Apple Newton MessagePad 2000

Newton MessagePad 2000

The Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 is one of the later model PDAs from the Apple Newton family.

The MessagePad 2000 comes standard with 5MB RAM and 8MB of ROM, Cirrus Voyager chip set, and a power efficient, backlit screen with 16-level gray scale. The entire width of a fax or web page can be scaled to be viewed and the screen can rotate 360 degrees which means that users can view and work on the screen, either horizontally, vertically or upside down, depending on their preference. A built-in microphone and speaker enables users to record and play back voice dictation. Options include a lightweight, touch-type keyboard (available as standard in some configurations), NiMh rechargeable battery pack, AC adapter, and additional flash memory cards. Built in software enables direct printing to serial, IrDA, and LocalTalk printers. The optional Print Pack allows printing to parallel printers.

Now, with the Apple MessagePad 2000 handheld computer, you don’t have to carry a heavy laptop around anymore.

That’s because this small wonder weighs under a pound and a half, yet puts the core business applications you need— word processor, spreadsheet, datebook, contacts, and to-do lists— at your fingertips when away from your desk.

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 current versions of personal digital assistants. It also includes more memory for storing applications or user data.

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 play back voice notes.

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

But probably the best news for busy professionals on the move is that the MessagePad 2000 can deliver over 3 to 6 weeks of 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.

Overview

As the most powerful member of the Apple MessagePad family, the MessagePad 2000 takes advantage of the Newton operating system to deliver the features you need in a mobile computer. Why bother with a heavy laptop machine when the lightweight MessagePad 2000 offers the core business applications and functionality you depend on? - Functionality such as: word processing, e-mail, browsing the world wide web, accessing your corporate intranet, wireless paging, taking notes at a meeting and more

Of all handheld computers, only the MessagePad 2000 features:

• The best power management with one set of four AA alkaline batteries lasting three to six weeks under normal usage.
• A lightning-fast 160 MHz RISC processor, offering five times the performance of other handheld devices.
• More flexibility thanks to two PC card slots, allowing for multiple configurations, such as one for a wireless modem and the other for additional memory, for example.
• Sharp, crisp backlighting, and a 16-level high-resolution gray-scale screen that rotates on command so you can see your work in the most natural orientation.
• A detachable keyboard so you can easily type e-mail, letters, project reports and input complex data.
• A variety of connectivity solutions so you can choose how to move data between your MessagePad and your favorite applications on your primary computer.
• The ability to exchange data with both Windows and MacOS-based computers.
• A wide range of third-party applications, designed to meet your mobile computing needs.

The MessagePad 2000 is the smart choice for staying in touch, and for putting critical information at your fingertips when and how you need it.

Features

Included software

• Includes business software programs: word processor, internet e-mail client, World Wide Web browser, and spreadsheet (in some configurations)
• Allows freeform notes, outlines, lists, and phone logs via digital ink or handwriting recognition
• Helps you plan activities using the calendar, and manage priorities using the To Do List
• Includes name and address files
• Offers productivity tools such as time-zone maps, a calculator, and currency exchange

Built-in communications

• Includes Internet and intranet 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 cellular, radio, or landline modems
• 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

Details

• 167.9 MHz StrongARM 32-bit RISC processor
• 3 MB Read/Write memory space (1 MB DRAM; 2 MB FEPROM) expandable to 8 MB (4 MB DRAM; 4 MB FEPROM)
• 480x320 transreflective DFSTN LCD display with 0.26mm dot pitch
• 16 levels gray scale
• Two Type II PCMCIA slots; 3.3 V and 5 V operation
• Backlight
• Universal AC/DC power adapter
• Rechargeable NiMH battery pack or four AA alkaline batteries
• 24 hours continuous operation with NiMH pack; 100 hours operation in Idle mode (display on, backlight off)

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
  • Supports new communications capabilities through its modular design
  • Supports Group 3 and Class II fax machines
  • Supports Internet and intranet protocols
• 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 SA-110 RISC processor at 160 MHz
  • Newton custom system chip set-ASIC
  • 5MB RAM (1MB 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) liquid crystal display (480 by 320 pixels at 100 dpi, with 16-level gray scale and EL backlight)
  • Nonglare resistive tablet and full-size pen
  • Two Type II PC Card slots (3 V and 5 V cards)
  • Newton InterConnect™ 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)
• Transit temperature: -13° to 140° F (-25° to 60° C) for up to 48 hours, 5% to 95% noncondensing relative humidity

Troubleshooting

Resetting the Operating System

• On back of MessagePad 2000, use a pen (not the stylus) to press the Reset button for two seconds. If MessagePad 2000 is on, it restarts. If MessagePad 2000 is off, it turns on.

Important: Check the time in Date and Time preferences. (The clock in MessagePad 2000 might lose some time whenever the Reset button is pressed.)

Documentation

• Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 Getting Started
• Newton MessagePad 2000 GSM Important Information
• Important Information About Your MessagePad 2000
• Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 Service Source
• Upgrading Your MessagePad 2000
• Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 User's Manual
• Using E-Mail on Your MessagePad 2000

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See Also

• Apple Newton
• Apple Computer

Serial Line Internet Protocol