Newton MessagePad
`
`273 captures
`2 Feb 1999 - 4 Jul 2017
`
`JAN FEB MAY
`02
`
`1998 1999 2000
`
`⍰⍰
`f
`⍰ About this capture
`
`Newton MessagePad
`Models: original (OMP) and 100 (MP100)
`
`Click for larger view
`
`Gallery Commentary
` A result of the combined efforts of Steve Capps, Walter Smith, Michael Tchao, Gaston Bastiaens, John Sculley and
`many members of the Newton Team, the Original newton MessagePad (OMP) was the first in a family of
`communications assistants from Apple. The OMP was unveiled and released on August 3, 1993 at MacWorld Boston.
`It's release was somewhat premature and it is referred to by some of the newton faithful as the 'grand public beta test'.
`The rumor is that Gaston Bastiaens, Vice President and General Manager of Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics
`Division (PIE), had made a very public 'bet' with a member of the Press that the Newton would be released at
`MacWorld Boston or he'd give up his wine cellar. He loved his wine cellar, thus the release happened
`
` With the introduction of the MessagePad at MacWorld Boston, Apple defined a new realm of personal computing --
`the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The MessagePad was Apple's first pen-based device based on its Newton
`Intelligence operating system. Its key features were its communications capabilities (fax, email), its built-in personal
`organizer applications (Names, Dates, To Dos, Notes) and its ability to recognize and the interpret words written on its
`screen. An amazing capacity to 'parse' language was inside this tiny device. If one would write "Lunch with Bob
`tomorrow" on the screen, then tap the Assist button. The MessagePad would interpret the phrase and open a meeting
`slip already filled out with the last-accessed person named Bob, tomorrow's date, and the lunch hour already allocated to
`this new meeting. Stunning.
`
` Unfortunately, the word-based handwriting recognition engine in the Newton which was developed by the Soviet
`programmers at Paragraph International Inc. got more attention for what it couldn't do than what it could. The Gary
`Trudeau comic strip 'Doonesbury' cartoons summed up the criticism and made the MessagePad infamous, and labeled it
`a failure. As a semi apology for the damage his cartoon did to the Newton's reputation (since he had never actually seen
`one before writing the strip), in the later versions of the Newton OS (2.0) Trudeau re-created a frame similar to the
`original to be included as an easter egg in the newton ROM. (write "egg freckles" on a 2.0 Newton, tap Assist, and you
`get a real Gary Trudeau cartoon). Later, Apple's Newton OS 2.0 had an amazing 'Apple created' print recognizer engine
`in addition to the Paragraph Cursive recognizer (Calligrapher) for very high reliability. The new recognition didn't get
`any press, though. Features that separated the MessagePad from other devices on the market were grounded in the
`Newton OS. Newton used an entirely new way of storing data -- soups. Soups were designed as reusable data stores so
`any application could access any other application's data, and this flexibility gave Newton an advantage. Soups could
`
`https://web.archive.org/web/19990202045806/https://msu.edu/~luckie/gallery/mp100.htm[4/17/2018 9:51:21 AM]
`
`1
`
`APPLE-1020
`
`

