3rd August 1993
Introduction of Apple Newton PDA

Introduction of Apple Newton PDA, abandoned in 1997

The original Apple Newton MessagePad features a 20 MHz ARM 610 processor, 4 MB of ROM, 640k of SRAM (150k usable), and infrared-beaming capabilities in a compact handheld case with a 336x240 pressure-sensitive monochrome display for use with a provided stylus. The original Newton MessagePad was one of the first 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. The Newton MessagePad models are technically not 'Macs', as they do not operate the MacOS, and instead use the NewtonOS (also developed by Apple).