Hubbry Logo
List of Apple printersList of Apple printersMain
Open search
List of Apple printers
Community hub
List of Apple printers
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
List of Apple printers
List of Apple printers
List of Apple printers
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Apple has produced several lines of printers in its history, but no longer produces or supports these devices today. Though some early products use thermal technology, Apple's products can be broadly divided into three lines: ImageWriter (dot matrix), LaserWriter (PostScript laser), and StyleWriter (thermal inkjet).

Early products

[edit]

Apple's first printer was the Apple Silentype, released in June 1979, shortly after the Apple II Plus. The Silentype was a thermal printer, which used a special paper and provided 80 column output. Also compatible with the Apple III, the Silentype was a rebranded Trendcom 200.[1][2]

The Apple Dot Matrix Printer (often shortened to Apple DMP) is a printer manufactured by C. Itoh and sold under Apple label in 1982 for the Apple II series, Lisa, and the Apple III.[1] Apple followed this release with a Qume daisy wheel engine, the Apple Letter Quality Printer (also known as the Apple Daisy Wheel Printer), in January 1983. This printer could print at forty characters per second.[1] Also in 1983, Apple released its only plotter, the Apple Color Plotter. This printer moved and rotated four color pens along the horizontal axis, the device moving the paper into order to allow its pens to render along the vertical axis.[1] The Apple Scribe Printer was a thermal transfer printer, first introduced in 1984 alongside the Apple IIc for a relatively low retail price, and compatible with the Apple IIe computer.[1]

Image Name Type Interface DPI Introduced Discontinued Notes
Silentype Silentype Thermal serial N/A March 1980 October 1982 Uses nonstandard DE-9 pinout[3]
DMP Dot Matrix Printer Dot Matrix parallel N/A October 1982 December 1984 9-pin[4][5]
Daisy Wheel Printer Daisy Wheel serial N/A January 1983 December 1984 Offers graphics[4][6][7]
Color Plotter Color Plotter Plotter serial N/A December 1983 January 1988 [8]
Scribe Scribe Thermal serial 144 April 1984 December 1985 Reviewed[9]

Dot-matrix series

[edit]
Main article: ImageWriter
Image Name Type Interface DPI Introduced Discontinued Notes
ImageWriter ImageWriter Dot matrix serial 144 June 1, 1984 December 1, 1985 9-pin[10]
ImageWriter II ImageWriter II Dot matrix serial 160x144 September 1, 1985 Late 1996 9-pin[11]
ImageWriter II ImageWriter LQ Dot matrix serial 320x216 August 1, 1987 December 1, 1990 27-pin, Letter Quality[12]

Laser printer series

[edit]
Main article: LaserWriter

The LaserWriter was a laser printer with built-in PostScript interpreter introduced by Apple in 1985. It was one of the first laser printers available to the mass market. In combination with WYSIWYG publishing software like PageMaker, that operated on top of the graphical user interface of Macintosh computers, the LaserWriter was a key component at the beginning of the desktop publishing revolution.[13][14]

Image Name Type Interface Engine PPM DPI Introduced Discontinued Weight Notes
Apple Laserwriter LaserWriter PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk		 Canon
LBP-CX		 8 300 March 1, 1985 February 1, 1988 77 lbs. [15]
Apple Laserwriter LaserWriter Plus PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk		 Canon
LBP-CX		 8 300 January 1, 1986 February 1, 1988 77 lbs. [16]
LaserWriter II LaserWriter II SC QuickDraw
laser		 SCSI Canon
LBP-SX		 8 300 January 1, 1988 July 1, 1990 45 lbs. [17]
LaserWriter II LaserWriter II NT PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk		 Canon
LBP-SX		 8 300 January 1, 1988 October 1, 1991 45 lbs. [18]
LaserWriter II LaserWriter II NTX PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk		 Canon
LBP-SX		 8 300 January 1, 1988 October 1, 1991 45 lbs. [19]
LaserWriter II LaserWriter II f PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk		 Canon
LBP-SX		 8 300 October 1, 1991 May 1, 1993 45 lbs. [20]
LaserWriter II LaserWriter II g PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk
AAUI		 Canon
LBP-SX		 8 300 October 1, 1991 October 1, 1993 45 lbs. [21]
Personal LaserWriter SC Personal LaserWriter SC QuickDraw
laser		 SCSI Canon
LBP-LX		 4 300 June 1, 1990 September 1, 1993 32 lbs. [22]
Personal LaserWriter NT Personal LaserWriter NT PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk		 Canon
LBP-LX		 4 300 July 1, 1990 May 1, 1993 32 lbs. [23]
Personal LaserWriter LS Personal LaserWriter LS QuickDraw
laser		 serial Canon
LBP-LX		 4 300 March 1, 1991 May 1, 1993 31 lbs. [24]
Personal LaserWriter NTR Personal LaserWriter NTR PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk
parallel		 Canon
LBP-LX		 4 300 March 1, 1992 September 1, 1993 29.5 lbs. [25]
Personal LaserWriter 300 Personal LaserWriter 300 QuickDraw
laser		 serial Canon
LBP-PX		 4 300 June 1, 1993 September 1, 1994 15.4 lbs. [26]
Personal LaserWriter 320 Personal LaserWriter 320 PostScript
laser		 LocalTalk Canon
LBP-PX		 4 300 October 1, 1993 September 16, 1995 15.4 lbs. [27]
LaserWriter Pro 600 LaserWriter Pro 600 PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk
parallel		 Canon
LBP-EX		 8 600 January 1, 1993 October 1, 1993 39 lbs. [28]
LaserWriter Pro 630 LaserWriter Pro 630 PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk
parallel
AAUI		 Canon
LBP-EX		 8 600 January 1, 1993 September 1, 1994 39 lbs. [29]
LaserWriter Pro 810 LaserWriter Pro 810 PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk
AAUI		 Fuji/Xerox
XP 20[30]		 20 800 October 1, 1993 November 1, 1994 81 lbs. two built-in paper trays[31]
LaserWriter Select 300 LaserWriter Select 300 QuickDraw
laser		 serial Fuji/Xerox
XP 5 (P1)		 5 300 February 1, 1993 January 3, 1995 26 lbs. [32]
LaserWriter Select 310 LaserWriter Select 310 PostScript
laser		 serial
parallel		 Fuji/Xerox
XP 5 (P1)		 5 300 February 1, 1993 January 1, 1994 26 lbs. [33]
LaserWriter Select 360 LaserWriter Select 360 PostScript
laser		 serial
LocalTalk
parallel		 Fuji/Xerox
XP 10 (P1)		 10 600 October 1, 1993 April 22, 1996 29 lbs. [34]
LaserWriter 16/600 LaserWriter 16/600 PS PostScript
laser		 LocalTalk
parallel
AAUI		 Canon
LBP-EX		 17 600 September 1, 1994 June 17, 1996 40 lbs. [35]
LaserWriter 4/600 LaserWriter 4/600 PostScript
laser		 LocalTalk Canon
LBP-PX		 4 600 June 1, 1995 unknown 15.4 lbs. [36]
LaserWriter 12/640 LaserWriter 12/640 PS PostScript
laser		 AAUI
LocalTalk
parallel		 Fuji/Xerox
P893		 12 600 June 17, 1996 1997 26.5 lbs. 8 ppm duplex[37]
LaserWriter 8500 PostScript
laser		 Ethernet
LocalTalk
parallel		 Fuji/Xerox
P880		 20 600 August 5, 1997 January 1999 70.4 lbs. 11x17 paper tray[38]
Color LaserWriter 12/600 Color LaserWriter 12/600 PostScript
laser		 Ethernet
LocalTalk
parallel		 Canon
LBP-HX		 12 600 June 1, 1995 October 1, 1996 110 lbs. 3 ppm in color[39]
Color LaserWriter 12/600 Color LaserWriter 12/660 PostScript
laser		 Ethernet
LocalTalk
parallel		 Canon
LBP-HX		 12 600 October 1, 1996 1997 110 lbs. 3 ppm in color[40]

