Apple Newton

I have a MP2100. Had it since 2001. A great PDA and outside of the business world where MS Office and PDF files rule supreme, it could also be a laptop/desktop replacement.

MS Office and PDF files have to be translated into html before they can be viewed on the Newton.

If you don't need file compatibility then the Newton can do most anything one can do with a modern laptop:

Emails, word processing, spreadsheets, faxing, bluetooth file transfers (particularly with MAC OS X, Windows only allows one way transfers to the desktop/laptop), GPS navigation.

An excellent user interface that becomes second nature after a while and its so good that long time users find it very difficult to shift to Windows Mobile, Palm OS, iPhone or Symbian.

You can do voice telephony through a PCMCIA cellular card phone but a headset is required. Cellular web browsing and downloads are possible with the same card.

Lots of third party software; most released as freeware now; 2 pcmcia slots; all make for great fun figuring out all the things you can do with it.

So as a laptop replacement, 5/10.
PDA: 9/10.

Having just bought an original Message Pad with Newton OS 1.05 I am extremely impressed. Considering that this is an original device the handwriting recognition is amazingly good, though it does make some mistakes but that is more because I haven't got used to it than anything. THe device is easy to navigate, intelligent, remarkably quick and fun to use. I hear a Newton 2100 calling . . . .

OK. Newton is dead? Well then it is a Zombie, since the Newton devices are more alive then some other platforms (Psion for example). Admitted, it is very large, but so you have a full screen to use and not such a small Graffiti area. Well my first organizers were of the small kind with 4kb of memory or so. Then I got myself a MP120 and I was stunned. In school I was taking notes, making my homework, and carrying most of my papers with me. Then it got destroyed and as soon as I had saved enough money I got myself a 2100 and I used it at work for project management, taking notes during meetings (sinking subs in boring ones), making quotations and faxing it directly to the next fax at the customers location. I was always asked wether this is the newest handheld and where one could get it. When I told them the sad story of the Newton, their jaws fell open on frequent basis. Then I made a big mistake, I got into trouble by the Newtons lack of synching to a PC. So I decided to buy a Ericsson MC218. This one sucked me with the lacking communication possibilities to the Mac. So I bought a Palm Tungsten T. It worked with the PC and Mac flawlessly had a brilliant color screen, MP3 abilities, played movies and all the stuff. But I could not take Notes during meetings, there is no "Intelligence" that recognizes "lunch with Thiemo" and entered it into my dates app. Currently I am selling my Palm and getting a 2100 again. I'll wait and see how long it takes for the companies to come out with a comparable device, though I fear this will never be the case... THANK YOU STEVERINO!!

Bloody amazing tool. I just re-purchased the MP 2100 to replace one that was stolen few years back. I payed 1200.00 USD for it the first time and they are an even better value now. I have shopped around for some of the great new Pocket PC's, but they just never seem to give me tham same ease of use the Newton gave me. So I'm back in the fold. Read the posts before me - they are all true. This units has kicked ass from day one. Email, Ethernet, Flash card expansion (x2!), great applications, great speed considering the age. Always a Newton User!

What else need be said? I've used my Newton since 1998(2100 & 2000). It has replaced my laptop, and is used every single day at the office for meetings, note taking, scheduling, I even use a project planner when traveling and subsequently uplad the project plan to my desktop into Microsoft's Project! The Newton is by far the best device of its type ever mass produced. Steve, please continue developing this device.

i need the best ever pocket PC with camera etc

Newton 2100 is an awesome PDA that was Steve'd before it's time. Having used both the Palm OS and PocketPC (Win CE) devices, the Newt still has the best interface and integration of a PDA. Yes, the Palm OS and PocketPC devices to have some nice features, and their smaller size is nice. However, overall, the Newt seems like it does so much more and has kept pace with the others dispite being discontinued some years ago. The larger display (480x320) is definitely a plus. Also you can expand without it's size getting bigger with things like memory, modems, Ethernet cards (love that sync speed vice USB or serial). Battery life is long unlike the others. The Palm devices have short lives when the backlight is on. Some holds true for the PocketPC devices as well. I would love to see what a current day Apple PDA would look like. What really amazes me, is how many Palm and Pocket PC users ask me about my new device...just shows you how far ahead of the market Apple was with the Newt.

