Apple unveils new generation of Newton portables
Apple this week finally announced its mobile eMate 300 'Shay' computer and MessagePad 2000 after a barrage of press speculation and unofficial reports detailing their features.
Apple's eMate 300 is a clamshell-design portable computer aimed at students. It is based on Apple's Newton operating system and comes with bundled software including a word processor, drawing program, spreadsheet and graphing calculator. Users can input data via a stylus or keyboard and the handheld supports short-range infra-red data transfer. It also features an 'instant-on' facility which conserves battery power when the lid is closed and boasts a battery life of up to 28 hours. The eMate 300 is expected to cost around £375 and will ship in the US in the first quarter of 1997.
The MessagePad 2000, also a Newton-based device, is GSM compatible and includes 5Mb RAM and 8Mb ROM. It features an Internet browser, e-mail program, a PIM, spreadsheet, word processor and recording facilities to store up to an hour of audio on a 4Mb PC Card. It is based on a 160MHz processor and will run for three to six weeks on four AA batteries or a NiMh battery pack. The device can be connected to a PC or Macintosh and has an optional keyboard. It will cost around £630 and will be available in the first quarter of 1997.
Both devices are among the first to emerge from Apple's Information Appliance Division.
You can find information on Apple Newton products by calling: 0800-639866.