The Newton MessagePad 2000 and eMate 300 models introduced a new external connector. Previous models, from the original MessagePad to the MessagePad 130 used a standard Macintosh Mini DIN 8 port for Appletalk and serial I/O.

Well - not quite standard, since the Newton PrintPack used a combination of a special pin and byte sequence to trigger the OS to upload the print driver package when first plugged in. Anyone with information on how this works should feel free to contact me ... ;-)

The new Interconnect port provides access to the serial/Appletalk port, audio in and out, DC power and auto-sensing of docking.

It is physically a 26 pin, dual-sided flat connector with a metal, D-shaped housing (presumably earthed). The MessagePad 2000 and 2100 have a recessed male connector behind small door on one end of the device, while the eMate 300 has the same connection behind a sliding panel on the left-hand side.

HTML document

This document was (almost) anonomously posted to comp.os.newton.programmer in June 1997. It appears to be a copy of the Apple documentation.

PDF document

This is a copy of what appears to be an Apple document. It is labelled as a preliminary draft. I believe (I can't exactly remember) that it was released as part of the Newton Inc glasnost.

Engineering drawings

Various large GIF images of engineering drawings of various aspects of the port.

Interconnect Plug - Locking

Interconnect Plug - Nonlocking

Interconnect Receptacle

JAE Info

Specification Table 1/2

Specification Table 2/2

Tape & Reel Packaging Receptacle