Post #2238623

2026-03-30 18:35 UTC

@splorp@mastodon.social @proedie@mastodon.green @likesoldmacs@bitbang.social @morgant@mastodon.social @falken@qoto.org This is an interesting read: https://lowendmac.com/2013/the-story-behind-apples-newton/ I think Apple definitely could have made an affordable tablet if they'd wanted to. Sounded like the main problem was deciding what compromises to make. There was a sentiment that an underpowered Newton was worse than an unaffordable one; even the final, small version was more tablet-ish than pocket-sized, just because of everything they wanted it to do.

Replies (2)

@falken@qoto.org 2026-03-30 21:17

@csilverman@mastodon.social @splorp@mastodon.social @proedie@mastodon.green @likesoldmacs@bitbang.social @morgant@mastodon.social or just one more hardware rev. Newton 3000, in color, faster CPU, with built in wifi or cellular support... We can dream...

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@morgant@mastodon.social 2026-04-02 14:42

@csilverman@mastodon.social @splorp@mastodon.social @proedie@mastodon.green @likesoldmacs@bitbang.social @falken@qoto.org The hardest parts of really creating a new market is decisiveness. Especially in one so personal as to be carried on one's person all of the time and to store & retrieve intimate details. Then try pushing the envelope with new technologies and interfaces that aren't yet proven. It was much easier for Palm to then create a stripped down and affordable (if significantly less powerful & resilient) PDA, once it had been fully realized.

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