The Return of the Newton?
There are rumors flying around about a new widescreen video iPod with touchscreen controls. Here are a couple links to the rumors:
I am hoping that Apple has raised their sites a little higher than just a larger screen for media playback. With a touchscreen, this new device could be the resurrection of the Newton Message Pad. When I first saw the Newton, it was at Comdex in the form of a plastic mockup under plexiglass while Douglas Adams talked on the big screen about writing everywhere. The next year, they had Newtons for us to play with. Chuck bought a Newton that year and chose his coats based on whether the Newton would fit in the inside breast pocket.
Today, Apple has the capability to bring back the Newton and wipe Palm and Windows Mobile off the face of the planet. It’s the only PDA that I would conceive of purchasing to replace my Treo. Apple has been very tightlipped about their “Tablet†patents. The widescreen video iPod could be so much more than merely a media playback device. If they add the capability of schedule, memos, book reader, and a to-do list, this device could be the return of the Apple Newton.
I eagerly await to see what will develop.