Apple rolls out new Newtons for education, business world

Monday, Oct. 28, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The company today is launching a high-powered, top-of-the-line Newton designed for people traveling on business and a rugged, notebook-style device intended for schools.

Apple says the computers, available early next year, are only the first in its series of "information appliances," an emerging class of products smaller, cheaper and more specialized than a traditional personal computer.

The company is one of many planning or unveiling such machines, ranging from so-called network computers -- bare-bones PCs linked to the Internet -- to Web-surfing video-game consoles to hand-held computers like Newton to "smart" phones.

"In the evolution of information technology ... the trend has been (to get) closer to the user, more broadly based, lower price points and open up new and more personal applications," said Jim Groff, general manager of Apple's information appliance division. "The goal is to keep doing that."

Apple's new, high-end MessagePad 2000 looks much like previous versions of the Newton, which has steadily been improved since its 1993 introduction, when it was derided for its shaky handwriting recognition and general inability to match its hype. And like earlier versions, it communicates with other computers and peripherals through wired and wireless connections.

But the new MessagePad being introduced today boasts a 162-megahertz microprocessor - far more power than the 20-mhz chip in the previous 130 MessagePad, introduced earlier this year.

"Anyone who's followed the travails of Newton is going to be ecstatic because of the chips they're using," said Tiernan Ray, an analyst with Technologic Partners in New York. "It's really a platform on which Apple can build."

One version comes with a nearly full-size keyboard in addition to the pen used to write on the screen or tap it to choose options or edit text or graphics. Where the previous model had only one slot for optional modem, memory or software cards, the 2000 has two. It also has more memory than the 130, 5 megabytes of RAM compared with 2.5.

Apple believes the extra power and other features will make the new Newton ideal for traveling business people who don't need a bigger laptop PC but still must read e-mail, connect with corporate networks and work on memos and spreadsheets.

The new computers will cost less than $1,000 -- at the high end of such products but less than half the price of a laptop PC.

Diana Hwang, an analyst at International Data Corp. in Framingham, Mass., while impressed with the 2000's specs, said the price could discourage buyers.

"What happens is potential users start thinking, 'If I'm going to pay that much, even though it's a really nifty device, should I spend more and get a notebook?"' she said.

Apple's other new product, the eMate 300, doesn't look anything like a Newton although it's based on the same technology.

The device, which at first will be sold only to schools, is a "clamshell" computer, a hard case that when opened reveals a screen on one side and a keyboard on the other.

The company sees the eMate as a portable, easy-to-use supplement to desktop PCs already in many classrooms. Students could use it to take notes on field trips or take it home for assignments much as they now borrow band instruments.

"It's anytime, anywhere computing for students," said Robert Kondrk, manager of Apple's education product line. "It's not dissimilar to what's happening in the business world."

The 4-pound device with a 25-mhz chip and 3 MB of RAM has a card slot for extra memory and software and can be linked to personal computers. It can exchange data via infrared beam with other eMates and can be linked to personal computers and printers. It will sell for less than $800.

But unlike the high-end Newton, it has no built-in Internet software. Apple said teachers may not want students to explore the Internet without supervision and that most schools are teaching youngsters about the 'Net with regular PCs.

Analysts were less enthusiastic about the eMate than the MessagePad 2000, saying it probably would appeal only to young children whose older siblings may already be used to full-fledged PCs.

And then it's not at all certain there is a demand for a mobile "my first Newton," said Ray, borrowing a phrase from Sony advertising.

But the devices, analysts said, clearly demonstrate Apple's commitment to the Newton -- and similar types of products -- despite a rocky start and financial woes that once had some industry observers speculating Apple would give up on hand-held computers.

"I think they really are serious," Hwang said. "This is what you'll be seeing ... people using different type of appliances for different things."