Inkjet series

[edit]
Main article: StyleWriter

The StyleWriter was the first of Apple's line of inkjet serial printers, targeted mainly towards consumers. They produced print quality that was better than the dot matrix ImageWriters, and were cheaper than the LaserWriters. All but a few models contained Canon print engines, a few were rebadged Canon printers, while the last few were rebadged HP DeskJet printers.

The Apple Color Printer was the first color inkjet printer sold by Apple. Introduced in 1993 alongside the StyleWriter II, it was a rebadged Canon BJC-820 printer.[41] Its maximum resolution was 360 DPI and connected to the computer via SCSI. Unlike many inkjet printers of the time, the Apple Color Printer did not suffer from print slowdowns caused by slow communication from the computer performing rasterization, since the SCSI bus is relatively fast. The model was discontinued in 1994 when Apple introduced the Color StyleWriter series of printers.[42]

Image Name Type Interface Engine PPM DPI Introduced Discontinued Weight Notes
StyleWriter StyleWriter monochrome
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 0.5 360 March 1, 1991 January 1, 1993 7.5 lbs. [43]
StyleWriter II StyleWriter II monochrome
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 1 360 January 1, 1993 April 17, 1995 6.6 lbs. [44]
Portable StyleWriter Portable StyleWriter monochrome
thermal
inkjet		 parallel Canon 0.5 360 June 1, 1993 May 15, 1995 4.5 lbs. Cable adapter allowed connection to serial[45]
Color StyleWriter Pro color
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 2/0.5 360 February 1, 1994 December 16, 1995 11 lbs. [46]
StyleWriter 1200 StyleWriter 1200 monochrome
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 1 360 April 1, 1994 unknown 6.6 lbs. [47]
Color StyleWriter 2400 Color StyleWriter 2400 color
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 3 360 September 1, 1994 unknown 7.9 lbs. LocalTalk option[48]
Color StyleWriter 2200 Color StyleWriter 2200 color
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 3 720x360 June 1, 1995 unknown 3.1 lbs. portable[49]
Color StyleWriter 1500 color
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 3 720x360 February 19, 1996 unknown 5.5 lbs. LocalTalk option, EtherTalk option[50]
Color StyleWriter 2500 Color StyleWriter 2500 color
thermal
inkjet		 serial Canon 3 720x360 February 19, 1996 unknown 6.9 lbs. LocalTalk option, EtherTalk option[51]
Color StyleWriter 4100 color
thermal
inkjet		 serial
LocalTalk		 HP 5 600 June 16, 1997 unknown 11.7 lbs. [52]
Color StyleWriter 4500 Color StyleWriter 4500 color
thermal
inkjet		 serial
LocalTalk		 HP 5 600 June 16, 1997 unknown 11.7 lbs. [53]
Color StyleWriter 6500 color
thermal
inkjet		 serial
LocalTalk
parallel		 HP 8/4 600 June 16, 1997 unknown 14.3 lbs. EtherTalk option[54]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

List of Apple printers

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The list of Apple printers comprises the diverse models produced by Apple Computer, Inc. (later Apple Inc.) from 1980 to 1997, encompassing thermal, dot-matrix, daisy wheel, laser, and inkjet technologies designed for seamless integration with the company's personal computers, including the and Macintosh series. These printers marked Apple's early foray into peripherals, evolving from basic output devices to sophisticated tools that advanced and workflows. Apple's printer production began with the Silentype in 1980, a compact printer optimized for quiet operation and compatibility with the , setting the foundation for affordable printing solutions. This was followed by models like the Apple Dot Matrix Printer in 1982 and the series starting in 1984, which offered improved text and graphics capabilities tailored for the emerging Macintosh platform. The pivotal , introduced in 1985, utilized and a Canon engine to deliver 300 dpi professional-quality output, fundamentally enabling when paired with software like Aldus PageMaker and transforming industries such as and advertising. In the 1990s, Apple shifted toward color and consumer-oriented inkjet printers, including the StyleWriter line launched in 1991 and the Color Printer in 1993; the StyleWriters provided compact, affordable options for home and small office use, while the Color Printer offered high-quality color output for professional applications. Higher-end laser models, such as the LaserWriter Pro series and the LaserWriter 8500 in 1997, supported advanced features like duplex printing and larger formats but represented the culmination of Apple's hardware efforts in this category. Production ceased in 1997 under Steve Jobs' leadership, as printers were viewed as non-core to Apple's focus on computers and software, with the company pivoting to third-party compatibility via technologies like AirPrint for modern devices. Today, these printers are collectible artifacts of computing history, valued for their role in democratizing high-quality printing.

