Apple H1000 Newton MessagePad

The Apple Newton MessagePad H1000, released in August 1993, was the first model in Apple's Newton PDA line, pioneering handwriting recognition and mobile computing. It featured a 20MHz ARM 610 processor, 640KB of RAM, and a 336x240 monochrome LCD touchscreen, allowing users to take notes, store contacts, and manage calendars. The device ran Newton OS 1.0, later upgradable to 1.1, and supported PCMCIA Type II expansion cards for additional storage. Despite its innovative features, the Newton H1000 faced criticism for its handwriting recognition accuracy, which was famously lampooned in pop culture. Manufactured by Sharp Corporation, it was priced at $699 at launch. The Newton series continued with later models, such as the MessagePad 100, before being discontinued in 1998.

The Apple H0005 fax modem pictured below was an optional accessory for the Newton H1000. It allowed users to send and receive faxes directly from their Newton device, leveraging its built-in handwriting recognition and note-taking capabilities. The modem connected via the PCMCIA Type II slot, enabling mobile professionals to transmit documents without needing a separate fax machine.