Apple Announces New MessagePad -- Apple has announced the Newton MessagePad 2100, due to ship in November. The 2100 resembles its predecessor, the MessagePad 2000 (reviewed in TidBITS-379), but comes with an additional 3 MB of DRAM for a total of 4 MB, helping users keep multiple programs launched. Although the Newton 2100 represents an incrementally nicer Newton, it breaks no new ground. A comparison of the data sheets available on Apple's Newton Web site shows that only subtle changes further differentiate the 2100 from the 2000. Through 30-Apr-98 or while supplies last, Message Pad 2000 owners can upgrade by sending their MessagePads to Apple for a memory upgrade, new software, and other goodies (such as a 2 MB flash RAM card while supplies last). If you purchased a MessagePad 2000 before 07-Nov-97, the upgrade costs $99; otherwise it is $199. Apple anticipates completing an upgrade two to five days after receiving a unit. [TJE]

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