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Apple Newton MessagePad

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Apple Newton MessagePad
Original MessagePad, model H1000 (National Museum of American History, CC0)
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.; the H1000 was built by Sharp as model BO-A300
TypePersonal digital assistant
Released2 August 1993 (Original MessagePad)
Discontinued27 February 1998
Intro priceUS$699 (Original MessagePad, 1993)
CPUARM 610 at 20 MHz (Original to MessagePad 130); StrongARM SA-110 at 162 MHz (MessagePad 2000 and 2100)
Memory640 KB to 8 MB; see the model table
Storage—
DisplayMonochrome LCD with resistive tablet: 336 × 240, 320 × 240 or 480 × 320
Sound—
ROM4 MB or 8 MB
PowerFour AAA or four AA alkaline cells, or an Apple rechargeable pack; Apple power adapter
OS / FirmwareNewton OS 1.0 to 2.1
Model no.H1000, H0059, H0131, H0196, H0136, H0149

The Apple Newton MessagePad is Apple's line of pen-based handheld computers, sold from August 1993 until Apple stopped Newton development in February 1998.[1] Seven models were sold: the Original MessagePad and the MessagePad 100, 110, 120, 130, 2000 and 2100. The first five use an ARM 610 processor at 20 MHz; the 2000 and 2100 use a StrongARM SA-110 at 162 MHz, a larger screen and two PC Card slots.[2][3] Apple repaired all of them by whole-unit exchange, so its service documents stop at the outside of the case.[2][3] Component-level information comes from Sharp's service manual for the first model, an Apple prototype schematic of the MessagePad 2000, and repairs reported by owners on the NewtonTalk mailing list.

Models

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MessagePad models
Model Model no. Released RAM ROM Screen Main batteries Memory backup
Original MessagePad H1000 August 1993 640 KB 4 MB 336 × 240, reflective 4 × AAA or NiCd pack CR2032 lithium
MessagePad 100 H1000 March 1994 640 KB 4 MB 336 × 240, reflective 4 × AAA or NiCd pack CR2032 lithium
MessagePad 110 H0059 March 1994 1 MB 4 MB 320 × 240, reflective 4 × AA or NiCd pack DL2032 lithium
MessagePad 120 H0131 October 1994 (Germany), January 1995 (US) 2 MB 4 MB (Newton 1.3), 8 MB (Newton 2.0) 320 × 240, reflective 4 × AA or NiCd pack DL2032 lithium
MessagePad 130 H0196 March 1996 2.5 MB 8 MB 320 × 240, transflective, EL backlight 4 × AA or NiCd pack DL2032 lithium
MessagePad 2000 H0136 March 1997 5 MB (1 MB DRAM, 4 MB Flash) 8 MB 480 × 320, 16 grey levels, EL backlight 4 × AA or NiMH pack Super capacitor
MessagePad 2100 H0149 November 1997 8 MB (4 MB DRAM, 4 MB Flash) 8 MB 480 × 320, 16 grey levels, EL backlight 4 × AA or NiMH pack Super capacitor

Model numbers and release dates are from the Newton FAQ.[4] RAM, ROM, screens and batteries are from Apple's Service Sources and data sheets.[2][3][5][6] The sources disagree on two points. Apple's 1997 Service Source gives the MessagePad 2000 4 MB of RAM and describes its read/write memory as 1 MB of DRAM and 2 MB of Flash, while Apple's February 1997 data sheet gives 5 MB, 1 MB of DRAM and 4 MB of Flash.[3][5] The Service Source also lists 4 MB of ROM for the MessagePad 120 without separating the Newton 2.0 version, which runs the same 8 MB operating system as the 130.[2][4]

Original MessagePad and MessagePad 100

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MessagePad 100 (Felix Winkelnkemper, CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Original MessagePad went on sale for US$699 in August 1993.[7] Sharp made it for Apple and calls it model BO-A300 in its service manual. The board is built round the ARM 610, a custom ASIC, a Z85C30 serial controller and an AD7880 12-bit A/D converter for the tablet; the ARM's 20 MHz clock is divided down by the ASIC from a 40 MHz oscillator.[8] The MessagePad 100 is the same H1000 hardware with Newton OS 1.3 in place of 1.0 or 1.1, and Apple offered owners of the original an upgrade to the MessagePad 100's capabilities.[4][9]

