BUSINESS MEMO: COMPUTERS INTRODUCED

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Apple Computer Inc., eyeing a future in which people get and share information in many different ways, is introducing two new computers based on its once-scorned Newton MessagePad.

The company has launched a high-powered, top-of-the-line Newton designed for people traveling on business and a rugged, notebook-style device intended for schools.

Apple says the computers, available early next year, are only the first in its series of "information appliances," an emerging class of products smaller, cheaper and more specialized than a traditional personal computer.