History of Computers - Apple Newton

MessagePad

Introduction

The Apple Newton project brought one of the first personal digital assistants (PDA) to come to market. Development began in 1987 and was released in 1993. It remained on the market until Steve Jobs cancelled the project in 1998. Newton OS usually ran on handheld devices controlled by styluses called MessagePads. However, the eMate ran Newton OS on a clamshell-style machine, similar to the modern day laptop, with a built-in keyboard. The Newton OS pushed for internet on handheld devices, screen-based functionality, aided in the development of handwriting recognition software, and helped popularize ARM processors, which are still used in smartphones today.

eMate

Overview

Development of the Newton began in 1987 under Apple’s then CEO John Sculley. Coining the term “personal digital assistant”, Sculley imagined a handheld device that could act as a calendar, contact list, calculator, notepad, and more all in one. To do this, Apple designed the machine to use an ARM processor. The ARM processor was not common at the time, and the Newton’s production increased exposure and popularity of the processor. While this may seem like a small detail, it is important to note that most, if not all, smartphones use some form of an ARM processor today. Another advancement attributed to the Newton is development of handwriting recognition software. While Apple did not invent the concept, the company was one of the first to put it on the market. The software was designed to be used for the note taking function, but also utilized for trivial apps, such as sudoku.

Significance

While the Apple Newton may be considered a failure by some (or most), it is a clear predecessor not just to the iPhone, but to all smartphones. The hardware the Newton and MessagePads popularized is used in most handheld devices today, and features such internet access, ARM processors virtual notetaking, custom apps, calculator, and more live on through most smart devices. The Newton significantly developed technology to give us the computers so many carry with us everyday.