We’ve all seen the 1987 video where Apple was predicting Siri, FaceTims and the iPad. And now, we all know that the iPhone is not the only/first phone made by Apple ( check out the original 1983 Apple iPhone ). But what about the iPad? Presenting Apple’s Newton Cadillac prototype.
FSM EXCLUSIVE DEAL According to “Defying Gravity” (a book about Apple’s development of the Newton platform), Apple’s Newton Group worked on two projects simultaneously. The “Senior” project was to develop a large slate sized Newton computer. The “Junior” project was to develop a small PDA.
In 1993, Apple decided to postpone/kill the Senior project, and bet the ranch on the Junior project. The Junior project team developed the MessagePad. The MessagePad’s fate is well-known.
The “Senior” project team built a prototype, the “Cadillac.” The Cadillac is an incredible piece of technology, although there is not much information about it on the web.
The Cadillac measures 10.75 inches wide and 8.75 inches tall, although it is not really rectangular. The screen is 6.5 inched wide and 4 inches tall. The prototypes cost a bundle (rumored to be about $750,000 including tools and machinery).
[images via, via]