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. 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. 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. 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. Harris Network Support Systems produced an industrial variant called the Harris SuperTech 2000.

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)