`

`Newton MessagePad
`
`exist on multiple storage devices, so some of your Names could be held in internal RAM and others on multiple RAM
`cards, with the OS doing all the housekeeping. There are two different ROMs which shipped in the OMP. The first
`shipped at the introduction with version 1.0 on the chip with a patch to version 1.02; later updates were 1.03, 1.04. and
`finally 1.05. The second ROM shipped after 10/30/93 with 1.10 on the chip and a patch to 1.11; there were no later
`patches.
`
` The Newton MessagePad 100 had the same hardware as an OMP but with a much nicer operating system (version
`1.3). Sharp's ExpertPads were clones of these machines. In both of these messagepads, handwriting recognition (HWR)
`was the basis of data input to many of the built-in applications. HWR depended solely on Paragraph International Inc.'s
`Calligrapher recognition engine. Calligrapher is amazing technology but is limited somewhat by the dictionary of words
`to which it has access. If you write a word that doesn't exist in the dictionary Calligrapher is NOT going to recognize it
`correctly. Calligrapher also 'learns' your handwriting over weeks. Thus a messagepad is very personal and can fail
`miserably at recognizing a stranger's handwriting especially words it's never heard of before. With some training and
`adding new words to its dictionary (word list) Calligrapher can be amazingly accurate at HWR. HWR is like magic
`sometimes, recognizing scribble that no human could. Version 1.3 of the Newton OS (Newton Intelligence as it was
`originally named) added another letter by letter recognition engine and deferred recognition capabilities to the HWR
`which enhanced the newton's capabilities quite a bit. OS 1.3 is a very stable and capable operating system (much nicer
`than previous versions). These first newtons were manufactured by Sharp Electronics Inc. and had bright clear
`supertwish LCD screens. Some of the OMPs had golden colored screens which were so nice that they caused trouble
`when Apple had to change to another manufacturer and the MP110's screen was poor in comparison. The newtons also
`had a wonderful texture to them. They had a rubberized surface that kept the units well gripped in the user's hand. This
`'skin' as it was called was later omitted in the MP120's after heavily used MP110's began to peel and draw complaints
`from users. The OMP and MP100s had a flat stylus (stored on the holster on the side of the unit) that was called a
`carpenter's pen. Later models had rounded styluses with internal storage holsters.
`
`Original Product Specifications Announcement (1993)
` The Newton MessagePad is the first in a family of communications assistants from Apple. By combining Newton
`Intelligence technology with sophisticated communications capabilities, the Newton MessagePads help you stay in
`touch with friends and colleagues, organize your life, and keep track of your ideas. You can take notes. Make a quick
`sketch. Format and print letters. Share and synchronize information with your personal computer. Send a fax. Receive
`pages and messages. Tap into on-line services or electronic mail. Even exchange business cards with a colleague via
`built-in infrared technology. And wherever you go, the powerful, under-one-pound personal digital assistant goes too,
`tucked in your pocket or briefcase.
`
` Almost as easy to use as pencil and paper, the Newton MessagePad lets you leave your notes handwritten or reads
`your handwriting and transforms it into typed text. If you prefer, you can type words using an on-screen keyboard. It
`even cleans up your rough sketches. And as time goes by, it learns about you, your handwriting, and the way you work.
`
` Because the Newton MessagePad is designed to know how you work, it can help you work smarter. For example, the
`Newton MessagePad can find a phone number and dial the phone for you, fax a note, format a letter, and even set up a
`lunch appointment.
`
` The Newton MessagePad comes with built-in applications that include a notepad, to-do list, datebook, and name file
`to get you started. When you're ready, you can customize your Newton MessagePad to include Apple and third-party
`software and hardware additions as well. There's already a good selection of Shareware available on popular Macintosh
`FTP Sites like sumex-aim.stanford.edu.
`Features
`
`https://web.archive.org/web/19990202045806/https://msu.edu/~luckie/gallery/mp100.htm[4/17/2018 9:51:21 AM]
`
`2
`
`

`

`Newton MessagePad
`Built-in applications
`
`Let you capture, organize, and communicate all kinds of information
`Allow free-form notetaking -- mixing ink handwriting, printed text, and graphics all on the same page
`Turn printed or cursive handwriting into typed text or leave it as ink
`Track tasks via a to-do list that helps you assign priorities, lets you check off completed tasks, and then updates
`the next day's list for you
`Let you create name files with a familiar, business-card look and feel that help you store information on hundreds
`of colleagues and friends
`Help you plan monthly, weekly, and daily calendars
`Include an assortment of information and productivity tools (such as time-zone maps, calculator, and currency-
`exchange formulas)
`
`Communications capabilities
`
`Send notes or messages, schedule appointments, or exchange business cards with other nearby Newton users via
`built-in, infrared beaming technology
`Print formatted letters and notes to serial and parallel printers
`Send faxes anywhere with an optional compact fax modem
`Receive and store wireless paging messages with the optional Newton Messaging Card
`Share information and keep files synchronized and updated with personal computers running Microsoft Windows
`or with Macintosh computers (requires Newton Connection Kit)
`Tap into electronic mail and on-line services with an optional compact fax modem
`
`Intelligent assistance
`
`Knows how you work and actively assists you in completing tasks
`Assists you in making phone calls, faxing, finding information, sending electronic mail, printing, scheduling
`meetings, and completing to-do lists
`Technical Specifications
`Newton Intelligence
`
`Newton Recognition Architecture
`
`Recognizes handwriting: printed, cursive, or mixed word recognition
`Recognizes graphics and the inherent symmetry in objects
`
`Newton Information Architecture
`
`Object-oriented data storage optimized for storing, finding, and linking small pieces of information
`Easy creation of custom forms applications via the flexible graphical view toolbox
`Easy data sharing using standard tags
`Object-oriented database provides flexible view of data
`
`Newton Communications Architecture -- Provides single interface for all communication
`services
`
`Integrated to support easy communications with minimum setup requirements
`Designed in modules to support new communications capabilities
`
`https://web.archive.org/web/19990202045806/https://msu.edu/~luckie/gallery/mp100.htm[4/17/2018 9:51:21 AM]
`
`3
`
`

