Today, Apple is well known for its mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad, but in the 1990s, the Macintosh-only company invented the Personal Digital Assistant. Its PDA was the Newton, a family of handwriting-based devices that promised mobile productivity. However, after five short years, the whole line was cancelled. This episode, Stephen and Quinn revisit the Newton and talk about what — and who — killed it.

This episode of Flashback is sponsored by:

• TextExpander, from Smile: Unlock your productivity with TextExpander. Get 20% off with your first year.
• Hullo: A simple, natural pillow designed for comfort. Try it for 60 days.

Links and Show Notes:

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Knowledge Navigator (1987) Apple Computer - YouTube

Graffiti (Palm OS) - Wikipedia

The Story Behind Apple's Newton - Gizmodo

Let Newton Assist You, Says Apple | The Seattle Times

Watch Apple reveal the Newton’s wonders—mobile faxing!—in 1993

Your World, Your Newton - '90s Apple Promo Video - YouTube

The Simpsons' 'Eat Up Martha' was the first autocorrect fail - CNET

The Simpsons - Eat Up Martha - YouTube

A Guide to the Apple Newton – 512 Pixels

My Great New Writing Machine: A Newton eMate 300 | Low End Mac

Today in Apple history: Newton spins off as its own company | Cult of Mac

Remembering the Apple Newton’s Prophetic Failure and Lasting Impact | WIRED

Newton May Rise Again | WIRED

An Oral History of Apple's Infinite Loop | WIRED

The Newtonians: Worldwide Cult Ditches iPhone for Apple's Distant Past | WIRED

Newton Year 2010 Problem

Getting Things Done

Grant Hutchinson’s Newton Web Server

Worldwide Newton Conference

Love Notes to Newton (Feature Documentary) – Moosefuel Media

An Interview with Noah Leon, the Creator Behind the ‘Love Notes to Newton’ Film Project – 512 Pixels

The Story Behind Apple’s Newton | Low End Mac

Remembering the Apple Newton’s Prophetic Failure and Lasting Impact | WIRED

Einstein: NewtonOS running on other operating systems - GitHub