted letters and notes using Apple printers, IrDA printers, and serial or parallel printers with the optional Print Pack  Lets you beam notes, messages, packages, schedules, and business cards via built-in infrared communications  Assists you in making phone calls, finding information, and sending and receiving e-mail and faxes

Expandable functions Contains two slots for PC Card peripherals such as modems, pagers, wireless communicators, and storage cards  Includes a serial port for connecting to personal computers, printers, the Newton Keyboard, or external modems  Supports a variety of third-party productivity, finance, time and billing, and information management software

Other Newton OS Products MessagePad 130  eMate 300  MessagePad 120 OS 2.0 - discontinued  MessagePad 120 OS 1.3 - discontinued  MessagePad 110 - discontinued  MessagePad 100 - discontinued  MessagePad (original) - discontinued

Technical Specifications

Newton Intelligence
Newton Recognition Architecture

• Recognizes handwriting-printed, cursive, or a mixture of the two-with the assistance of a 93,000-word, built-in word list
• Lets you add words to the built-in word list
• Includes four pop-up keyboards: typewriter, numeric, phone, and time/date
• Recognizes graphics and symmetrical objects

Newton Communications Architecture

• Provides built-in support for serial communications, external keyboard, PC Card modems, sending and receiving faxes, and e-mail
• Provides a single interface for modular, object-oriented communications services
• Supports new communications capabilities through its modular design
• Supports Group 3 and Class II fax machines

Intelligent Assistance Architecture

• Helps users complete repetitive tasks including communications, scheduling, finding, and reminding
• Contains smart defaults that anticipate your needs, saving you time in entering data
• Integrates data from different built-in applications
• Supports third-party extensions

Newton Hardware Architecture

• StrongARM 110 RISC processor at 161.9 MHz
• Apple custom system chip set
• 5MB RAM (1MB of DRAM, 4MB of Flash RAM) **for the 2100 this is 8MB RAM (4MB of DRAM, 4MB of Flash RAM)**
• 8MB of mask ROM
• Low-power, transflective 4.9 in. by 3.3 in. (129.8 mm by 83.2 mm) LCD display with EL backlight (480 by 320 pixels at 100 dpi, with 16-level grayscale)
• Nonglare resistive tablet and pen
• Two Type II PC Card slots
• Newton InterConnect(tm) external port supporting:
• Serial RS-422-compatible serial connections or LocalTalk
• Serial modem interface
• Power in and out
• Audio in and out (line level)
• Autodock support
• One internal serial slot supporting:
• Serial RS-422-compatible serial connections or LocalTalk
• Serial modem interface
• Serial keyboard (option)
• Power in and out
• Audio in and out (line level)
• Dual-mode infrared transceiver for wireless data transfer at up to 115 Kbits/s (IrDA mode) and 38.4 Kbits/s (ASK mode) within 3.28 ft. (1 m)
• Keyboard (included with some configurations)
• Built-in speaker
• Built-in microphone
• Fast charge for optional Newton Rechargeable Battery Pack that charges in 1 hour when not operating
• Optional external Newton 9W Power Adapter for unit operation or fast charging of Newton Rechargeable Battery Pack
• Protective removable screen lid
• Integral pen storage

Communications capabilities

• Communicates via e-mail or taps into online services and the Internet or an intranet with an optional wired or wireless modem card and included software
• Faxes using optional fax modem (automatic cover-page generation, post-formatting)
• Supports a variety of serial, parallel, IrDA, and network printers
• Receives and stores wireless messages and pages using optional messaging cards*
• Beams notes, name cards, appointments, and packages using high-speed infrared technology
• Automatically dials phone calls with assistance from intelligent auto-dialing (DTMF or modem dialing)*
• Connects to cellular or GSM phones for wireless data and fax communications with optional PC Modem Card

Size and weight

• Height: 1.1 in. (27.5 mm)
• Width: 4.7 in. (118.7 mm)
• Depth: 8.3 in. (210.3 mm)
• Weight: 1.4 lb. (0.64 kg) with alkaline batteries

Operating environment

• Temperature: 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
• Storage temperature: -4° to 117° F (-20° to 60° C)
• Transit temperature: -4° to 149° F (-20° to 70° C) for up to 72 hours
• Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing

Power requirements

• Power adapter
• Universal, 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Four adapter plug configurations: U.S., U.K., Europe, and Australia
• Newton 9W Power Adapter (optional) uses 9W batteries
• Battery type: AA (LR6) alkaline or NiMH battery pack
• Built-in fast charger for optional NiMH battery pack
• Power sources: four AA alkaline batteries (included), optional Power Adapter, or optional NiMH Rechargeable battery pack

Computer connectivity requirements

• Works with PC-compatible computers with 80386DX or later processors (80486 recommended) running Windows 3.1 or later
• Works with Mac OS-based computers with 68030 or later processors and system software version 7.1 or later

Printer support

• Offers built-in printer support for Apple LaserWriter Plus (and other PostScript-equipped LaserWriter printers), Personal LaserWriter LS, and Personal LaserWriter 300, as well as StyleWriter printers and Hewlett-Packard DeskWriter printers
• Works with the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 5MP and DeskJet 340 through IrDA
• Works with most popular PC printers including the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet II and DeskJet 500; Canon BubbleJet 10e; and Epson LQ, Action, and FX printers using the optional Newton Print Pack

Fax machine support

• Supports Group 3 and Class II fax machines

Accessories

• The MessagePad 2000 with Newton 2.1 operating system is compatible with most accessories available for the MessagePad 130 with Newton 2.0 operating system.