Apple Ships MessagePad 2000, a Complete Handheld Computer for the Mobile
Business Professional
CUPERTINO, Calif.–March 24, 1997–Apple Computer, Inc., today announced it
is shipping the MessagePad 2000, a mobile computer for the business
professional and one of the fastest handheld Internet computers on the
market.
The MessagePad 2000 offers the versatility of a laptop- including email,
fax, and Internet access capability, as well as personal productivity
software–at a fraction of a laptop’s weight: 1.4 pounds. Incorporating the
160 MHz StrongARM processor, the MessagePad 2000 performs up to ten times
faster than current handheld computers in the market today and works easily
to exchange data with both Windows and Mac OS-based computers.
“A lot has been said about putting the functionality of a business computer
into a handheld computer,” said Jim Groff, senior vice president of the
Information Appliance Division at Apple Computer, Inc. “In demonstrating
the MessagePad 2000 over the past few months, we have showed a lot of
people worldwide that it is achievable. The MessagePad 2000 has set a high
standard for mobile computing–one that competitors will have a hard time
matching.”
Announced last October, the MessagePad 2000 has gained wide recognition as
the first fully configured mobile business appliance. The MessagePad 2000
is now available in North America with English language versions scheduled
to ship in Europe, Australia, and selected Asia-Pacific countries in April.
The estimated retail price of the MessagePad 2000 in the United States,
including a word processor, email package, and web browser applications is
approximately $949, with a spreadsheet $999 and $1099 for the configuration
which also includes a keyboard and case. Retail prices may vary depending
on channel, dealer, and country.
Large Software Library The MessagePad 2000 incorporates a new version of
the award winning Newton operating system enabling it to support additional
functionality such as voice recording and a 16-level gray scale screen. The
computer comes preconfigured with a web browser and e-mail client software
(optional modem and Internet Service Provider required for Internet
access), a word processor, spreadsheet (available in most configurations),
and Newton address book, calendar, and notes applications. The computer can
exchange data with many major Windows and Macintosh personal information
management applications, including Microsoft Schedule+ 7.0 , Lotus
Organizer 2.1, and Claris Organizer 2.0 using Apple’s Newton Connection
Utilities (included). The computer’s Auto Dock feature makes these data
transfers easy. The MessagePad 2000 can also transfer data to and from
Microsoft Excel or Word on both Windows and Mac OS-based systems.
Weeks of Run-time on a Single Charge Four AA alkaline batteries or a
rechargeable battery pack with one-hour recharge will power the device for
up to six weeks of normal usage. The computer has two Type II PC Card slots
that support many wired and wireless communication solutions already
shipping for the Newton operating system, as well as expansion for
applications and memory cards. An instant on feature lets you quickly begin
working –there’s no waiting for the device bootup.
The MessagePad 2000 comes standard with 5MB RAM and 8MB of ROM, Cirrus
Voyager chip set, and a power efficient, backlit screen with 16-level gray
scale. The entire width of a fax or web page can be scaled to be viewed and
the screen can rotate 360 degrees which means that users can view and work
on the screen, either horizontally, vertically or upside down, depending on
their preference. A built-in microphone and speaker enables users to record
and play back voice dictation. Options include a lightweight, touch-type
keyboard (available as standard in some configurations), NiMh rechargeable
battery pack, AC adapter, and additional flash memory cards. Built in
software enables direct printing to serial, IrDA, and LocalTalk printers.
The optional Print Pack allows printing to parallel printers.
Broad Support by Software Developers, Systems Integrators The Newton-OS
platform is supported by more than 250 solution providers and 300 systems
integrators and value added resellers. Several major hardware developers,
including Digital Ocean, Harris, and Schlumberger are building their own
information appliances based on the Newton operating system. Third party
vertical applications include health care patient record management, field
service route delivery, and sales force automation.
The MessagePad 2000 is now available from selected authorized Apple dealers.
Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry
and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on
easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal
digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in Cupertino,
California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions,
products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer,
entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in more
than 140 countries.
Press Contact: Michelle Knoop Access Communications for Apple Computer,
Inc. (415) 904-7070, ext. 286 Pager: 1-800-501-2945 email:
mknoop@accesspr.com
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Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, MessagePad, Newton,and PowerBook
are registered trademarks and StrongARM is a trademark of Apple Computer,
Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.
END