Thermal printers

Silentype

The Apple Silentype was Apple's inaugural printer, a thermal model introduced in March 1980 and discontinued in October 1982, serving as an entry-level accessory for early personal computing setups. Designed primarily for text output on the Apple II series, including the Apple II Plus, it marked Apple's initial foray into peripherals. This printer employed direct connected via a serial interface card installed in the Apple II's expansion slot, enabling 80-column text printing at a speed of 40 characters per second. It was fully compatible with the Apple II series, requiring at least 16K of memory and supporting languages like , , Pascal, and the system monitor. The compact unit measured 7.5 by 12 by 8 inches, making it suitable for desktop use alongside early Apple systems. Launched at a price of $595, the Silentype used rolls of heat-sensitive that darkened upon heating, eliminating the need for ink, ribbons, or other consumables beyond the specialized . Despite its affordability and quiet operation—hence the "Silentype" name—the printer had notable limitations that curtailed its popularity. It supported only text output with no advanced capabilities, restricting it to basic tasks. The reliance on proprietary rolls proved costly over time, as supplies were expensive and not reusable, contributing to the model's short commercial lifespan amid rising competition from more versatile printers. This paved the way for Apple's shift toward dot-matrix models in the early 1980s, which offered greater durability and compatibility with standard paper.

Scribe

The Apple Scribe was Apple's second printer, introduced in April 1984 alongside the and discontinued in August 1986. This model employed technology via a serial RS-232C interface operating at by default, delivering a high-resolution output of vertically and 144–160 horizontally in high-resolution mode, while supporting both text and graphics printing in black-and-white or color using specialized ribbons. Intended for the Apple II family, including the IIc, II, and later IIGS models with compatible serial ports or cards, it offered draft-mode speeds of up to 80 characters per second at 10 or 17 characters per inch, along with letter-quality output at 50 characters per second, and accommodated standard 8.5-inch plain tractor-feed paper in weights of 16–24 pounds for cost-effective, everyday use. Measuring 14.5 by 12.4 by 6.1 inches and weighing 14.1 pounds, the compact unit retailed for around $299, making it an accessible option for mid-1980s Apple users seeking improved print quality over earlier models. Key to its efficiency was an integrated input buffer that stored incoming for smoother operation and reduced computer wait times during ; additionally, by utilizing wider plain sheets instead of the narrow, expensive rolls required by its predecessor, the Silentype, it significantly lowered ongoing expenses. The served as a bridge to Apple's subsequent dot-matrix printers by shifting away from specialized media toward more versatile plain-paper handling.

Dot-matrix printers

Dot Matrix Printer

Apple's Printer, introduced in October 1982 and manufactured by C. Itoh, marked the company's entry into impact printing technology as a more versatile alternative to its earlier models. This 9-pin dot-matrix impact printer featured a parallel interface and delivered 136-column output at a speed of 120 characters per second in draft mode. Designed primarily for compatibility with the Apple II series, it supported Epson-compatible graphics commands, enabling basic raster graphics printing alongside text. The printer utilized continuous-form paper with tractor-feed mechanisms, allowing for efficient handling of multi-page documents and forms without the special media required by prior Apple printers. Measuring 5 x 16 x 11 inches and weighing 18.5 pounds, the device was compact for its era yet robust enough for office use, with an initial retail price of $699. It was discontinued in December 1984 after serving as Apple's first printer to support standard , broadening accessibility beyond niche applications. However, its operation was notably noisy due to the mechanical impact mechanism, and it relied on replaceable ribbon cartridges for ink transfer, which could fade over time without maintenance. This model laid the groundwork for subsequent developments, evolving into the series with enhanced resolution capabilities.

ImageWriter

The , introduced in June 1984 and discontinued in December 1985, marked Apple's initial foray into higher-quality dot-matrix printing tailored for its burgeoning personal computing ecosystem, particularly the Macintosh and lines. This 9-pin impact printer utilized a serial interface to connect seamlessly with these systems, enabling support for graphics, scalable fonts, and rendering for what-you-see-is-what-you-get output. With a resolution of 144 (DPI), it delivered clear text and images suitable for early and business applications in the mid-1980s. Performance-wise, the ImageWriter achieved printing speeds of 120 characters per second (CPS) in draft mode for quick output and approximately 40 CPS in near-letter-quality (NLQ) mode for sharper, more professional results. Its compact design measured 16.2 inches wide by 11.8 inches deep by 4.8 inches high, with a weight of 19 pounds, making it practical for or desks. Priced at $675 upon release, it represented an accessible peripheral for Apple's users seeking reliable hard-copy production. A key innovation was its built-in feed mechanism, Apple's first such integration for handling continuous forms and fanfold paper without additional accessories, enhancing efficiency for multi-page documents like labels or invoices. The printer exclusively used black fabric ribbons, focusing on output that aligned with the era's emphasis on cost-effective, high-volume text and simple printing. This model laid essential groundwork for refinements in Apple's subsequent dot-matrix printers, emphasizing compatibility and versatility within the ecosystem.

ImageWriter II

The Apple ImageWriter II, introduced in September 1985, represented an upgrade over the original by incorporating built-in networking capabilities via a port for compatibility, alongside the standard serial interface, enabling shared use in office environments during the late 1980s and . This 9-pin dot-matrix printer achieved a resolution of 160 horizontally by 144 dpi vertically, supporting draft speeds up to 250 characters per second, correspondence quality at 180 cps, and near-letter-quality (NLQ) at 45 cps, making it suitable for both text and graphics output. It was fully compatible with Macintosh systems, , and computers, leveraging for high-quality graphics rendering. Priced at $599 upon launch, the printer measured approximately 17 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 5 inches high and weighed about 15 pounds, facilitating easy placement on desks. A key feature was its optional color ribbon cartridge, which enabled printing in up to seven colors (black, yellow, cyan, magenta, orange, green, and purple) for vibrant text and graphics, providing an affordable color solution before the widespread adoption of inkjet printers, though it retained the characteristic impact noise of dot-matrix technology. The printer supported font cartridges for customizable typefaces, including fixed and proportional spacing in various pitches (such as 10, 12, and 15 characters per inch), enhancing versatility for business documents. Additionally, its NLQ mode offered a quieter operation compared to draft settings, suitable for office settings where noise reduction was beneficial. The ImageWriter II enjoyed remarkable longevity, remaining in production until late 1996—Apple's longest-running printer model at over 11 years—owing to its reliability, broad compatibility, and adaptability through minor revisions that maintained support for evolving Apple ecosystems without major overhauls.

