Definition: Newton

(1) For the newton unit of force, see MKS system.

(2) A set of mobile computing technologies from Apple introduced in 1993 with its MessagePad personal digital assistant (PDA). The ARM-based MessagePad included handwriting recognition, an infrared data transfer port and a modem for email and fax. A stylus was used for handwriting.

Although the MessagePad was the name of the device, it was commonly called the "Newton." The handwriting technology was often criticized for not being up to par; however, proponents claimed it worked well if the user had the patience to train it properly.

A Five-Year Reign
In 1998, one year after Steve Jobs returned to the company he co-founded, the Newton was discontinued, apparently because Jobs was not fond of the stylus. After spinning it off only a year earlier, Apple folded the Newton subsidiary back into the company. Some of the handwriting technology made its way into the Mac OS X operating system. See Newton eMate, PDA and ARM.

Apple's MessagePad

Although MessagePad was clearly labeled on the unit, everyone called it a "Newton," which is the technology behind it. (Images courtesy of Apple Inc.)