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TechRepublic takes apart the device that helped pave the way for such things as the Palm PDA, Pocket PC, and even the iPhone.

The Newton was the first successful PDA. Introduced in 1993, it paved the way for such things as the Palm PDA, Pocket PC, and even devices like the iPhone. Ridiculed for poor performance, it didn't last long in the marketplace, but its influence lingers on today.

We got a hold of one and discovered what's inside. Our unit is an Apple Newton H1000, also known as an OMP (Original Message Pad). This was the first Newton on the market. It debuted in 1993.

Here's the unit powered up. You can see the greenish reflective LCD screen common on some low-powered devices in the '80s and '90s. No backlighting here. The screen is useless unless it's well lit.

Photo credit and caption: John Sheesley/TechRepublic

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