I've had my Newton 2100 for 3.5 years, and it still works great, runs all the software I need it to run, and can do more than most co-workers PDA's combined. It's big enough to take notes in meetings without squinting at the screen, but not small enough to carry in your shirt pocket if that's what you want. HWR is incredible, especially considering my sloppy handwriting. I'm amazed that in an industry that changes as fast as computers do, a 4 year old device still has more capabilities and is at least as, if not more advanced that the competition.

I bought a MP2000 in 1997 and I still use it everyday for word processing, spreadsheets, database, Newton book reading and publishing, reading and posting email, and as a day planner and address book. As a physician, I have found the ability to publish a book of "Pearls" extemely useful as this medical information can be continually revised as medical knowledge changes. This information can be easily transferred as a small footprint package to another Newton or simply printed, faxed or emailed as plain text. There are yet many other apps available that I've haven't tried such as Newton web page serving, GPS mapping, wireless communications, powerpoint type presentations, Java programming with WABA, Basic programming with NSBasic and many more for this "dead" OS. Not bad for technology that is four years out from its demise. Thanks to the Newton developers out there continuing to "Think Green".

My newton is still useful today. I love that you can type "Lunch w/ Sarah tomorrow @ The Sandwhich Stand" and have it schedual a meeting @ the correct time, place, and people. Oh, and its the only handheld that the writing recognition doesn't suck (Newton OS 2 and up). It has games for borining meetings, and meets my needs. Recomended definatly.

I've used a Newton since the original modell. The MP2100 is reallly the penultimate handheld. Now I do agree it's not as easy to "pocket" or "palm" (unless you're 6'5"), but it is infinitely more usable. Also, you're less likely to go bling reading the large (640x240) 360 degree rotatable screen. I'l list some examples, and parenthetically add my favorites) there are Web browsers (NewtsCape), e-mail (SimpleMail), JAVA interpreters (WABA), software to connect your digital camera (Tibet), form-generation software (FormIt) and 2-D CAD (PocketHouseMap). The TCP//IP stack supports web browsing, web serving(!), even use of a Novatel Merlin wireless modem. The main reason I still use my Newton is the handwriting recognition. I've tried Graffiti and the latest (v3) PocketPC recognition engines, but they don't stack up. I was at a professional meeting where several users had Palms or PocketPCs; no one took notes. I took several pages of detailed notes, over the 4 hour meeting. At the end I beamed the notes (Palm compatible IRDA software Smartdogsw.com) to Palm users, who were amazed. I know someday I will replace my Newton with a Palm device, but not untill 1) the speed is increased 2) better handwriting, 3) bigger screen.

The Apple Newton was and still is a handheld computer ahead of its time. I have a 2100 and it blows every other PDA and handheld computer out there out of the water. The true handwriting recognition along with still blazing speed, a usable screen, and the world's simplest and most robust handheld OS around combine to make the Newton the perfect handheld for almost anyone. Connectivity via Mac and PC is available, but the Newton shines on its own. As a portable, it has supplanted my need for a laptop and will accompany me on my semester abroad, providing me with word processing, spreadsheets, games, email, and Internet access. I can't think of a better device.

I use an MP2100 with a 32 Mb flash card. In the other PCMCIA slot I use a modem or an Ethernet card, or other card-based applications. I do PowerPoint presentations, record voice notes, run spreadsheets, do word processing during an entire 8 hour flight, and track all my investments through its web browser and portfolio tracking software. I use it with a digital camera to e-mail color photos through my cellular. I have a full project scheduler that I can plan my team's workloads on. I have a database query system with all my project data. I use my Outlook-based email while on travel. I have it programmed to turn on my TV and tune it to the news in the morning. I have about 15 full novels on it as well for dull moments, along with crossword puzzle and cryptogram applications, and a chess program I have yet to beat at its highest setting. And... I have a spare in my office that I run as a web server. Yes, it is also an electronic Calendar and Address book -- but so much more. My Palm? I left if behind once I got this - it's sitting in the drawer at home. My laptop? It's sitting in the drawer in my office. Minuses - I won't fit in your pocket unless you are a doctor, pharmacist, or lab tech. Synchronizing with many desktop schedulers is becoming more difficult. Flash cards are EXPENSIVE (but I stocked up). Will I switch? Yes, sure. When I can do all this on a Palm.

