The community is pretty active but the device still comes pretty slim with apps and functionality unless you are cool with browsing, RSS, email (client needs work) and support for VOIP (though without a bluetooth headset). With a solid syncable PIM suite, it would do everything I want from a device like this.

That said – I have to agree with Luke. The MessagePad was amazing! I had the 2100 and the manner in which apps worked together was fantastic – far better than even Palm of today. The browser, email, Newsreader all worked very well and while it was before wifi was prevalent it could be added (as well as bluetooth now I believe) though you could easily use a modem or even an ethernet jack at your desk which was pretty intense for a device of that size. The main issues (aside from Apple dropping it) were the size – which the Tablet today really nailed – and of course a high res color screen. I think further minaturization as well as adding color would only have made the Newton WAY too expensive though for it’s time.