Apple’s Newton handheld computer was both the company’s biggest failure and its greatest peek into the future. Now, 33 years after launch, AppleInsider reminisces about what Newton was, what it meant, and where it went wrong.
Apple’s original Newton – image credit: Apple
Back in 1993, Apple’s press officers did the rounds of every technology magazine there was. When they reached one in London, they had the speech down pat. In particular, they knew how to fend off criticisms by asking questions first.
“What do you think it should have next?” they asked, subtly telling us more versions were coming and buttering up our egos. “Backlighting or color?” Without exception, the ten or so journalists in that office all said “backlighting” in unison.