The Newton learns to infact read what you write, so you hardly need to adapt or learn a new writing system. And corrections are as easily done as marking moving text around etc. And it amazed me how well the apps integrate together, thanks to the object orientated model in the Operating System, making it easy for programmers to implement data interlinking. And though I'd preferred a different view to the bultin Date app, it's no problem at all, since I could just use TimeTrax, an excellent solution, even available in German! (my mother tongue) Though my MP 120 is a) slow, when compared to MP 2x00s, it has been up to speed for my uses, quick notes -- even music compositions -- written down on the road, reading Newton books, mails... -- If you attach a keyboard to it, and you are a quicker touch typist than myself, you can outtype it; but hey, then "just" get an MP 2k (not that easy nowadays), that's WAY FASTER... b) NOT backlighted... Well, I had to come around that sometimes (using it only in well-lit places), but the display was sharp and clear, so it was OK. But I'd recommend to get at least an MP 130 or greater, since they're all backlighted. c) big. Comes as advantage and disadvantage as well, since the screen is big enough to keep writing long phrases without stopping. Don't try that on a Palm or Visor... (not possible without an extra software anyway, but it's no fun with a too small display) When it comes to Battery life, Data Security, Protection against Data Loss, Newton shines, and it's easy to hook up to my old PB 190 and not much harder to connect to my iMac (and even PCs, as I hear). The Newton programmers still around are an enthusiastic bunch, eager to help on mailing lists (particularly NewtonTalk -- to join, visit http://www.newtontalk.net/ but expect a LOAD of messages!) and to make miracles come true... Perhaps the most important is the Implementation of a working IrDA for exchange by beaming between the old Newts and Palms/Visors (even CEs given the right IrDA Stack). MP2k only, so it won't work with mine... But isn't it amazing how much can be achieved using that piece of "obsolete technology"? To sum up my opinion -- Newtons can be all you need on the road, while Palms have to be supplemented with a notebook or even desktop regularly to be of any use... (And CEs trying to put the desktop into your pocket have an interface that's hindering me from working intuitively.)

It is the most useful, easiest to use pda ever created. You don't have to write in the damn little box in its language. It learns your writing anywhere on its screen.

The Newton 2100, with it's fantastic handwriting recognition software, learns each individuals style of writing--whether cursive or print style. The more you use it, the smarter it becomes, and this is no exaggeration! It's the ONLY "smart" computer that Apple (or anyone else) has ever made. Steve Jobs would be smart to incorporate the features of the Newton into another handheld device. Even my new PowerBook & iMac can't compete with my Newton. Check to see if the handheld you are considering can do 85% of what the Newton can do. If you find one that can, please drop me a note at [email protected], and let me know about it, because I have looked everywhere and have not been able to find one yet. My Newton is used everyday, and hasn't failed me yet. I just hope my Newton will last as long as my Mac Plus, because I don't see any replacement now, or even in the near future. I hope I'm wrong, but I have been waiting a long time.

started with the 100, held on till the 2000, upgraded. Reluctantly put it away when the line was cancelled. I tried the palm professional and then the III and got very angry. I was given a spare 2000 and am now happily back. Simple ease of use and design of the OS beats the palm

Amazing technology that IMHO, many years after its' untimely demise, still eclipses the capabilities of the existing "best of breed" PDA. Unfortunately Mr. Jobs did not have sufficent wisdom to overcome what appears to be an "ego-driven" decision to halt further development of the platform. Today, it truly replaces my laptop in daily activities. I create all notes and drawings easily in my own script, capture and/or create Word and Excel docs for background info, sync with Outlook for To-do's, calendar, and contact info, and access the web for email and browsing. The larger screen and intuitive interface make it easy to use, yet very portable. It does not fit in my pocket, but that is a very small sacrifice in light of all that it enables.

Connectivity sucks by today's standards. Fortunately, HWR, Inet and Enet capabilities means.... this is a machine that doesn't _need_ to connect to a desktop. If yr in a shared environment - and don't want to take meeting and development notes working 'where you are' - get an alternative. If you want a _true_ standalone, handheld, unobtrusive powerful machine on which to work: grab a Newton while you can. Am I a fanatic? No. is there a better alternative at present? Also - No.

