This is a pre-release model of Apple’s OMP (Original MessagePad) including the extremely rare ‘Batmobile’ screen cover. The front of the case is marked ‘Newton’ in the location where the shipping models of the OMP and the MP100 (MessagePad 100) were marked ‘MessagePad’. This particular unit is currently nonfunctional. In fact, I’m not convinced that it ever worked, as it is labeled “Technical Sample Only” on the back.
This Newton is marked with the number ‘46’ in three places … in the top right corner on the back of the case (view here), inside the battery compartment, as well as on the back of the battery compartment lid (view here). The ‘Batmobile’ screen cover is marked with the number ‘39’.
According to the previous owner, this unit was used in a 1993 television game show called ‘Quest’. A contestant was given a video camera and a prototype Newton, competing in a high-tech scavenger hunt around San Francisco. The Newton was used to feed the contestant clues. ‘Quest’ is mentioned in the book Defying Gravity by Markos Kounalakis and Doug Menuez.
This item is part of a collection obtained from John Venzon, August 2002.
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sonnyhung 41 months ago | reply
@patrickhunt - Just wanted to chime here on this topic. Here is a link to something that speaks about the use of Newton
Petrosains Project
Because of this comment I just decided to call a contact regarding the above mentioned link because it reminded me to follow up on it. What I can tell you is that they are in fact still in use (at least a Petrosains) to this very day from my source. I will try to update with more pictures and other interesting facts, items and possibly interview(s) regarding this.
splorp 41 months ago | reply
Thanks for pointing to that project, Sonny. I actually thought about Petrosains when I read Patrick’s original question and had meant to drop you a note about it. I’d love to see an update and some current photographs of those red-swaddled Newtons.
sonnyhung 41 months ago | reply
@ slorp - So am I ^_^,
I'm clasping my hands tightly that I might get an actual unit in my hand to photograph and possibly own. I will hopefully be able to write up a historical report on it if I'm able to interview them. To bad I'm having to sell my collection of Newtons soon to bank roll my camera upgrade and pay bills but such are the decisions in life :|
splorp 41 months ago | reply
That is unfortunate, but please let me know what you’re selling. I may be interested in a few items to fill in the gaps of my collection.