Newton Technology FAQ
What did you announce regarding Newton Technology, the MessagePad and eMate?
Consistent with Apple's strategy to focus all of our software development resources
on extending the Macintosh operating system, we announced we would discontinue further
development of the Newton operating system and Newton OS-based products, including
the MessagePad 2100 and eMate 300. We will continue to market and sell our current
inventory of MessagePad 2100 and eMate 300 products, as well as to provide support
for our installed base of users.
Why did you make this decision?
After an extensive analysis of the business, we concluded that the market opportunity
targeted by Newton was not aligned with our new business strategy. We are committed
to affordable mobile computing, pioneered by the eMate, and will be serving this
market with Mac OS-based products beginning in 1999.
What is Apple's new business strategy?
To return to growth and sustained profitability, we have to create outstanding Macintosh
products for our core customers in design & publishing, education and consumer markets.
We believe we have made significant progress in recent months with the most successful
hardware product launch in Apple's history--Power Macintosh G3; and the most successful
software product launch in Apple's history--Mac OS 8. Our strategy today is to concentrate
on products for our core markets and aggressively market our unique brand and product
strengths to our customers.
What does this mean for Apple customers?
We will continue to market and sell our current inventory of eMate 300 and MessagePad
2100 products, as well as to provide support for our installed base of users. Additionally,
we are committed to working with our customers and developers to ensure a smooth
transition to Mac OS-based products.
Why should customers stick with the Mac?
Today the Macintosh continues to be the standard by which other personal computer
technology is evaluated for elegance, ease-of-use and sheer power. And, the lower
total cost of ownership of the Macintosh makes it the optimum choice for customers
everywhere. Staying with Macintosh is the right decision.
What will happen to your Newton licensing program?
We do not anticipate extending our current licensing program and are working with
our licensees on a transition strategy.
Will you continue to support Newton Developers' efforts?
We will continue to support our Newton Developers for 120 days via our Newton Developer
web pages at www.newton.apple.com/dev/index.html. After that time, we will determine
what level of support is needed.
Will you continue to manufacture Newton OS-based products?
We are giving our large customers a last buy opportunity if they place a non-cancelable
purchase order with us for 1,000 or more MessagePad 2100 or eMate units within the
next 30 days.
Where can I buy a MessagePad 2100 or eMate 300?
We will continue to sell Newton OS-based products through existing channels, as
well as direct through the Apple Store at www.apple.com.
Will you lower prices of your Newton OS-based products?
We have no current plans to lower the price of the eMate, however, we continue to
review pricing with all Apple products. We did reduce the price of our MessagePad
2100s on Feb. 14, 1998. The current price of the MessagePad 2100 is $799.00 at the
Apple Store, www.apple.com.
Will you have a trade-in program for Newton OS-based products?
We do not have plans for a trade-in program at this time.
Will customers be able to buy products from Apple licensees?
No. The MessagePad products our licensees market are significantly different, and
there has never been a licensee product based on the eMate 300.
Will third-party accessories and software continue to be carried on the Apple
Price list?
We will continue to carry eMate accessories and software on our education price
list. Newton accessories will continue to be available, but individual accessory
availability will vary.
What happens to the data in my MessagePad or eMate?
You can synchronize your data in Newton OS-based products with the applications
on a Macintosh or Windows-based PC using Newton Connection Utility (NCU). More information
on NCU is available at www.newton.apple.com/product_info/SW/ncu.html.
Will I continue to receive technical support for my eMate or MessagePad?
We will honor existing product warranty policies. In the U.S. this means 90-days
support for software and one year for hardware.
Can I return my Newton OS-based product?
Our return policies vary: If you are an education customer, returns are only accepted
on an exception basis as outlined in your Apple policy. If you purchased a Newton
OS-based product direct through the Apple Store, a 30-day return policy applies.
If you purchased a product from a retail store or Apple Authorized Reseller, that
store's individual return policy applies.
Will you honor extended service agreements?
We will honor extended service agreements and will continue to offer extended services
agreements within the first year of product ownership.
The statements in this document regarding future products and strategy are forward looking and subject to risk and uncertainty. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the demand from consumers and businesses and competitive factors. For a detailed discussion of factors that may affect the Company's operating results, interested parties should review the Company's SEC reports, including Apple's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 1997, as well as the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 26, 1997.