So... I've been on the fence about getting an MP2K for a while now, mostly due to both condition and/or prices that they tend to go for on eBay. Sometimes in quite worn condition, other times asking $400. Neither of which I was eager to get behind.
Bearing that in mind, I was willing to accept happily living onward to the end of days with just the MP130, as good as it is. Though, after using the 130 so much and having more fun than expected doodling on it in NewtPaint and jotting notes, my mind started wandering (as it tends to do) back around to the idea of the MP2K series yet again so I could have a larger drawing surface, amongst other things. Namely the much faster processor they have. Going from 20Mhz to 162Mhz is nothing to scoff at. Realizing that MP2100s in great condition can fetch upwards of $600 on eBay, I would settle for a good condition MP2K instead that wouldn't break the bank, if the right one came along. That never seemed to be the case though.
That is not until...
Making the mistake of looking on eBay late one night last week and a boxed MP2K popped up. Not that the box is what interests me as I generally try to avoid them since they are better aimed toward collectors (which I am not) and tend to adversely increase the price of what I'm looking to pay as a result of their inclusion. However, the sealed packaged contents of disks and accessories eluded to something more revealing.... that this unit hadn't been used much. At all!
It was truly in mint condition and all for the asking price of... about $60 more than what I paid for my MP130 earlier this year, which was $130. The sheer excitement of lucking out on what is essentially a brand new MessagePad 2000 for less than $200 doesn't end there however.... much to my surprise! The one thing I did initially noticed is that the EL on the MP2K is about twice as bright as the MP130. Not to discredit the 130s capabilities and I'm not sure if it's just due to age and/or use but it is dimmer.
The writing on this is butter smooth! And what a beautiful, bright display it is!
Side by side, here they are. The MP2K to kick alongside the Kanga and the 130 to hang with the 1400c!
The really surprising part was opening the top I/O panel of the MP2K.... one that put me in absolute awe!
Could it really be???!
SERIOUSLY?!
(I do believe my jaw actually dropped when I saw that sticker!)
I'm still in shock as it was not at all expected! An upgraded MP2K to 2100! Even the battery holds a charge. ADB cable has never been unwrapped, disks were sealed, ADB connector that goes on top still in the bag. What an unreal deal to end the year!
I am surprised to see the unit shipping with clearly labeled BETA disks of software however. Was this the norm back then?
In the end, this fully completes what I consider to be the Pinnacle of my Retro Computing Mobile Macintosh Office experience!
Anything beyond is simply extra:
Apple PowerBook Kanga G3 with 160MB RAM / OS8.6 upgraded on CF-HD + FD, CD, ZIP
Newton MessagePad 2000 (upgraded to 2100) with Keyboard (not shown)
QuickTake 200 with 4MB SmartMedia Cards and Readers (and QuickTake 150 not shown)
Color StyleWriter 2200 with battery attachment
Everything holds a charge and is running entirely from batteries -- even the printer!
Much more to my surprise is that the size of the MP2K is only just slightly larger than the MP130 while providing much more screen space and a far better experience overall. I do really love the voice recording memos as well. You know, those recordings from the criminal investigation shows or other interviews where the audio plays back in grainy, low quality form?
It does that perfectly and I love it!
Bearing that in mind, I was willing to accept happily living onward to the end of days with just the MP130, as good as it is. Though, after using the 130 so much and having more fun than expected doodling on it in NewtPaint and jotting notes, my mind started wandering (as it tends to do) back around to the idea of the MP2K series yet again so I could have a larger drawing surface, amongst other things. Namely the much faster processor they have. Going from 20Mhz to 162Mhz is nothing to scoff at. Realizing that MP2100s in great condition can fetch upwards of $600 on eBay, I would settle for a good condition MP2K instead that wouldn't break the bank, if the right one came along. That never seemed to be the case though.
That is not until...
Making the mistake of looking on eBay late one night last week and a boxed MP2K popped up. Not that the box is what interests me as I generally try to avoid them since they are better aimed toward collectors (which I am not) and tend to adversely increase the price of what I'm looking to pay as a result of their inclusion. However, the sealed packaged contents of disks and accessories eluded to something more revealing.... that this unit hadn't been used much. At all!
It was truly in mint condition and all for the asking price of... about $60 more than what I paid for my MP130 earlier this year, which was $130. The sheer excitement of lucking out on what is essentially a brand new MessagePad 2000 for less than $200 doesn't end there however.... much to my surprise! The one thing I did initially noticed is that the EL on the MP2K is about twice as bright as the MP130. Not to discredit the 130s capabilities and I'm not sure if it's just due to age and/or use but it is dimmer.
The writing on this is butter smooth! And what a beautiful, bright display it is!
Side by side, here they are. The MP2K to kick alongside the Kanga and the 130 to hang with the 1400c!
The really surprising part was opening the top I/O panel of the MP2K.... one that put me in absolute awe!
Could it really be???!
SERIOUSLY?!
(I do believe my jaw actually dropped when I saw that sticker!)
I'm still in shock as it was not at all expected! An upgraded MP2K to 2100! Even the battery holds a charge. ADB cable has never been unwrapped, disks were sealed, ADB connector that goes on top still in the bag. What an unreal deal to end the year!
I am surprised to see the unit shipping with clearly labeled BETA disks of software however. Was this the norm back then?
In the end, this fully completes what I consider to be the Pinnacle of my Retro Computing Mobile Macintosh Office experience!
Anything beyond is simply extra:
Apple PowerBook Kanga G3 with 160MB RAM / OS8.6 upgraded on CF-HD + FD, CD, ZIP
Newton MessagePad 2000 (upgraded to 2100) with Keyboard (not shown)
QuickTake 200 with 4MB SmartMedia Cards and Readers (and QuickTake 150 not shown)
Color StyleWriter 2200 with battery attachment
Everything holds a charge and is running entirely from batteries -- even the printer!
Much more to my surprise is that the size of the MP2K is only just slightly larger than the MP130 while providing much more screen space and a far better experience overall. I do really love the voice recording memos as well. You know, those recordings from the criminal investigation shows or other interviews where the audio plays back in grainy, low quality form?
It does that perfectly and I love it!
