First Newton -- The MessagePad -- Hits The Market

CUPERTINO, California--July 30, 1993 -- Apple Computer, Inc. today
announced that the first product based on its innovative Newton
technology--the Newton MessagePad--will ship on Aug. 2, 1993. The Newton
MessagePad is a handheld communications assistant that allows people to
gather, manage, and share information with tremendous ease and
spontaneity. By combining rich communications capabilities with technology
that actively assists people in getting work done, Apple has created a new
class of personal digital assistant (PDA) devices--one that lets people
communicate ideas with greater speed, clarity, and effectiveness. The
Newton MessagePad is also a rich platform for a wide variety of new
applications and software titles that take advantage of its unique
technology, convenience, and usability.

The Newton MessagePad is the first in a family of products based on Newton
technology: others will be introduced in the future by both Apple and its
licensees.

"We believe that Newton will be seen as the defining technology of the
digital age," said John Sculley, Apple chairman. "It will be a focal point
for the coming convergence of industry sectors such as computers,
communications and consumer electronics. Communications is a key component
of this new emerging industry and the Newton MessagePad demonstrates how
this capability can be powerfully yet intuitively built into a handheld
device. I look forward to a full lineup of products and services based on
Newton Intelligence, not just from Apple but from innovative, creative
companies around the globe."

The Newton MessagePad is based on the concept of Newton Intelligence, which
is a combination of software and silicon. Newton Intelligence is what
makes Newton understandable, friendly, intuitive and useful. It is the
"soul" of the Newton MessagePad that allows the product to "learn" the
user's preferences and requirements. For example, the user could receive a
wireless message from a colleague to attend a meeting and Newton could
automatically place the appointment in its calendar. More importantly,
Newton Intelligence actively assists users in completing their tasks. It
"learns" users work habits and patterns--and then implements them on cue.
Whether it's printing a letter in an accustomed format, or faxing a
message to a client's office, the MessagePad learns over time to adapt to
the user's preferences.

Communication capabilities 

Because of Newton technology's robust communications architecture, the
MessagePad comes with a wide variety of powerful communications
capabilities. The Newton Communications Architecture is highly modular.
This means that when new applications and services become available, they
can easily be added and supported in an integrated, plug-and-play manner.
The communications capabilities in the MessagePad allow users to send,
receive, and share information through virtually every communication
method in the workplace today--through telephone lines, wireless networks,
and computer networks.

*Faxing. The MessagePad can act as a handheld facsimile (fax) machine
allowing users, with the optional modem, to send facsimiles to virtually
any fax machine in the world. Additionally, Newton Intelligence makes the
process of sending a facsimile simple: With the press of one button, the
MessagePad automatically formats the output, adds a cover page, and places
the facsimile in the system's Out Box, awaiting connection to a telephone
line. It is anticipated that future products in the family will
additionally offer the capability to receive fax messages.

*Wireless Messaging. Users of Newton MessagePad are expected to have access
to a wireless messaging service with both national (U.S.) and local
access. This service will deliver alpha-numeric paging and messaging
capabilities to users of the Newton MessagePad. This service is expected
to give the users a fully-featured method of keeping in touch that is
totally integrated with the MessagePad. (Full details of this service will
be available in the near future.)

*Electronic Mail. MessagePad users will be able to send and receive
electronic mail messages to and from other MessagePad users who are
NewtonMail subscribers--or just about any computer, by using the
NewtonMail service and the optional modem. NewtonMail is a
subscriber-based service to be offered by Apple that is an extremely cost
effective way of communicating across the United States and the rest of
the world. Availability of the NewtonMail service will be announced at a
later date. Over time, it is anticipated that NewtonMail will be expanded
to offer a wide range of information such as news, weather and financial
information as well as the potential for online transactions.

*Beaming. Making use of its built-in infrared function, the MessagePad can
send--or "beam" in Apple engineer parlance--quick messages to other Newton
devices across a one meter distance, without any wiring or cabling. This
capability is ideal for the quick exchange of items such as business
cards, meeting notes, maps, or appointments.