ImageWriter LQ

The Apple LQ was a wide-carriage dot-matrix printer launched in August 1987 and discontinued in December 1990, serving as the high-resolution successor in Apple's ImageWriter series for professional near-letter-quality printing on Macintosh and Apple II systems. It employed a 27-pin print head with an enhanced design for sharper text and graphics, achieving letter-quality resolution of 320 × 216 DPI using a black ribbon for output. The printer supported serial, parallel, and optional interfaces for connectivity, with print speeds of up to 250 characters per second (CPS) in draft mode and 115 CPS in letter-quality proportional mode. Measuring 5.12 by 23.2 by 15 inches and weighing 38 pounds, the LQ accommodated paper up to 15 inches wide and was initially priced at $1,399. As the final evolution in the ImageWriter line, it bridged Apple's dot-matrix era before the dominance of laser and inkjet printers.

Specialized early printers

Daisy Wheel Printer

The , also referred to as the Apple Letter Quality Printer, was a high-quality impact printer introduced by Apple Computer in January 1983 as part of its early peripherals lineup for business and professional applications. It was manufactured using a modified Qume daisy wheel mechanism, designed to deliver typewriter-like text output suitable for correspondence and documents requiring precise character formation. This printer employed daisy wheel impact technology, where a rotating nylon wheel with embossed characters on its spokes was struck by a print hammer to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the paper, enabling near-letter-quality results. It connected via a serial RS-232C interface and supported baud rates from 110 to 9600, with an average printing speed of 40 characters per second and features like bidirectional printing, proportional spacing, boldface, and underlining. Compatibility extended to the Apple II series (including the IIe), , and Lisa systems, requiring appropriate interface cards or cables for integration. Users could switch fonts and styles by installing interchangeable 130-character daisy wheels, such as Prestige Elite 12-pitch or optional Courier 10-pitch and Gothic 15-pitch variants, allowing customization for different document needs. Physically, the printer measured 23.22 inches in width, 6.87 inches in height, and 14.84 inches in depth, with a weight of 37 pounds, making it compact for its era but substantial for desktop use. It retailed for $2,195, positioning it as a premium option compared to more affordable dot-matrix alternatives. The device supported paper up to 15 inches wide via or feed, with a maximum thickness of 0.025 inches, and operated in environments from 50°F to 104°F with 10-90% humidity. Despite its capabilities, the printer had notable limitations, including restriction to monochrome output and primary focus on text, though basic graphics modes at 1/60-inch or 1/120-inch resolution were possible but consumed ribbon quickly. Its operation produced significant noise akin to a mechanical typewriter due to the hammer strikes, and it required regular maintenance for the print wheel and ribbon. The model was short-lived, amid the growing popularity of versatile dot-matrix printers.

Color Plotter

The Apple Color Plotter, model A9M0302 (also known as the 410), was Apple's sole entry into pen-plotter technology, introduced in December 1983 and discontinued in 1988. Designed primarily for generating high-quality color , diagrams, and charts rather than text printing, it utilized a four-pen mechanism to produce outputs suitable for technical illustrations and presentations on compatible Apple systems. Priced at $1,000 upon release, it targeted users in , , and who required precise line drawings beyond the capabilities of dot-matrix or daisy-wheel printers. This device featured an RS-232C serial interface for connectivity, operating at baud rates from 75 to 9600, with configurable 7- or 8-bit data, parity, and stop bits. It was compatible with the , , , and computers (the latter requiring a Super Serial Card), as well as early Macintosh systems via appropriate drivers such as those for CAD software. The employed stepper motors to move the paper along the X-axis (up to 391.8 mm or 15.4 inches maximum plot area) and the pen carriage along the Y-axis (up to 257 mm or 10.1 inches), achieving a resolution of 0.1 mm (0.004 inches) with repeatability of 0.2 mm for a single pen or 0.4 mm between pens. Media support included standard paper and Apple's Plotter Transparency Film, with nine software-selectable sizes such as ANSI A (8.5 x 11 inches) and DIN A4, accommodating thicknesses from 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm; typical paper width aligned with letter-sized formats around 216 mm, though adjustable to narrower options like 203 mm for specific applications. The plotter's four-pen system allowed selection from eight available liquid-ink colors—black, red, green, blue, violet, orange, gold, and brown—using porous plastic tips for paper or fiber tips for transparencies, enabling subtractive color mixing akin to CMYK for graphical outputs. Pen velocity reached a maximum of 10 cm/sec (3.94 inches/sec) along each axis when up or down, or 14.12 cm/sec (5.56 inches/sec) for 45-degree lines, with programmable speeds in 1 cm/sec increments from 1 to 10 cm/sec; actual plotting speed varied based on complexity, often slower for detailed CAD or chart rendering. Accuracy was rated at ±1% plus 0.3 mm, making it suitable for computer-aided design (CAD) applications and data visualization, such as pie charts or engineering schematics, through Apple BASIC software or specialized drivers. Front-panel controls included pen selection, self-test, and operate modes, while it supported seven language fonts for labeled plots. Environmentally, it operated in temperatures of 5–40°C (41–104°F) and 20–80% humidity, with power consumption up to 33 W. Physically compact for its era, the unit measured 122 mm high by 412 mm wide by 300 mm deep (4.8 x 16.2 x 11.8 inches) and weighed 6 kg (13.2 pounds) net, facilitating desktop use despite its mechanical nature. Based on the Works (YEW) PL-1000 design, it differed from HP plotters by not supporting commands directly, instead relying on proprietary or BASIC-driven instructions for operation. As a niche tool for vector-based color graphics, it bridged early needs before the integrated raster color capabilities of later printers like the Color series diminished demand for such specialized devices.

