Apple's Newton MessagePad

Apple revolutionized the concept of a portable computer with the release of the Newton MessagePad at the 1993 Macworld Expo in Boston. The Newton was the first modern PDA named by John Sculley, former chairman of Apple Computer Inc.

It included Notepad, to-do list, datebook, telephone log, and address file applications, just like current PalmOS models. It had a handwriting recognition utility to interpret pen strokes. It could even send/receive faxes and emails. Newton's hardware features included the ability to connect to printers, receive wireless paging messages (with and optional add-on), share files with desktop computers, and use online services with its optional 9600 baud fax modem.

The Newton never succeeded on the massive scale for which Apple had hoped. However, they were successful in created a product that embodied everything that a PDA should have, creating the original PDA.

For more information: http://www.msu.edu/~luckie/gallery/mp100.htm