`

`Newton MessagePad
`
`Intelligent Assistance Architecture
`
`Assists users in completing repetitive tasks done in multiple categories, including communications, scheduling,
`finding, and reminding functions
`Contains smart defaults to reduce complexity
`Functions across applications transparently
`Allows extensions by third-party developers
`
`Newton Hardware Architecture
`
`Original Message Pad same as Newton Message Pad 100 except OS
`System Version: OMP has 1.0,1.1, MP100 has 1.2,1.3
`Low-power, reflective LCD display (336 x 240 pixels)
`-Apple custom system ASIC
`CPU: ARM 610 processor at 20 MHz
`ROM: Transparent tablet with passive pen -- 4MB of ROM
`RAM: 640KB
`System space 482 (448) KB *():1.04,1.10
`User space 158 (192) KB *():1.04,1.10
`Heap: 50K
`Size: 184.8 x 114.3 x 27.5 (mm)
`Weight: 400g (and Batt.)
`Card: One PCMCIA type 2 card slot
`Interface: LocalTalk compatible serial port (RS422) x 1
`IR: Low-power, half-duplex, infrared transceiver (9600 baud at 1 meter)
`Batt.:AAA 14 hours (alkaline batt.) 4 hours (NiCd batt.)
`
`Communications capabilities
`
`Print to Apple LaserWriters and StyleWriters with serial cable and to popular parallel printers using Newton Print
`Pack
`Fax with optional fax modem (9600 baud fax send, automatic cover-page generation, post-formatting)
`"Beam" via infrared technology (send notes, name cards, appointments at 9600 baud with 1-meter range)
`Handle telephony needs with assistance for intelligent auto dialing (DTMF or modem dialing)
`Receive and store wireless messages using optional Messaging Card
`Send and receive NewtonMail to other Newtons, PC's and Macintosh computers with optional modem*
`
`Size and weight
`
`Height: 7.25 in. (184.75 mm)
`Width: 4.50 in. (114.3 mm)
`Depth: 0.75 in. (19.05 mm)
`Weight: 0.9 lb. (0.4 kg)
`
`Operating environment
`
`Temperature: +0 to +40 C
`Storage temperature: -20 to +60 C
`Humidity range: 20% to 95% RH noncondensing
`
`Power requirements
`
`https://web.archive.org/web/19990202045806/https://msu.edu/~luckie/gallery/mp100.htm[4/17/2018 9:51:21 AM]
`
`4
`
`

`

`Newton MessagePad
`
`Power adapter
`
`Universal, 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
`Four plug configurations: U.S., U.K., Europe, and Australia
`
`Battery type: alkaline or nickel-cadmium
`
`Alkaline output: 6.0V DC, 1.1 WH (nominal)
`Nickel-cadmium output: 4.8V DC, 200 mAh (nominal)
`
`Lithium cell: CR2032
`
`Operating range: 3 V (nominal)
`
`Power source
`
`AC adapter (included) or four AAA batteries (included)
`optional Rechargeable Battery Pack
`
`System requirements
`
`Works with personal computers running Microsoft Windows; requires connector cable and version 3.0 or later
`Works with Macintosh personal computers; requires connector cable and system 7.01 or later
`
`Printer support
`
`Built-in printer support for the Apple StyleWriter and StyleWriter II
`All Apple PostScript laser printers from the LaserWriter Plus and up
`The Apple Personal LaserWriter printer
`Works with most popular PC printers, including the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet, Hewlett-Packard DeskJet, Canon
`BubbleJet, and Epson LQ and FX using the Print Pack option
`
`Fax machine support
`
`Supports Group 3 fax machines
`
`https://web.archive.org/web/19990202045806/https://msu.edu/~luckie/gallery/mp100.htm[4/17/2018 9:51:21 AM]
`
`5
`
`

`

`Wayback Machine
`
`81 captures
`3 Mar 2000 - 12 Dec 2017
`
`FEB MAR APR
`03
`
`1999 2000 2005
`
`⍰⍰
`f
`⍰ About this capture
`
`https://web.archive.org/web/20000303211516/https://msu.edu/~luckie/gallery/images/mp_photo.jpg[4/17/2018 9:50:04 AM]
`
`6
`
`