eMate

Emate is a term that may refer to several things, but it is most commonly associated with the Apple eMate 300, a portable educational computer released by Apple Computer in 1997 as part of the Newton family. The eMate 300 is distinguished by its built-in keyboard, stylus input, and a rugged, lid-like chassis with a carrying handle. It runs Newton OS and uses an ARM-based processor, offering handwriting recognition and basic productivity applications focused on notes, schedules, and contacts. The device was marketed toward education and field use, aiming to combine laptop-like usability with the Newton platform.

Despite its distinctive design and educational focus, the eMate 300 did not achieve broad commercial success. Apple discontinued the Newton line in 1998 as part of a broader strategic shift, and the eMate remained a niche product rather than a mainstream success. In later years, it has been studied as a notable example in the history of mobile computing and educational technology, and it is now often collected by enthusiasts.

The lowercase term emate has limited widely recognized meanings beyond references to the eMate. In most contexts, the intended meaning is inferred from capitalization or domain-specific usage. For those encountering the term, the context usually clarifies whether it refers to the Apple device or to an unrelated concept in a different field. Related topics include Apple Newton and Newton OS.