The Newton is powerful, versatile, and before its time! I've tried the Palm, I've tried WinCE - I have yet to find a PDA device that is truly a small computer (not just an organizer!) The Newton is just that - a real computer, not a computer accessory.

The Apple Newton is a really great machine. I've had mine for almost a year now and don't know what I did without it. THe Handwriting recognition is really good, I avaerage 80% recognition which is not perfect but good enough. The levle of software availability is very good with many things built in. Overall, it is really good. A shame that Apple discontinued it.

Elegant is the best word to describe the Newton MessagePad. You'll never find another PDA that can do all of the diversity of things that this one can (I challenge you to try and take notes in a meeting with a Palm - most can't do it). Without a doubt this is the most tightly integrated platform as well. Hardware and software are seamless.

To me it is amazing how the Newton, and not only the latest MP2k but the previous types (MP120 and MP130 with NOS2.0) compare with recent PDAs like Pilot and Visor. These devices have functionality which is still unbeaten, four years after Apple's interim CEO Steve Jobs stopped the development and manufacturing by saying: "A computer must have a keyboard!". It's now in 2001 when the first desktop computer programs start to offer similar functionality like the Newton has, but it is still not reached. The Newton OS 2.0 and 2.1 are two of the simplest user interfaces I ever saw and it is really amazing to work with a Newton, independently from desktop (and w/o synchronizing :-( it is a true standalone device with many really needed capabilities. And there is a thrieving user community which still develops software and helps each other in keeping the best PDA platform up and running. Certainly the size is larger than a Pilot/Visor but I like the large screen.

As others have said, the Newton is an amazing piece of gear, that has not to date been equalled, and may never be. I'm astounded when I look at Palms and PocketPCs at how far off base they are from the simple functionality the Newton had years ago.

I think the Newton is the best PDA ever created. I used to have a 120 and now own a 2100. Even the 120 was a magnet for people. Even when I was sitting waiting for the bus, I had reactions like this: "Are you from the men in black?" "That's one of the latest Notebooks, right?" "It's awesome!" and so on. It's a clear winner in my eyes, even if it's 5 years old now. Damn, I'd have loved to see the next models!

Get out of the box - the tiny little writing box, that is. I tried switching to a Palm after using a newton for years, but it was like going back to a tricycle. It is my substitute laptop, and I can't imagine running my business without it.

I've been a palm user for four years (4 different models). This spring I bought my Newton Message Pad 2100. The handwriting recognition and sophistication of the programs makes the palm seem .... well primative. When I show my friends at work they think I have the latest PDA supercomputer. Then they are shocked when I tell them the Newton hasn't been manufactured in almost 5 years. Way ahead of its time. Too bad the market and public wasn't ready for this first introduction to the PDA. It's still years ahead of the competition.

According to the category, truly a HANDHELD PC. If you are looking for ToDo list manager, or an agenda reminder, then a smaller, Palm based or similar unit may serve you well. But if you want a device that may just well replace your 7lb laptop, a reasonably priced Newton (generally avialable on Ebay) is the best possible option. The ability to have 2 PCMCIA is an absoulte awesome Advantage. The large screen that you can write anywhere you want with handwriting recognition is amazing. The ability to drag and drop info from anywhere to anywhere is simply amazing and unmatched on other platforms. Bottom line is that if you want a handheld computer, the Newton is still a clear winner. If you want a electronic address book, then there are certainly smaller options to consider.

it works great - even now, almost four years after discontinuance. it's useful and intuitive. palm OS users just gape, then walk away, when i demo it, especially the handwriting recognition and text-to-speech.

Even if Apple decided to stop developing the Newton 1998, it's still the most advantaged and innovated handheld computer (PDA) until today. Great product. Palm is the perfect size when not used, but Newton is the perfect size when used. Newton. It's the Palm with a brain.

The best PDA ever. Still beat anything available out there. Real handwriting recognition, not a cheesy pseudo-recognizer, ethernet connectiviy, web browsing, email, voice recording, 2 PCMCIA slots, it's still the best!