An auction for the self dubbed “Newton MessagePad 3000″ beta iPhone is nearly over, with a high bid of $2,295.

For all that you get a phone that doesn’t have a ringtone, can’t send text messages, has a plastic screen and is an unforgettable piece of Apple history… I hope whoever buys this really likes beta software.

Plus, Newton MessagePad 3000 is a much better name than iPhone. Maybe Steven Seagal will use this incarnation to save another runaway train or other fast moving vehicle in Under Siege 3.

Update: Steven Seagal’s Newton scene here.