The MessagePad Makeover

Apple's newest Newton becomes a hand-held Web browser.

Tom Thompson

In its continuing efforts to carve a slice of the nascent hand-held computer market, Apple has remade its Newton technology. The result is the MessagePad 2000 , which, like the latest-generation desktop computers, offers more of everything: memory (1 MB of DRAM, 5 MB of flash RAM), two Type II PC Card slots, a more powerful processor (see the sidebar "StrongARM: Strong Brain, No Drain"), a bigger display, and more software.

The backlit, touch-sensitive display is larger -- 480 by 320 pixels and 100 dots per inch (dpi) versus the MessagePad 130's 320 by 240 pixels and 72 dpi -- and offers 16 gray levels. While the bigger screen makes program use (especially viewing faxes) easier, it m akes the unit even bigger (4.7 by 8.3 inches) than its already rather clunky predecessor.

Perhaps the MessagePad's most interesting new feature is Newton OS 2.1's support for the TCP/IP, PPP, SLIP, PAP, and CHAP Internet protocols. Add to these the bundled NetHopper 2.0 Web browser from AllPen Software and an optional PC Card modem and you can have, at 1.4 pounds, one of the world's smallest Web browsers. I slapped in a Hayes Optima 288 PC Card modem, selected Earthlink from the Internet Setup program, typed in my name and password using the virtual keyboard, and fired up NetHopper. Total time to start surfing the Net: 5 minutes. You can have the Newton OS rotate the screen image 90 degrees to improve Web page viewing. One caveat: NetHopper currently handles only black-and-white graphics and text; a gray-scale version is in the works. For now, stick to the default, text-only display: Downloading graphics and converting them to black-and-white bit maps takes too long; worse, it often crash ed my test unit. But I had no problems in text-only mode and really came to appreciate Web sites that provide text-based links.

With included spreadsheet, word processor, Web browser, and e-mail programs, the MessagePad is competitive with other hand-held computers. It supports IrDA-standard wireless infrared communication with other hand-held devices and some printers, such as HP's LaserJet 5MP and DeskJet 340. And the bundled Newton Connection Utilities software lets you keep identical notes, work files, and contact lists on the MessagePad as well as on your desktop system (Mac or Windows). The second PC Card slot means you no longer have to choose between more memory or a modem but can have both.

The MessagePad 2000 -- the best Newton yet -- is expected to ship this quarter and sell for less than $1000.

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Product Information

MessagePad 2000.................under $1000

Apple Computer
Cupertino, CA
Phone:
    (408) 996-1010
Fax:      (800) 505-0171
Internet: 
http://www.newton.apple.com/

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MesagePad for the Millenium

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The MessagePad 2000's larger screen, speedy StrongARM CPU, and support for Net protocols make this the best Newton yet.

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Tom Thompson is a BYTE senior technical editor and longtime Newton user. You can reach him at tom_thompson@bix.com .