The iPad and it’s predecessor, the Newton

Apple’s first tablet of sorts, the Newton, was introduced 17 years ago in 1993 but didn’t catch on. People weren’t ready for it, and the technology wasn’t as fancy or awe inspiring as when you fast-forward the iPad of today. Interesting how they’re so similar though, isn’t it? CheerfulSW summarizes the two devices as so:

1998: A revolutionary, lovable Apple PDA with little squareish icons, on-screen keyboard, common icons across the bottom, single-tasking, and the best compact keyboard of the decade, complete with an ungainly but functional fold-out case. The Newton.

2010: A revolutionary, lovable Apple PDA with little squareish icons, on-screen keyboard, common icons across the bottom, single-tasking, and the best compact keyboard of the decade, complete with an ungainly but functional fold-out case. The iPad.

When I see things like this I can’t help but wonder where the Mac, iPad, and iPhone are going to be years from now, as Apple continues to refine the user experience. Will the two platforms eventually merge?

If you’re interested in the iPad, the Newton, usability, and design, check out CheerfulSW’s enjoyable read on the iPad being a “work of obvious”.