Both use four AAA cells, a CR2032 lithium cell for memory backup, a mini-DIN-8 serial port and one PCMCIA Type II slot at the top of the case. The stylus clips along the right side, and there is no lid.[2] Sharp's specification gives the AC adapter as 7 V DC at 500 mA and the infrared link as one-way at up to 19,200 bit/s over 8–80 cm; Apple's MessagePad 100 data sheet gives half-duplex infrared at up to 38.4 kbit/s within 1 m.[8][9]

MessagePad 110

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The MessagePad 110 has a taller, narrower case than the H1000 (202 × 106 × 31 mm), four AA cells, a DL2032 backup cell, 1 MB of RAM and a 320 × 240 screen with 0.30 mm dot pitch.[2] It adds a hinged "copier style" lid that folds back onto the rear of the case; the telescoping stylus slides into the right side, and the PCMCIA slot moves to the right side.[2][10] The 110, 120 and 130 share the same dimensions and batteries, and Apple sold most accessories for the 110 and 120 under the same order numbers.[2][11]

MessagePad 120

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MessagePad 120 (Karl Baron, CC BY 2.0)

The MessagePad 120 replaces the 110's memory with a mix of Flash and SRAM (2 MB in Apple's Service Source: 1.5 MB Flash and 0.5 MB SRAM), and its lid can be removed.[2] The Newton FAQ lists a 1 MB version as well.[4] Late in 1995 Apple shipped the 120 with Newton 2.0, which added fax receive and support for the Apple Newton Keyboard; the keyboard works only with Newton 2.0.[2][4]

MessagePad 130

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MessagePad 130 (Thomas Conté, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Apple describes the MessagePad 130 as physically identical to the 120 apart from its display, a transflective LCD with a user-controlled electroluminescent (EL) backlight. It has 1 MB of SRAM in place of the 120's 0.5 MB, and 8 MB of ROM with Newton 2.01.[2] Apple's data sheet splits the 2.5 MB as 1,199K of system RAM and 1,361K of non-volatile user memory, rates the PC Card slot at 325 mA, and lists a built-in fast charger for the NiCd pack.[12]

MessagePad 2000

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MessagePad 2000 (Federigo Federighi, CC BY-SA 4.0)

The MessagePad 2000 is a new design: a StrongARM SA-110 at 162 MHz, a 480 × 320 transflective DFSTN screen with 0.26 mm dot pitch and 16 grey levels, an EL backlight, two Type II PC Card slots for 3.3 V and 5 V cards, an 8 ohm speaker, a microphone and the Newton InterConnect port in place of the round serial socket.[3][5] It runs on four AA cells or the NiMH Apple Newton Rechargeable Battery Pack, which it fast-charges in about an hour while asleep, and Apple quotes 24 hours of continuous use from the pack.[3][5] The case measures 210.3 × 118.7 × 27.5 mm.[3] Apple's Service Source of February 1997 gives the clock as 167.9 MHz; the November 1997 edition and the data sheets give 162 MHz.[13][4]

Apple and later NewtonSales upgraded MessagePad 2000s to 2100 memory. The Newton FAQ identifies an upgraded unit by about 3,980 KB of system RAM in Memory Info (about 916 KB on an original 2000), and by DRAM chips fitted on pads U13 and U21 under the ROM board; an original 2000 uses pads U12 and U20.[4]

MessagePad 2100

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MessagePad 2100 (Alex Pappajohn, CC BY-SA 2.0)

The MessagePad 2100 is the MessagePad 2000 with 8 MB of RAM, 4 MB of DRAM and 4 MB of Flash.[3][6] Both models keep the clock and memory alive during a battery change with a super capacitor instead of a lithium cell; Apple warns that the clock and calendar may need resetting if the batteries are left out for more than an hour.[14][15] The operating system is in mask ROM on a removable board.[16]