Laser printers

LaserWriter and Plus

The Apple LaserWriter, introduced in March 1985, marked Apple's entry into and was the company's first such device, utilizing a Canon LBP-CX engine to achieve a resolution of 300 (DPI) at a speed of 8 pages per minute. It featured built-in support from Adobe Systems, enabling high-quality, scalable fonts and graphics rendering, and connected via serial or interfaces for compatibility primarily with Macintosh computers. The printer measured 11.5 by 18.5 by 16.2 inches and weighed 77 pounds, with 1.5 MB of RAM and 0.5 MB of ROM to handle processing via a processor. Priced at $6,995 upon launch, it was discontinued in February 1988 alongside its successor model. The LaserWriter Plus, an enhanced variant, was announced in January 1986 and released shortly thereafter, building on the original's design with doubled ROM capacity to 1 MB for expanded font support, while retaining the same 300 DPI resolution, 8 PPM speed, Canon engine, and connectivity options. It also came with 1.5 MB of RAM, the same physical dimensions of 11.5 by 18.5 by 16.2 inches, and a weight of 77 pounds, ensuring seamless Macintosh compatibility and PostScript-based scalable typography. Launched at a price of $6,798, the Plus model was similarly discontinued in February 1988. These printers revolutionized (DTP) through Apple's collaboration with , which integrated —a allowing device-independent, high-fidelity output—directly into affordable hardware, empowering users to produce professional-quality documents without specialized equipment. The LaserWriter series laid the foundation for subsequent models like the II, which shifted toward native support for improved Macintosh integration.

LaserWriter II series

The LaserWriter II series represented Apple's evolution in laser printing during the late 1980s, building on the original 's foundation by retaining the Canon LBP-SX print engine while introducing updated controller boards for enhanced compatibility and efficiency. Launched in January 1988, the series spanned until July 1990 and targeted professional and office environments, particularly with the line, through innovations like connectivity and a shift toward rasterization in select models to reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating the more expensive interpreter. Key models in the series included the , NT, NTX, and CZ, all delivering 300 dpi resolution and print speeds of 8 pages per minute on standard letter-sized paper, with the NTX capable of up to 12 ppm in optimized conditions. The SC model, introduced as the entry-level option, featured 1 MB of RAM (fixed) and interface for direct connection to systems, enabling faster data transfer without serial bottlenecks, while weighing approximately 46 pounds and measuring 20 by 18.9 by 8.5 inches. In contrast, the NT and NTX models retained Level 1 support with 2 MB base RAM (the NT fixed, NTX expandable to 12 MB via 120 ns SIMMs) and offered and /422 connectivity, priced at $4,600 for the NT and $5,995 for the NTX upon release. The CZ variant extended this lineup by incorporating Ethernet for networked environments, maintaining the series' focus on scalability for workgroups. These printers emphasized reliability and expandability, with RAM configurations allowing upgrades from 1 MB (fixed on SC) to as much as 12 MB on the NTX and CZ to handle complex and fonts, though base models started lower to align with from $3,995 to $5,995. Operating on 100-240 V with a maximum draw of 900 W, they supported environmental conditions of 50–90.5°F and 20–80% humidity, ensuring robust performance in office settings. The transition to in the SC model marked a pivotal cost-saving measure, broadening accessibility for Macintosh users while preserving high-quality output from the shared engine rated for 300,000 pages minimum life.
ModelRelease DateBase RAM (Expandable)ConnectivityPrice (1988 USD)Key Feature
SCJanuary 19881 MB (fixed)~$3,995QuickDraw printing
NTJanuary 19882 MB (fixed), /422$4,600 support
NTXJanuary 19882 MB (up to 12 MB), /422$5,995Enhanced processor (68020)
CZ1989–19902 MB (up to 12 MB)Ethernet, ~$5,000Network-focused variant

Personal LaserWriter series

The Personal LaserWriter series, launched by Apple in the late 1980s, consisted of compact monochrome laser printers targeted at individual Macintosh users seeking an affordable alternative to larger office models. Introduced starting in 1989, the lineup emphasized ease of use for desktop environments, leveraging imaging for straightforward Macintosh compatibility in models like the SC and LS, while the NT variant incorporated for enhanced graphics handling. These printers marked Apple's push toward personal laser printing, bridging the gap from the more robust LaserWriter II series to future color-capable options, with later models like the 300 and 320 extending affordability into the mid-1990s. Key models in the series included the Personal LaserWriter SC (introduced June 1989), NT (July 1990), (March 1991), (June 1993), and (October 1993). All utilized a Canon LBP-LX print engine delivering 300 dpi resolution and print speeds of 4 pages per minute, with the NT capable of up to 8 ppm under optimal conditions and the 300/320 maintaining 4 ppm for personal use. Connectivity options featured for networked Macintosh sharing and serial ports, enabling direct desktop connections without the need for extensive cabling; later models like supported GX for improved . The SC and models ran natively, while the NT added Level 1 support as an optional upgrade in later configurations like the NTR variant; the 300 was QuickDraw-only, and introduced GX support. Designed specifically for personal and small-office Macintosh setups, the series prioritized a compact form factor over high-volume production. Dimensions measured approximately 15 x 18.3 x 8 inches for early models, with weights ranging from 31 to 32 pounds, allowing easy placement on standard desks; the 300 and 320 were even more compact at 6.3 x 15.2 x 14.9 inches and 15.4 lbs. Paper handling was limited to a 100-sheet input tray and manual feed slot, reflecting their focus on low-to-moderate individual workloads rather than shared environments. Initial pricing positioned the series as an accessible entry point to laser technology: the SC at $2,799, the NT at $3,299, the more basic at $1,299, 300 at $1,099, and 320 at $1,299. This affordability, combined with seamless integration into the Macintosh ecosystem, made the Personal LaserWriter a popular choice for home and professional users during the early 1990s boom.
ModelIntroduction DatePrice (USD)ProcessorRAMPrint Speed (ppm)Key Features
SCJune 19892,7997.275 MHz 680001 MB4QuickDraw, serial/ connectivity
NTJuly 19903,29912 MHz 680002 MB (up to 8 MB)4-8 option, 250-sheet tray upgrade available
March 19911,299None512 KB-1 MB4QuickDraw-only, compact design for personal use
June 19931,099None1 MB (fixed)4QuickDraw, serial connectivity, Canon LBP-PX engine
October 19931,299None2 MB (fixed)4QuickDraw GX, serial/, compact for home office

