MessagePad 120

The MessagePad 120 was a touchscreen mobile device that was released by Apple Computer as part of its MessagePad tablet computer line.
==Release==
The MessagePad 120 was announced and began shipping in the United States on January 30, 1995.Apple Announces the MessagePad 120 With Enhanced Features by Apple Computer, Tech Insider. 1995-01-30.Today in Apple history: Newton MessagePad 120 is Apple’s first great mobile device by Luke Dormehl, Cult of Mac. 2020-01-30. The 2 MB configuration had already been released in Germany in October 1994 as the higher memory capacity was necessary for improved German language support. Due to tepid sales, Apple announced a rebate program for the purchase of a MessagePad 120 and qualified accessory.Apple Announces Nationwide Rebate Program for MessagePad 120s, Apple Computer. 1995-05-10. Archived 1999-01-16. It was discontinued in June 1996.
==Features==
The MessagePad 120 utilized the form factor of the of the MessagePad 110, but without the rubberized surface. It used the same 20 MHz ARM 610 processor, and was available in two memory configurations: with 1 or 2 MB of static RAM. 639 or 687 KB was used by Newton OS 1.3 in these respective configurations, leaving 385 or 1,361 KB available for user data. Storage space could be expanded through the PCMCIA Type II slot which increased power capacity to 325 mA, compared to 115 mA in the MessagePad 110. The 320 x 240 monochrome LCD display featured improved visibility over its predecessor.
===System updates===
On November 13, 1995, unveiled Newton OS 2.0 running on a MessagePad 120 at in with release to the public scheduled for December 1.New Newton Operating System Will Debut on Apple's MessagePad 120 Personal Digital Assistant, Apple Computer. 1995-11-13.
On November 28, 1995, engineers from the Newton Systems Group visited the Stanford Newton Users Group to personally demonstrate a MessagePad 120 running Newton OS 2.0, a substantial rewrite of the operating system. Socketed ROM allowed for easier upgrades by an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
==Variants==
Motorola licensed and produced a variant of the MessagePad 120 with a 5MB ROM and wireless support as the , which was released in January 1995 with a built-in wireless modem. Digital Ocean produced a ruggedized variant called the Tarpon.Tarpon Spec Sheet, Digital Ocean. Archived 1997-01-24. Harris Network Support Systems produced an industrial variant called the Harris SuperTech 2000.SuperTech 2000 Mobile Communications & Information System, Harris Network Support Systems. Archived 1996-11-03.
==References==
==External links==
*Newton: MessagePad 120 at Apple (archived 1997-07-07)
**MessagePad 120: Specifications (1995-01-27, archived 2002-08-17)
**MessagePad 120: with Newton 2.0 OS Specifications (1995-10-24, archived 2002-10-17)
*Apple Newton MessagePad 100 / 110 / 120 / 130 (PDF) at Apple Repair Manuals
*Newton MessagePad 120 at Apple-History
*Newton MessagePad 120 at AppleMuseum.dk
*Newton MessagePad 120 at the Computer History Museum
*Newton MessagePad 120 specs at EveryMac
*MessagePad 120 (OS 1.3) / (OS 2.0) at Newtonhonk
*MessagePad 120 at the Newton Glossary
*MessagePad 120 / 130 at the Old Organizers Collection
*Apple Newton MessagePad 120 at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
*MessagePad 120 at the Newton Wiki
===Tutorials===
*How to disassemble an Apple Newton MessagePad 120 by Frank Gruendel at PDA Soft (2007-02-22)
**How to replace an Apple Newton 120 / 130 display (2007-02-22)
**How to rebuild an Apple Newton MessagePad 110 / 120 / 130 battery pack (2007-02-22)
**How to disassemble the battery charging station of a MessagePad 110 / 120 / 130 (2007-02-22)
Category:1994 introductions