Power

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Apple made two adapters for the MessagePad. The Newton Power Adapter (model H1300 in North America, H2200 in Europe) is rated 7.0 V at 0.5 A and came with the Original MessagePad through the 130. The Newton 9W Power Adapter (model H0165) is rated 7.5 V at 1.2 A and came with the 2000 and 2100. Both work in any MessagePad, and the plug is tip positive.[17][18] The Newton FAQ records owners who damaged the power circuitry with non-Apple adapters. On the 2000 and 2100 an adapter above 7.5 V usually kills the MAX1771 converter in the 5 V supply, which is described in the troubleshooting guide.[17][19]

The 110, 120 and 130 identify Apple's NiCd pack by its metal clamps, which press a switch in the battery compartment.[20] Loose AA cells do not press it, which is why owners who charge single NiCd cells in a 120 or 130 put a piece of card under them; the Newton FAQ warns that NiMH cells overheat if charged this way.[17] Battery packs and chargers are covered on Apple Newton NiCd Battery Pack, Apple Newton Rechargeable Battery Pack and Apple Newton Charging Station.

Connections and expansion

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The H1000, 110, 120 and 130 have a LocalTalk-compatible mini-DIN-8 serial port and one PCMCIA Type II slot.[2] The 2000 and 2100 replace the serial port with the 26-pin Newton InterConnect port, which carries a buffered RS-422 channel, a second unbuffered serial channel, line-level audio in and out, a switched 5 V supply, adapter power and a wake input; the Newton Serial Adapter converts it to a standard serial socket.[21] Storage cards, modems, cases and other accessories are on Apple Newton accessories.

Common faults

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The Apple Newton MessagePad Troubleshooting Guide has the detail and the sources. In brief:

  • Original MessagePad and MessagePad 100: two small electrolytic capacitors fail. C1 (100 µF 4 V) leaves the speaker almost silent; C51 (3.3 µF 35 V, at the output of the 28 V LCD supply) gives a flickering, garbled screen full of lines and black bars. See the capacitor guide.[22]
  • MessagePad 130: power-up failures from IC U43 working loose and from cracked 4.64 kΩ resistors, and a flickering backlight from resistor R112.[23]
  • MessagePad 2000 and 2100: a unit that chimes and switches off again, repeatedly, usually has a failed MAX1771 (U34) in the 5 V supply, often after a wrong adapter. The InterConnect connector's solder joints fail, and dirt round the bezel causes erratic pen input.[24][19][25]
  • All models: alkaline cells left in the battery compartment leak; Apple's handbooks warn that leaking cells damage the MessagePad and are not covered by warranty, and owners have had to strip a MessagePad 2100 to reach a corroded battery tray.[26][27]

Documentation

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  • Original MessagePad with case and accessories (NMAH, CC0)
    Original MessagePad with case and accessories (NMAH, CC0)
  • MessagePad 120 with the lid folded back (Nzeemin, CC BY-SA 3.0)
    MessagePad 120 with the lid folded back (Nzeemin, CC BY-SA 3.0)
  • Apple's exploded view of the H1000-era MessagePad (Service Source)
    Apple's exploded view of the H1000-era MessagePad (Service Source)
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References