LaserWriter Pro series

The LaserWriter Pro series, introduced in 1993, comprised high-end monochrome laser printers designed for professional and workgroup use, featuring advanced capabilities like duplex printing, expanded paper handling, and higher resolutions to support demanding Macintosh publishing workflows. The lineup included the Pro 600 and 630 (January 1993), and Pro 800 and 810 (September 1993), all discontinued by mid-1995 as Apple refined its offerings. These models utilized Canon or engines with Level 2, marking a step up from the LaserWriter II with 600-800 dpi output and enhanced networking. The Pro 600 delivered 600 dpi at 8 ppm simplex (4 duplex), with 4 MB RAM expandable to 36 MB via 30-pin SIMMs, powered by a 25 MHz 68040 processor; connectivity included , Ethernet, and for hard drives. The Pro 630 added a 200-sheet standard and 250-sheet tray, priced at $3,879. Higher-end Pro 800 offered 800 dpi at 13 ppm, 8 MB RAM up to 64 MB, and 25 MHz 68040, while the Pro 810 supported large-format 11x17 paper at 800 dpi and 13 ppm, with similar expandability. All models measured around 9.5 x 16 x 17 inches and weighed 45-55 lbs, with toner life rated 10,000 pages. Priced from $2,699 (Pro 600) to $7,075 (Pro 810), the series targeted graphic professionals, supporting features like rotated printing and font storage on optional drives for faster performance.
ModelIntroduction DateResolutionSpeed (PPM, simplex/duplex)Base RAM (Max)ConnectivityPrice (1993 USD)Key Features
Pro 600January 1993600 dpi8/44 MB (36 MB), Ethernet, $2,69968040 processor, optional
Pro 630January 1993600 dpi8/44 MB (36 MB), Ethernet, $3,879Built-in , expanded trays
Pro 800September 1993800 dpi13/78 MB (64 MB), Ethernet, $4,099High resolution for
Pro 810September 1993800 dpi13/78 MB (64 MB), Ethernet, $7,075 (11x17) support

Color LaserWriter Pro

The Color LaserWriter Pro series represented Apple's entry into color laser printing, launched in the mid-1990s to serve graphic designers and publishing professionals seeking high-fidelity color output integrated with Macintosh workflows. Introduced on June 19, 1995, the lineup began with the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS model, followed by the enhanced Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS in October 1996; both were discontinued by 1997 as Apple shifted focus toward inkjet alternatives. These printers extended the legacy of Apple's monochrome foundations by incorporating a four-pass color engine for layered CMYK toner application, enabling professional-grade prints without compromising on compatibility. At the core of the series was a 600 DPI resolution across all modes, delivering crisp text, images, and suitable for and applications. Print speeds reached 12 pages per minute in and 3 pages per minute in full color, with an optional transparency mode at 1 page per minute; the engine was rated for 300,000 monochrome pages or 150,000 color pages over its lifespan. Powered by a 30 MHz 29030 processor and 8 MB ROM, the printers handled complex jobs via Adobe Level 2 (version 2014), which supported advanced features like and device-independent rendering. Standard configurations included 12 MB RAM on the 12/600 PS (16 MB on the 12/660 PS), expandable to 40 MB via two 72-pin slots for improved performance with large files. Connectivity emphasized Macintosh integration with built-in and Ethernet ports, plus a high-speed parallel interface for broader compatibility. The printers utilized replaceable color toner cartridges in , , , and , facilitating easy and consistent color output. Designed for demanding environments, each model measured 18 inches high by 21 inches wide by 23 inches deep and weighed 110 pounds, reflecting their robust construction around a Canon-based engine. Initial pricing started at $6,989 for the 12/600 PS, positioning them as premium tools for creative industries. Additionally, the series supported color matching through dedicated printer-specific files installable via applications, ensuring precise reproduction of over 1,000 shades when calibrated correctly.
ModelIntroduction DateBase RAMPrice (USD)Key Upgrade
Color LaserWriter 12/600 PSJune 199512 MB$6,989Initial color model with SCSI hard drive option for font storage
Color LaserWriter 12/660 PSOctober 199616 MB$5,900Faster processing and optional 240 MB hard drive for improved rasterization

LaserWriter Select and 600 series

The LaserWriter Select and 600 series comprised a line of printers introduced by Apple in the early to mid-1990s, designed to provide affordable, high-resolution printing for and personal environments with an emphasis on speed and compatibility with Macintosh systems running and later. Released between 1993 and 1996, the series succeeded the earlier II and Pro models by incorporating more efficient Canon and Fuji print engines and Level 2 interpreters (or for entry-level), enabling faster output while offering 300-600 DPI resolution for crisp text and . These printers targeted general and small business use, balancing cost reductions with reliable performance for workgroups. The series included entry-level Select models: Select 300 (February 1993, , 300 dpi, 8 ppm), Select 310 (March 1993, , 300 dpi, 8 ppm), and Select 360 (1994, , 600 dpi, 10 ppm). Later 600 dpi models were the 16/600 PS (introduced September 1994), 4/600 PS (June 1995), and 12/640 PS (June 1996). All models supported and Level 2 rendering where applicable, with connectivity options including for Macintosh networking and Ethernet (via AAUI port) on higher-end variants for broader compatibility, including Windows and UNIX systems. Print speeds ranged from 4 to 17 pages per minute (PPM), depending on the model, making them suitable for moderate-volume printing tasks. Memory configurations varied from 1 MB to 64 MB, with expandability via slots to handle complex documents, and optional duplex printing was available on the 12/640 PS for efficient double-sided output. The Select 300/310 used Fuji P0 engine (100,000 page life), while 360 and later used Canon engines (up to 450,000 pages). Physically compact for desktop or workgroup deployment, the printers measured approximately 17 inches in width and depth by 10 inches in for most, with weights between 15 and 40 pounds, facilitating easy placement in office settings; Select models were similarly sized at 8 x 15 x 18.3 inches, 26 lbs. Power consumption ranged from 450 to 790 watts, and print engine life expectancies were rated at 100,000 to 450,000 pages, supporting sustained use in professional environments. Priced between approximately $819 (Select 300) and $2,500 at launch, the series emphasized cost-effective without integrated scanning capabilities, focusing solely on output functions optimized for enhancements like improved font handling and network sharing.
ModelRelease DateResolutionSpeed (PPM)RAM (Min-Max)ConnectivityDimensions (H x W x D, inches)Weight (lbs)
Select 300February 1993300 DPI81 MB (fixed), serial8 x 15 x 18.326
Select 310March 1993300 DPI81.5-5.5 MB, serial, parallel8 x 15 x 18.326
Select 3601994600 DPI104-36 MB, Ethernet, parallel8.3 x 15.7 x 18.132
4/600 PSJune 1995600 DPI42-6 MB6.3 x 15.2 x 14.915.4
16/600 PSSept. 1994600 DPI178-32 MB, Ethernet, Parallel12.1 x 16.7 x 16.940
12/640 PSJune 1996600 DPI12 (simplex)4-64 MB, Ethernet, Parallel9.5 x 15.9 x 16.730
These specifications positioned the LaserWriter Select and 600 series as versatile tools for Macintosh-centric offices, prioritizing speed and reliability over advanced color features.

