

AppleUs New MessagePad 2100 Offers Enhanced Performance 
For TodayUs Mobile, Information-Centric Users

Newest member of MessagePad family features increased system memory, 
higher performance, upgraded communications software


CUPERTINO, Calif. (October 20, 1997) Apple Computer, Inc. today
announced the MessagePad 2100, available in November.  The newest member
of the Apple MessagePad family, the MessagePad 2100 offers hardware and
software features that enhance performance and communications, including
additional system memory and upgrades to several of its bundled software
programs.  To support current MessagePad 2000 owners, Apple will offer
an upgrade program that brings the same DRAM memory of the new
MessagePad 2100 to its predecessor.

"The MessagePad 2100 is the sequel to one of the most successful new
products in mobile computing history?one that has spawned a legion of
true believers," said Sina Tamaddon, Vice President and General Manager
of AppleUs Newton Group.  "We know that our customers will be thrilled
with our networking and performance improvements, making the MessagePad
2100 an ideal mobile device for individuals and corporations.S

The MessagePad product line has been widely adopted by both mobile
business professionals and corporate users.  According to  International
Data Corporation, this market is expected to reach $2.1 billion this
year and $4.1 billion by 2001.  The line offers the versatility of a
laptop, including e-mail, fax and Internet access capabilities, as well
as a spreadsheet application and personal productivity software, all at
a fraction of a laptop's weight and cost.  (A modem and Internet Service
Provider are required to send and receive e-mail and for Internet
access.)  The MessagePad delivers battery life of up to six weeks of
normal use and will run continuously without battery replacement for up
to 24 hours.

The MessagePad was designed to suit mobile user needs, with a focus on
processing speed, an easy-to-read screen and an optional functional
keyboard.  Built around the powerful Digital StrongARM* SA-110
processor, the MessagePad 2100 is one of the fastest handheld computers
on the market.  The mobile computer's 16-level gray scale screen is both
larger and clearer than those found on most competitive handheld
computers.  Unlike the tiny keyboards found on many handheld devices,
the MessagePadUs optional keyboard supports touch-typing.

Designed with additional memory, the MessagePad 2100 has 4 MB of DRAM,
which is 3MB more than its predecessor, the MessagePad 2000.  The
expanded system memory allows the MessagePad 2100 to run more
applications simultaneously, permitting users to work more efficiently.
The upgraded memory and communications software are expected to be
especially useful for customers who tend to use large applications,
like to work on their MessagePads with a variety of applications open at
one time or use communications applications such as Internet email or
web browsing.

The latest generation of the MessagePad also includes version 3.2 of
AllPen Software's NetHopper( graphical Web browser.  The new version
provides proxy support, enabling users behind a corporate security
firewall to access the Internet.  The software also supports
authentication, enabling users to access sites requiring a password,
such as news and travel websites, and the ability to download Newton
packages over the Web, such as system updates and applications.

The MessagePad 2100 comes bundled with the latest version of Newton
Internet Enabler (NIE 2.0), Apple's TCP/IP software that provides
Internet/intranet connections.  NIE 2.0 benefits corporate users by
providing a direct connection to both Ethernet and AppleTalk networks,
as well as support for PAP and CHAP authentication when using a modem
(not included) to connect with an Internet Service Provider.  

In addition to being bundled with the MessagePad 2100 and the MessagePad
2000 upgrade, NIE 2.0 is immediately available from AppleUs web site at
www.newton.apple.com/.  NIE 2.0 is also compatible with other MessagePad
devices and with the eMate? 300, a mobile computer based on the Newton
operating system and built primarily for education. 

Upgrade details
To participate in the MessagePad 2000 upgrade program, which is
available until April 30, 1998 or while supplies last, MessagePad 2000
owners will send their units into the Apple Service Center for system
memory expansion and software enhancements.  Along with the service and
upgrades, participants will also receive a copy of Newton Press 1.1 and,
while supplies last, a 2MB flash memory card.  

For customers who purchased a MessagePad 2000 prior to November 7th, the
upgrade will be offered for $99.00.  For customers purchasing the
MessagePad 2000 after that date, the price will be $199.  Shipping and
local taxes are not included and will be added to all listed prices.
The upgrade is intended to be completed within two to five working days,
after the MessagePad 2000 to be upgraded is received by the Apple
Service Center.  

The MessagePad 2100 will be available in English and German versions
worldwide, in November.  The estimated retail price of the MessagePad
2100 will be around $1,000 in the United States, including a word
processor, e-mail package, web browser and spreadsheet applications.

Additional information on the MessagePad product line can be found by
visiting the Newton Web site located at www.newton.apple.com or by
calling 800-909-0260.  Information regarding the MessagePad 2000 upgrade
program can be found by calling 800-500-7078.

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Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the
1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the
1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original
mission--to bring the best personal computing products and support to
students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons,
and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