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  1. ↑ Wikipedia, "MessagePad" (read 2 October 2026). Used for the on-sale date of 2 August 1993 and the end of Newton development on 27 February 1998 only.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Apple Computer, Apple Newton MessagePad (Service Source), covering the MessagePad, MessagePad 100, 110, 120, 120 with Newton 2.0 and 130; PDF created 3 November 1995, 23 pp. Hosted as File:Apple Newton MessagePad Service Source (1995).pdf; see Apple Newton MessagePad Service Source. Page numbers are PDF pages.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Apple Computer, Apple MessagePad (Service Source) for the MessagePad 2000 and 2100; PDF created 5 November 1997, 19 pp. Hosted as File:Apple MessagePad 2000 and 2100 Service Source (1997).pdf; see Apple MessagePad 2000 and 2100 Service Source. Page numbers are PDF pages.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 The Newton FAQ Group, Newton FAQ, Part II: Hardware, 1e "Specification differences between models" and 1f "I have a Newton model H1000", newtonfaq.com (updated 29 September 2026; read 2 October 2026). Community reference compiled from Apple specification sheets and owners' reports. Source for: model numbers, code names and release dates; that the Original MessagePad and MessagePad 100 differ only in the preinstalled Newton OS; the MessagePad 120's two memory configurations; the MessagePad 2000 memory upgrade; and the note that Apple documents give the StrongARM's clock as 162 MHz, 161.9 MHz or 167.9 MHz.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Apple Computer, MessagePad 2000 data sheet, February 1997, L02055B, 2 pp. Hosted as File:MessagePad 2000 data sheet (1997).pdf.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Apple Computer, MessagePad 2100 data sheet, November 1997, L02553A, 2 pp. Hosted as File:MessagePad 2100 data sheet (1997).pdf.
  7. ↑ Cary Lu, "Newton" (first look), Macworld, September 1993, pp. 102–105. Internet Archive item MacWorld_9309_September_1993. Source for: the US$699 price; four AAA alkaline cells, a NiCd pack or an AC adapter; six hours' worst-case alkaline life; overnight trickle charging of the NiCd pack in the Newton; the US$49 external battery charger with one NiCd pack; the lithium button cell that keeps memory for about six months; the US$149 external modem at 2400 bit/s for data and 9600 bit/s for fax, and the first software release's inability to receive faxes; the US$99 Newton Print Pack serial-to-parallel cable with driver software stored in it; and the US$129 Newton Connection Kit and US$199 Connection Pro.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sharp Corporation, Service Manual, Model BO-A300 (Newton MessagePad), 38 pp. Hosted as File:Sharp BO-A300 Newton MessagePad Service Manual.pdf; see Sharp BO-A300 Service Manual. Page numbers are PDF pages: specifications p. 2; block diagram p. 3; power system diagram p. 5; ARM610 and ASIC pp. 6–10; Z85C30, LTC902 and AD7880 pp. 11–12; power circuit and low-battery circuit pp. 14–15; disassembly pp. 18–22; troubleshooting flowcharts pp. 30–32; circuit diagram pp. 37–38.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Apple Computer, Newton MessagePad 100 data sheet, February 1994, L00518B, 2 pp. Hosted as File:Newton MessagePad 100 data sheet (1994).pdf. Order number H0123LL/A; ARM 610 at 20 MHz; 4 MB ROM; 640K RAM; 336 × 240 reflective LCD; one PCMCIA Type II slot; LocalTalk-compatible serial port; half-duplex infrared at up to 38.4 kbit/s within 1 m; alkaline output 6.0 V, 1.1 Wh; NiCd output 4.8 V, 200 mAh (both nominal); CR2032 lithium cell; universal 100–240 V adapter; the upgrade offer for the original MessagePad.
  10. ↑ Apple Computer, Newton MessagePad 110 data sheet, February 1994, L00637A, 2 pp. Hosted as File:Newton MessagePad 110 data sheet (1994).pdf. Order number H0060LL/A; 1 MB RAM; 4 MB ROM; protective screen lid; telescoping pen; alkaline output 6.0 V, 4.1 Wh; NiCd output 6.0 V, 800 mAh; DL2032 lithium cell; weight 1.28 lb.