LaserWriter 8500

The LaserWriter 8500, introduced by Apple on August 5, 1997, represented the pinnacle of the company's laser printer lineup, targeting professional workgroup environments with high-volume printing needs. This model was discontinued in January 1999, coinciding with Apple's decision to exit the printer manufacturing market altogether. Priced at $3,100 upon launch, it emphasized reliability and advanced processing for demanding graphic and document workflows. At its core, the LaserWriter 8500 utilized a laser engine capable of 600 dpi resolution and 20 pages per minute output, supporting paper sizes up to 13 by 20 inches for full-bleed printing on large formats. Powered by an 29040 processor running at 60/30 MHz and PostScript Level 3, it enabled efficient handling of complex jobs, including direct PDF rendering without additional distillation steps, integrating seamlessly with software for professional document production. Connectivity options included , Ethernet (via AAUI and 10BASE-T), and a bidirectional , facilitating networked environments with protocols like EtherTalk, IPX, and SNMP. Memory configuration started at 16 MB of RAM (with 8 MB ROM), expandable to a maximum of 48 MB through a single 72-pin slot operating at 70 ns speed, allowing users to accommodate larger files and faster processing. The printer's robust build measured 16.2 inches high by 23.2 inches wide by 17.9 inches deep, weighing 70.4 pounds, which contributed to its durability in office settings despite the substantial footprint. Overall, the LaserWriter 8500 stood as a high-end, monochrome-focused solution that bridged traditional capabilities with emerging digital workflows before Apple's pivot away from hardware printing.

Inkjet printers

Color Printer

The Apple Color Printer was Apple's first color inkjet printer, introduced in January 1993 and discontinued in 1994. It was a rebadged Canon BJC-820 using Bubble Jet technology, targeted at Macintosh users with Color support. Priced at $479, it offered 360 dpi resolution with print speeds up to 1.5 pages per minute in color and 3.6 ppm in black. Connectivity was via (RS-422), compatible with System 7.0 or later. The printer measured approximately 10.5 by 20.5 by 12 inches and weighed 18 pounds, using separate CMYK ink cartridges. It supported plain and for graphic and photo printing but was oversized for desktop use.

StyleWriter

The StyleWriter was Apple's first inkjet printer, introduced in March 1991 as an affordable option for personal computing. It targeted Macintosh users seeking a quieter alternative to dot-matrix printers like the series, providing near-laser quality output at a lower cost. The model was discontinued in January 1993 with the launch of the improved StyleWriter II. This monochrome inkjet printer featured a serial interface compatible with early Macintosh systems, including the , and required 6.0.7 or later for optimal performance with fonts and printing. It utilized thermal inkjet technology based on Canon's Bubble Jet engine, employing disposable black ink cartridges rated for approximately 500 text pages or 200 pages with graphics. Print resolution reached 360 dpi in best mode, though speeds were limited to about 0.5 pages per minute in faster mode, making it suitable for light-duty tasks but slow for heavier use. The StyleWriter's compact design measured approximately 12.5 by 13.25 by 9 inches (height with rod support, width, depth with output tray closed) and weighed 7.5 pounds with the attached 50-sheet feeder, facilitating easy placement on desks. It retailed for $599, positioning it as an entry-level device without color capabilities or advanced features found in Apple's line. Despite its limitations in speed and lack of color, the printer marked Apple's entry into consumer , emphasizing reliability and integration with the Macintosh ecosystem.

StyleWriter II

The Apple StyleWriter II is a monochrome inkjet printer released in January 1993 as an upgrade to the original StyleWriter, offering improved performance for personal Macintosh users in the mid-1990s. It was discontinued on April 17, 1995, following the introduction of higher-resolution models in the series. Designed exclusively for compatibility with Macintosh computers, the printer utilized Apple's imaging model for optimized printing of text and graphics directly from Mac applications. Key enhancements included a refined print head that delivered sharper text rendering through 360 dpi resolution and capabilities, effectively doubling the print quality and speed compared to the original StyleWriter's basic 0.5 pages per minute in best mode. The StyleWriter II achieved print speeds of up to 1 page per minute in best mode and 2-3 pages per minute in draft or normal modes, making it suitable for everyday documents like letters and simple graphics. Connectivity was provided via a supporting networking, allowing shared use over . With a compact size of 7 x 13.6 x 7.9 inches and a lightweight 6.6-pound build, it featured an integrated sheet feeder holding up to 100 sheets, improving usability over the original's detachable design. The manufacturer's suggested retail price at launch was $359, positioning it as an affordable alternative to printers for and small office environments. This model served as a transitional product in Apple's inkjet lineup, bridging monochrome personal printing to the subsequent color-capable inkjets that expanded creative options for Macintosh users.

