Apple drops Newton, an idea ahead of its time
Article Abstract:
Apple's surprise decision to discontinue its Newton hand-held computer ends one of the computer industry's boldest experiments. CEO Steve Jobs' decision halts further development of the Newton technology, which includes the hand-held MessagePad and the portable eMate. An earlier plan to spin off Newton as a separate entity was reversed by Jobs. Many observers interpreted Jobs' move at the time as assigning a role to Newton in Apple's evolving strategy. Apple instead will devote resources to its mainstream Macintosh computer line. Newton has won critical praise for its newer versions, but the product failed to overcome negative publicity on its handwriting recognition flaws. Competitors, such as the PalmPilot device, surpassed Newton in the market. Apple has sold about 200,000 Newtons since 1993, compared to more than one million PalmPilots sold since 1996, according to analysts.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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Apple and Power Computing expected to resolve Macintosh licensing dispute
Article Abstract:
Apple and Power Computing are expected to unveil an accord that could settle their lengthy Macintosh licensing dispute. No details have been announced, but insiders say the companies have been negotiating a deal in which Power Computing would pay Apple higher license fees. Power Computing, the first Macintosh clone manufacturer, also would gain licensing rights to more powerful Macs. Power has offered to sell back the Apple license it purchased, as a last resort. Power has expanded its annual revenue to around $300 million since its Dec 1995 licensing deal with Apple, mostly by assuming Apple sales. Strengthening Macs would put pressure on other competitive Mac cloners to raise their costs. Apple officials traditionally have supported licenses with clone makers that expand the market, but Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reportedly takes a harder stance against licensing.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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