Apple’s New MessagePad 2100 Offers Enhanced Performance For Today’s Mobile,
Information-Centric Users

Newest Member of MessagePad Family Features Increased System Memory, Higher
Performance, Upgraded Communications Software

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 20 — Apple Computer, Inc. today announced the
MessagePad 2100, available in November. The newest member of the Apple
MessagePad family, the MessagePad 2100 offers hardware and software
features that enhance performance and communications, including additional
system memory and upgrades to several of its bundled software programs. To
support current MessagePad 2000 owners, Apple will offer an upgrade program
that brings the same DRAM memory of the new MessagePad 2100 to its
predecessor.

“The MessagePad 2100 is the sequel to one of the most successful new
products in mobile computing history — one that has spawned a legion of
true believers,” said Sina Tamaddon, vice president and general manager of
Apple’s Newton Group. “We know that our customers will be thrilled with our
networking and performance improvements, making the MessagePad 2100 an
ideal mobile device for individuals and corporations.”

The MessagePad product line has been widely adopted by both mobile business
professionals and corporate users. According to International Data
Corporation, this market is expected to reach $2.1 billion this year and
$4.1 billion by 2001. The line offers the versatility of a laptop,
including email, fax and Internet access capabilities, as well as a
spreadsheet application and personal productivity software, all at a
fraction of a laptop’s weight and cost. (A modem and Internet Service
Provider are required to send and receive email and for Internet access.)
The MessagePad delivers battery life of up to six weeks of normal use and
will run continuously without battery replacement for up to 24 hours.

The MessagePad was designed to suit mobile user needs, with a focus on
processing speed, an easy-to-read screen and an optional functional
keyboard. Built around the powerful Digital StrongARM SA-110 processor, the
MessagePad 2100 is one of the fastest handheld computers on the market. The
mobile computer’s 16-level gray scale screen is both larger and clearer
than those found on most competitive handheld computers. Unlike the tiny
keyboards found on many handheld devices, the MessagePad’s optional
keyboard supports touch- typing.

Designed with additional memory, the MessagePad 2100 has 4 MB of DRAM,
which is 3MB more than its predecessor, the MessagePad 2000. The expanded
system memory allows the MessagePad 2100 to run more applications
simultaneously, permitting users to work more efficiently. The upgraded
memory and communications software are expected to be especially useful for
customers who tend to use large applications, like to work on their
MessagePads with a variety of applications open at one time or use
communications applications such as Internet email or web browsing.

The latest generation of the MessagePad also includes version 3.2 of AllPen
Software’s NetHopper graphical web browser. The new version provides proxy
support, enabling users behind a corporate security firewall to access the
Internet. The software also supports authentication, enabling users to
access sites requiring a password, such as news and travel websites, and
the ability to download Newton packages over the web, such as system
updates and applications.

The MessagePad 2100 comes bundled with the latest version of Newton
Internet Enabler (NIE 2.0), Apple’s TCP/IP software that provides
Internet/intranet connections. NIE 2.0 benefits corporate users by
providing a direct connection to both Ethernet and AppleTalk networks, as
well as support for PAP and CHAP authentication when using a modem (not
included) to connect with an Internet Service Provider.

In addition to being bundled with the MessagePad 2100 and the MessagePad
2000 upgrade, NIE 2.0 is immediately available from Apple’s website at:
http://www.newton.apple.com/. NIE 2.0 is also compatible with other
MessagePad devices and with the eMate 300, a mobile computer based on the
Newton operating system and built primarily for education.

Upgrade Details

To participate in the MessagePad 2000 upgrade program, which is available
until April 30, 1998 or while supplies last, MessagePad 2000 owners will
send their units into the Apple Service Center for system memory expansion
and software enhancements. Along with the service and upgrades,
participants will also receive a copy of Newton Press 1.1 and, while
supplies last, a 2MB flash memory card.

For customers who purchased a MessagePad 2000 prior to November 7th, the
upgrade will be offered for U.S.$99.00. For customers purchasing the
MessagePad 2000 after that date, the price will be U.S.$199. Shipping and
local taxes are not included and will be added to all listed prices. The
upgrade is intended to be completed within two to five working days, after
the MessagePad 2000 to be upgraded is received by the Apple Service Center.

Pricing and Availability

The MessagePad 2100 will be available in English and German versions
worldwide, in November. The estimated retail price of the MessagePad 2100
will be around $1,000 in the United States, including a word processor,
email package, web browser and spreadsheet applications.

Additional information on the MessagePad product line can be found by
visiting the Newton website located at http://www.newton.apple.com or by
calling 1- 800-909-0260. Information regarding the MessagePad 2000 upgrade
program can be found by calling 1-800-500-7078.

Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s
with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with
the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission — to bring
the best personal computing products and support to students, educators,
designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons, and consumers in over
140 countries around the world.

Apple, the Apple logo, AppleTalk, eMate, Macintosh, Mac OS, MessagePad, and
Newton are registered trademarks of Apple Computers, Inc. Additional
company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the
individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

CONTACT: Russell Brady of Apple Computer, Inc., 408-974-6877 or
brady2@apple.com