This first Newton or the OMP, Original MessagePad as it became known as, sported a 20 MHz ARM 610 processor, and used AAA batteries. A high retail price of $699 for its launch in August 1993 which lasted until it was replaced in March 1994 by the Newton MessagePad 100. With an LCD screen and the ability to fax and email and the now infamous handwriting recognition system which was supposed to be 95% accurate left much to be desired and was widely ridiculed and even referenced in popular TV programmes at the time.