Unique prototype mock-up of Apple's proposed "VideoPad 2," an early PDA concept developed under CEO John Sculley circa 1993–1995. The design model, which measures approximately 9˝ x 7˝ x 1.5˝ when closed, is constructed of heavy duty dark gray plastic and features a hinged flip top with space for a video screen, circular camera cutout, and holes representing two speakers on either side; the base carries a mock memory card slot, power socket, phone line input, audio and video jacks, and silver-papered touchscreen area, with Apple's logo in the lower left corner. The product name, "VideoPad 2," is lettered in white on the lid. Housed in a black leather pouch impressed with the Apple Newton lightbulb logo. In fine condition.
The VideoPad was intended as the sophisticated successor to the MessagePad, introducing video communications in a miniature notebook-style package. Three VideoPad variants were developed based on sketches made by John Sculley, who recognized the massive potential of portable devices and had overseen the introduction of the PowerBook and MessagePad. The VideoPad 2 would likely have run on Apple's Newton OS, and its innovative functions may be ascertained by its design—real-time videoconferencing, a stylus-driven touchscreen with handwriting recognition, and expandable storage capacity. Many of these design cues would be adopted in Apple's eMate 300, a Newton-based laptop-style PDA targeted at the education market. Although Steve Jobs axed the VideoPad project on his return to Apple in 1997, its most notable feature (the front-facing camera), as well as its name, live on in the iPad—the world's best-selling tablet.
Provenance: History of Science and Technology, Bonhams, November 3, 2021; their description states that this is the only surviving concept prototype for the VideoPad PDA and was purchased in Palo Alto from an Apple Engineer in 1999.
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