CE Geek;
I found the original MessagePad more of a technology showcase than anything else. For me it was missing the caret insertion, reliable handwriting recognition, Wi-Fi, etc. that later Newtons and the eMate had. But, the OMP is a good introduction to what a Newton is and can be.
However, the eMate is something else. It’s basically indestructible
(if a little too big
) and the keyboard is fantastic for typing. The main problems with it are the hinges and lack of memory. If you get one I would suggest getting one that already had the hinges fixed and a re-celled battery pack. If you can get the memory expansion card, so much the better. The eMate memory expansion modules are very rare nowadays.
As you probably know, both the eMate and the Newton take linear PCMCIA expansion cards. However, there is a driver available
(not available for the OMP
) that allows the use of normal PCMCIA memory cards. Unfortunately, no matter which type you use, you won’t be able to read them in a Mac or PC. Newtons had a propriety file structure.
There is also an extremely active user community. They’ve produced patches, drivers and hardware over the years that have enabled later Newtons and the eMate to use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CF cards, etc. They’re even fixed the 2010 date problem. The mailing list is where everyone meets. Check out
http://www.newtontalk.net/
Enjoy the OMP and the eMate
(if you go for one
).
Rick
Edited by Richard Plume 2012-04-19 3:42 PM
(I have picked up a MessagePad H1000 recently in a package deal with a Compaq C140. 
)
