Harris SuperTech 2000

The Harris SuperTech 2000 was a touchscreen mobile device that was marketed by as a "Craft Digital Assistant" (CDA), based on the Newton platform from Apple Computer in collaboration with AllPen Software and Digital Ocean.

Release
Harris first announced the SuperTech 2000 family in May 1994 at SUPERCOMM in. Harris finalized its agreement to license Newton OS from Apple in the following July. SuperTech 2000 devices were demonstrated at the Outside Plant Show in in November 1994. It was released on August 1, 1995 with a list price of 3000.

Features
The SuperTech 2000 was based on a ruggedized version of the MessagePad 120 for industrial use in testing. It used the same 20 MHz ARM 610 processor with 2 MB of static RAM. Newton OS 1.3 used 687 KB, leaving 1,361 KB available for user data. Storage space could be expanded through the PCMCIA Type II slot. The 320 x 240 monochrome LCD screen also included a backlight feature.

System updates
Because the SuperTech 2000 was based on the 2 MB version of the MessagePad 120, it would have been possible to upgrade its ROM chip to support Newton OS 2.0, though it is unknown whether any such option was offered to Harris' customers.

Articles

 * Harris phone servicing system is based on Newton at Computer Business Review (1995-08-03)
 * Newtons Find Their Niches at Popular Mechanics, p.19 (1996-08)