Apple, just as they helped bring the Window-based GUI to the public with the macintosh, brought the first advanced handheld computer to consumers. Later to be "reinvented" by Palm with a cheaper and more limited piece of hardware, this device's only real limitation was its CPU speed.

Several firsts for handhelds were available on this platform: Infrared transmission, printed & cursive handwriting recognition (I think it rivals grafitti), modem accessories, touch screen, email, expandability, and durability which is still unrivaled today.

Backing up your data is a bit difficult since the original Newton software works on pre-PowerPC macintosh and Windows 3.1.

I think it's an excellent organizer that can be had on eBay quite cheap for people considering a Palm, but don't know what it can offer. I wouldn't recommend using one daily (except the MessagePad 2100).

It's a bit big to carry around, but fits in your hand quite comfortably and you don't look as awkward using one as you do with a Palm and it's tiny screen. Apple canned the line after years of not being able to sell enough.

Again, another Apple first, ahead of its time and copied poorly. In the days where WinCE (iPaq, Jornada) devices are $700 and selling out, the $800 price tag of the Newton doesn't seem so great any longer.

Again, ahead of its time. Fun toy.

Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 46.00