  11. ↑ Apple Computer IMC Poland, Akcesoria do Newton MessagePad (Newton MessagePad accessories), Polish-language data sheet, 2 pp., PDF created 12 January 1996. Hosted as File:Akcesoria do Newton MessagePad data sheet (Apple Poland, 1996).pdf. Gives order numbers for MessagePad 100 and MessagePad 110/120 accessories side by side.
  12. ↑ Apple Computer, MessagePad 130 with Newton 2.0 Operating System data sheet, February 1996, L01722A, 2 pp. Hosted as File:MessagePad 130 data sheet (1996).pdf. Order number H0188LL/A; 8 MB ROM; 2.5 MB RAM (1,199K system, 1,361K non-volatile user); one PC Card Type II slot with 325 mA capacity; LocalTalk and RS-232-compatible serial port; AA (LR6) alkaline or NiCd pack; DL2032 lithium cell (3 V nominal); built-in fast charger for the NiCd pack; 0.48 kg without batteries.
  13. ↑ Apple Computer, Apple MessagePad 2000 (Service Source), PDF created 18 February 1997, 18 pp., Overview and Specifications. Earlier edition of the 2000/2100 Service Source, held by UNNA as 2000Specs.pdf; gives the processor as a 167.9 MHz StrongARM.
  14. ↑ Frank Gründel, "How to disassemble / take apart an Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 / 2100", PDA-Soft, pda-soft.de/2x00_disassemble.html (read 2 October 2026). Community guide. Source for: the gold capacitor that takes the place of the backup battery; the software, system, hardware and hard resets; the adapter check (about 7 V at the plug, at least 6 V, never more than 7.5 V); the 1 × 4 cross-point screwdriver, screws 1 to 11 and the eight catches; ROM board removal; connectors J4 (speaker), J5 (microphone), J7 (power switch), J13 (backlight) and J9 (display); the battery-case half and the negative spring.
  15. ↑ Apple Computer, MessagePad 2100 User's Manual (1997), 292 pp. Hosted as File:MessagePad 2100 User's Manual (1997).pdf. Appendix A, Installing and Replacing Batteries, pp. 243–248 (printed page numbers match PDF pages): four AA alkaline cells or a Newton Rechargeable Battery Pack; a super capacitor as backup; the one-hour warning; not to use individual NiMH or NiCd cells; three to six weeks from alkalines. Chapter 12, Troubleshooting, pp. 230–241: software, hardware, system and hard resets.
  16. ↑ Newton FAQ, Part II: Hardware, B5 "Can I change the ROM of the Newton?", newtonfaq.com (read 2 October 2026). The ROM of the Original MessagePad and MessagePad 110 is soldered to the main board; Newton OS 2.1 devices have the ROM on a removable board.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Newton FAQ, Part II: Hardware, B6 "Which batteries can I use?" and B7 "Which power adapters can I use?", newtonfaq.com (read 2 October 2026). Source for: the two Apple adapters, their model numbers and ratings; tip-positive plugs; a third-party adapter needing at least 6.0 V at 400 mA and no more than 7.5 V; users who damaged the power circuitry with non-Apple adapters; the warning that NiMH cells overheat when charged in a MessagePad 1x0; and that only Apple's pack charges inside a MessagePad 2000 or 2100.
  18. ↑ Apple Computer, MessagePad Accessories data sheet, November 1997, L00517K, 2 pp. Hosted as File:MessagePad Accessories data sheet (1997).pdf. Newton 9W Power Adapter H0213LL/A: output 7.5 V at 1.2 A, 100–240 V input; it charges the NiCd pack of the 120 and 130 and the NiMH pack of the 2000 and 2100.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Frank Gründel, reply in "Need Assistance With Repairing eMate 300", NewtonTalk, 1 January 2025, MARC archive. Source for: a 2x00 on a supply above 7.5 V usually losing its MAX1771, and then trying to boot again and again before giving up; the eMate having the same IC (U29) next to C101; transformer T2 in the eMate backlight supply, whose loose top adds to the backlight whine; non-Apple adapters as a risk to the eMate.
  20. ↑ Frank Gründel, reply in "New MP130, no sound", NewtonTalk, 9 May 2009, MARC archive. Source for: the switch in the 1x0 battery compartment pressed by the pack's clamps; an adapter of 7 to 7.5 V, positive inside, current-limited to no more than 1.2 A; that cheap unregulated adapters can deliver two to three times their rated voltage at light load, so the open-circuit voltage should be measured; the charging station contacts on the 1x0.
