Apple Debuts New MessagePads

Company tries to new breathe life into the Newton OS.

In a move likely to be saddled with do-or-die expectations, Apple on Monday will introduce two new members to its MessagePad 2000 line of handheld PCs, which are based on the Newton operating system.

The systems will weigh less than 1.5 pounds and feature core business applications, including a spreadsheet, word processor, calendar, and address book, according to sources close to the company.

In addition, the new MessagePads will sport Internet, e-mail, and fax capabilities and will be able to exchange data with both MacOS- and Windows-compatible PCs, sources added. Battery life is expected to run between three and six weeks. Pricing was unavailable.

If sales prove sluggish, this could be the MessagePad and Newton OS%squots swan song, according to industry analysts. Newton development may join other product lines on the chopping block as beleaguered Apple leaders attempt to turn the company%squots fortunes around.

In recent weeks, Apple management has reorganized the company%squots business units, slashed staff, and brought back Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the company%squots co-founders, as special advisers.

Apple has licensed Jobs%squot NextStep OS and has committed to supporting industry-standard Internet architectures as it refocuses on its most successful markets: education, publishing, and the Internet.

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