*Printing. The MessagePad can print any document it creates--notes,
drawings, addresses, maps, letters on most popular dot matrix, portable
inkjet, thermal and laser printers. These printers can be either connected
directly, or accessed through a local area network.

Desktop Connections 

The Newton MessagePad can share information quickly and easily--with
millions of personal computers. Using the optional Newton Connection
package, users can transfer, synchronize, back up, and update information
between a Newton MessagePad and a Macintosh personal computer or a
personal computer running the Windows operating system. Newton Connection
is based upon a technology Apple calls "Smart Synchronization," which
automatically updates information between a MessagePad and a personal
computer. Any changes made to the information on the Newton--or on the
personal computer--will be automatically synchronized and updated between
the two when they are connected. Newton Connection also includes a set of
complementary Newton applications intended to let users create, view, and
edit Newton information on a personal computer, even when the computer is
not connected to a Newton.

Newton Connection is planned to be available in the following versions for
either Macintosh or PCs running Windows: The Newton Connection Kit, which
backs up and restores information; and The Newton Connection Pro Kit,
which gives complete file to file synchronization. The product allows
creation of a "virtual Newton" on the desktop.

Availability for Newton Connection products will be announced at a later
date.

Keeping in Control 

The Newton MessagePad also includes a collection of capabilities that help
people capture and organize an array of information in the way that suits
them best. The system can capture and file notes, sketches and other
details on file, ready for almost instant access. Built-in calendars,
alarms, and reminders help people keep track of busy lifestyles. Its
built-in address book holds hundreds of names and addresses. The
MessagePad's advanced recognition architecture not only understands
printed and cursive script, but also cleans up drawings and diagrams,
making them easier to understand and communicate.

Applications, Titles, Developer Support 

More than 20 developers are announcing products for Newton MessagePad,
including CE Software, Claris Corp., Fingertip, Great Plains, Integrated
Systems, On Technology, Pastel and Pastel, Slate and Strategic Mapping.
These products range from specialized realtor systems to titles for sports
enthusiasts. Many more developers are in the process of creating
innovative new applications for the system. In addition, Apple's PIE
Publishing group, Starcore, announced six titles ranging from financial
assistance to interactive city maps. (see associated releases).

Licensing 

From the beginning, Apple had signaled its intention to broadly license
Newton technology. This activity has resulted in agreements with leading
corporations around the world, including Sharp and Kyushu Matsushita
Electric in Japan and Motorola in the United States. Siemens/ROLM will
also be incorporating Newton technology in its forthcoming NotePhone
product. For customers, it is anticipated that this licensing effort will
mean that software, titles and accessories can be used across a variety of
products from these and other corporations.

Distribution and Availability 

Initially the Newton MessagePad will be available in limited volume at
Apple Computer resellers in Boston and New York. During the week of August
2 Newton MessagePad will also be sold at MacWorld Expo in Boston. By mid
to late August, it is anticipated that the product will roll out across
the United States, and will be available in more than 2,000 computer
retailers and consumer electronic stores. Availability in some
international markets will follow in September, with localized versions
following through 1994.

Pricing

There is no suggested retail pricing for the Newton MessagePad. Individual
retailers will price the products according to their specific solutions
offerings. However Apple expects the Newton MessagePad to be priced from
$699 to $949, depending on configuration:

* Newton MessagePad with AC Adaptor
* Newton MessagePad Communications System
  (Newton MessagePad with AC Adaptor and External Modem)
* Newton MessagePad Professional Communications System
  (Newton MessagePad with AC Adaptor, External Modem and
  Newton Connection Pro) 
* Apple Messaging Service:
  Formal pricing to be announced upon availability.
* Newton Messaging Card: pricing to be announced
* NewtonMail: pricing to be announced
* Newton Connection Kit: pricing to be announced
* Newton Connection Pro: pricing to be announced

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
408-996-1010

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