  21. ↑ Apple Computer, Newton Interconnect Port Hardware Specification for the MessagePad, draft dated 13 August 1997, 14 pp. Hosted as File:Newton Interconnect Port Hardware Specification (1997).pdf; see Newton Interconnect Port Hardware Specification. Section 1, pp. 1–4: pin groups, serial channels 0 and 3, the LTC1323 line driver, and the DIN 8 pin map (Table 1-1).
  22. ↑ "MessagePad 100 (OMP H1000) Flickering/glitching", NewtonTalk thread, October 2018: Frank Gründel's reply of 6 October 2018, MARC archive; his follow-up of 9 October 2018, MARC. Community repair reports. Source for: the garbled, flickering display with lines and black bars and the near-silent start-up chime as common OMP and MessagePad 100 faults; C1 as the cure for the sound; C51 (3.3 µF 35 V) as the cure for the display, found by Erik Johnson; C51 as the output capacitor of the 28 V LCD booster round IC18; C1 and C59 as the only two capacitors of their packaged type on the board; the warning about static and the power-circuit FETs; Frank's first C51 repair losing Schottky diode D11 to static.
  23. ↑ Frank Gründel, "MP130 Fixes", PDA-Soft, pda-soft.de (read 2 October 2026), crediting David Watson ("Dr. Newton"). Community repair guide. Source for: U43, next to the battery compartment on the display side of the board, pushed loose by a plastic support; resistors R73 and R79 beside switching regulator U4, R61 beside U22, and R52 on the display side, all 4.64 kΩ, with poorly plated ends and internal cracks; 4.7 kΩ replacements; R112, 1.5 kΩ, beside the backlight wires, as the cause of a flickering or dead backlight.
  24. ↑ Frank Gründel, "The MAX1771 Problem", PDA-Soft, pda-soft.de/en/stories/1771/max1771.html (page dated 24 October 2011; read 2 October 2026). Community repair report. Source for: the 2000/2100 that chimes, switches off and retries, usually twelve times; the 5 V supply round a MAX1771 that is switched on for about two seconds at power-up on a good board and never on a faulty one; Paul Guyot's account that the Newton checks the PC Card voltage at the end of the chime; the SI9712 switch per card slot; one board cured by replacing R120 (36 kΩ, measured 70 kΩ); six boards cured by replacing U34; a board powered up by feeding 5 V to the converter output from a bench supply.
  25. ↑ Newton FAQ, Part II: Hardware, C6 "Common Problems", items a, e, f and g, and C7, newtonfaq.com (read 2 October 2026). Source for: the order of resets and the 20-second reset of the 2000/2100; leaving a 2000/2100 without batteries, cards and adapter for hours; Sean Luke's report of an unseated daughtercard; MessagePad 100 power-off problems from dirt in the power switch; the 2000/2100 serial port poorly soldered to the board and loosened by the Serial Adapter's bumps; the "jaggies", their symptoms, causes (dirt between bezel and screen, a warped case, an oxidised connector, a damaged touchscreen) and the card-cleaning method; Frank Gründel's battery rebuild guides.
  26. ↑ Apple Computer, Apple MessagePad Handbook (for MessagePads with Newton 2.0), 030-8951-A, 1996, 396 pp. Hosted as File:Apple MessagePad Handbook (Newton 2.0, 1996).pdf. Printed page numbers (PDF page = printed page + 10 in the main text): screen, pen and case care, pp. vii–viii (PDF pp. 7–8); Quick Start battery installation, pp. 3–8; chapter 14 Troubleshooting, pp. 327–345; appendix A Installing and Replacing Batteries, pp. 347–355 (DL2032 backup cell, about once a year, never removing main and backup batteries together, no individual NiCd cells).
  27. ↑ "Battery Corrosion 2100", NewtonTalk thread, 8–9 December 2010, opening message MARC archive and Forrest's reply MARC. Community reports: AA cells corroded inside a 2100 so that the tray could not be removed; the case opened (four screws on the back, then a small screw by the battery compartment) to reach it; corrosion cleaned with household vinegar until it stops foaming, rinsed with warm water, then protected with grease.


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