• 1996

Hardware Description

The Apple Newton MessagePad 130, codenamed Dante, features a 20 MHz ARM 610 processor, 8 MB of ROM, 2.5 MB of RAM (1,199k of system RAM, 1,361k of Flash RAM for internal storage), and infrared-beaming capabilities in a sleek handheld case with a 320x240 pressure-sensitive, backlit monochrome display for use with a provided stylus. The Newton MessagePad 130 is similar to the MessagePad 120, but adds a backlit screen that is textured to simulate a paper surface, more RAM, and a new version of the NewtonOS (2.0). The Newton MessagePad was one of the first series of handheld systems, or PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), to attempt to recognize natural handwriting and use a basic form of artificial intelligence to 'tie' relevant information together. Please note that Newtons are technically not 'Macs', as they do not operate the MacOS, and instead use the NewtonOS (also developed by Apple).