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Apple to Launch Next-generation PDA

Product to feature wireless communications and some Windows support.

By Niall McKay (IDG News Service)   

On October 28 Apple Computer will launch its next-generation PDA, the MessagePad 2000, that features the Newton 2.1 operating system, which provides integration with applications running under either Macintosh or Windows. The PDA (personal digital assistant) will cost $1,049 and include a full HTML Web browser, a Personal Information Manager, spreadsheet software that can be integrated with Microsoft Excel, and e-mail and fax capabilities. MessagePad will come preconfigured for GSM wireless communications and will work with standard PCMCIA modems.

However MessagePad will not interoperate with Oracle Corp.%squots forthcoming network computer until the Newton 2.1 operating system provides support for Java in 1997, according to Craig Sears-Black, European director of Apple%squots Information Appliance Division.

The product includes Apple%squots new Newton Communications Architecture, which provides a 115K bps infrared audio and data input/output port. Compatible docking stations will automatically detect and update the device.

The MessagePad features an ARM 160-MHz StrongARM 110 processor, is powered by 4 AA batteries and includes built-in support for serial communications, external keyboard, PC card modems. Apple has used the extra power provided by the StrongARM processor to give users improved handwriting recognition capabilities. MessagePad also includes a microphone and speakers and can record up to an hour of audio.

According to Apple officials the company is currently developing voice recognition technology that will be rolled out with the next release of the operating system, sometime in 1997.

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