Color StyleWriter Pro

The Color StyleWriter Pro was Apple's first professional-grade color inkjet printer, introduced on February 1, 1994, and discontinued on December 16, 1995. It targeted creative professionals using Macintosh systems, building briefly on the thermal inkjet technology of earlier monochrome StyleWriter models while adding full-color capabilities. Priced at $629, it offered an accessible entry into for and photo work without the cost of alternatives. This printer utilized a thermal inkjet engine based on Canon's Bubble Jet technology, delivering a maximum resolution of 360 dpi in normal and best modes (180 dpi in draft). Print speeds reached up to 2 pages per minute in and 0.5 pages per minute in color, suitable for professional output on plain or . It employed separate CMYK ink cartridges—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—each yielding approximately 315 pages at 5% coverage, emphasizing cost-effective color reproduction for Macintosh-integrated workflows. Connectivity was provided via a high-speed serial port (Mini-DIN-8), enabling direct attachment to compatible Macintosh computers and network sharing over via the host system. The Color StyleWriter Pro measured 7.2 inches in height, 16.5 inches in width, and 10.1 inches in depth, with a weight of 11 pounds, making it compact for desktop use in creative environments. It required a Macintosh with Color QuickDraw support, at least 4 MB of RAM, a hard disk, and System 7.0 or later, ensuring compatibility with contemporary models including the Power Macintosh series introduced shortly after its launch. Power consumption peaked at 28 watts, operating on 90-132 volts at 50-60 Hz. A multipurpose tray handled up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 15 envelopes, and it included 64 fonts for versatile text and graphics rendering directly from the Macintosh. Designed for seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, the printer supported page description language, allowing optimized output from applications like through the Macintosh's raster image processing. Its color capabilities provided vibrant results on coated media, distinguishing it from monochrome predecessors and appealing to users needing professional-quality proofs without specialized hardware.

StyleWriter 1200/1500

The StyleWriter 1200 and StyleWriter 1500 were entry-level inkjet printers developed by Apple for consumer use, emphasizing affordability and straightforward integration with Macintosh systems in the mid-1990s. The StyleWriter 1200, introduced in April 1995, served as a model focused on basic text and , while the StyleWriter 1500, launched in February 1996, expanded to color capabilities using a tri-color system. Both models were discontinued around 1998 as Apple streamlined its peripheral lineup. These printers utilized thermal ink-jet technology with a maximum resolution of 720 × 360 dpi, enabling clear output for documents and simple graphics. The StyleWriter 1200 achieved print speeds of up to 3 pages per minute in draft mode for black text, suitable for everyday home or small office tasks. The StyleWriter 1500 improved on this with 3 pages per minute in black and approximately 0.3 pages per minute in color, though actual performance varied based on document complexity and host computer. Connectivity for both models relied on a high-speed serial port, with the 1500 offering optional and EtherTalk for networking, enhancing compatibility with Macintosh models. The StyleWriter 1500 stood out for its cross-platform support, working with both Macintosh (System 7.1 or later) and Windows systems through serial connections (adapters may be required for Windows), broadening its appeal beyond Apple users. Both models used replaceable ink cartridges—the 1200 with a black-only type (Canon BC-02 equivalent, yielding about 500 pages)—and featured simple setup processes, including automatic font installation via included software. Priced accessibly at around $269 for the 1200 and $280 for the 1500, they targeted budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable printing without advanced professional features. Physically compact and lightweight, the printers measured approximately 7 × 13.6 × 7.9 inches and weighed 6.6 pounds for the , and 6.9 × 13.7 × 8.5 inches and 5.5 pounds for the , making them easy to place on desks or in home setups. Power consumption was low at 32 watts maximum for the and 22.6 watts for the . The 1500's optional networking addressed connectivity for Macintosh systems. Evolved from the Color StyleWriter Pro's technology, these models prioritized home accessibility over professional-grade performance.
ModelIntroductionPrint Speed (Black/Color)ResolutionDimensions (H × W × D, inches)Weight (lbs)Initial Price (USD)Key Interfaces
StyleWriter 1200April 1995Up to 3 ppm / N/A ()720 × 360 dpi7 × 13.6 × 7.96.6~$269 serial
StyleWriter 1500February 19963 ppm / 0.3 ppm720 × 360 dpi6.9 × 13.7 × 8.55.5~$280 serial, optional , optional EtherTalk

Color StyleWriter 2400/2500

The Color StyleWriter 2400 and 2500 were consumer-oriented color inkjet printers released by Apple in the mid-1990s, representing an evolution in affordable for home and small office environments. The 2400 model was introduced on , 1994, as a successor to earlier StyleWriter series, offering improved color capabilities using Canon's Bubble Jet . It featured a maximum resolution of 360 dpi, with print speeds of 3 pages per minute in black and 0.3 pages per minute in color. Priced at a manufacturer's suggested retail of $399 at launch, it measured 8.3 inches high by 14.4 inches wide by 8.4 inches deep and weighed 7.9 pounds, making it compact for desktop use. The Color StyleWriter 2500, launched on February 19, 1996, built on the 2400's design with enhancements for faster performance, including a higher resolution of 720 x 360 dpi and print speeds of 5 pages per minute in black and 0.66 pages per minute in color. It shared a similar form factor, measuring 8.3 inches high by 14.4 inches wide by 9.2 inches deep and weighing 6.9 pounds, while retailing for approximately $380. Both models used separate black and color ink cartridges from the Canon BCI-21 series, which helped optimize efficiency by allowing independent replacement of black ink for text-heavy documents. They connected via serial ports, with optional or EtherTalk networking support for the 2500, and were compatible with Macintosh systems running Mac OS 7.5 or later, leveraging for raster printing. These printers emphasized low cost per page compared to color alternatives, aligning with Apple's shift toward inkjet for accessible color output in the late 1990s. The 2400 was discontinued in early 1996, shortly before the 2500's release, while the 2500 ended production in mid-1997 as Apple transitioned to newer models with USB connectivity.

Color StyleWriter 4100/6500

The Color StyleWriter 4100 and 6500 represented Apple's last foray into inkjet printer production, launched on June 16, 1997, as affordable color options targeted at consumers, educators, and small offices. These models were rebranded inkjets adapted for Macintosh compatibility, building on the professional-grade features of prior Color StyleWriter Pro printers by emphasizing ease of use and color output without the complexity of alternatives. Production ceased in late 1997 following the termination of Apple's OEM agreement with HP on November 23, 1997, though units remained available for sale into the early 2000s, marking the end of Apple's dedicated printer manufacturing era under ' direction to streamline product lines. The Color StyleWriter 4100 was positioned as an entry-level model for home and educational environments, delivering reliable color via . It achieved a maximum resolution of 600 DPI, with print speeds of 5 pages per minute in and 1.7 pages per minute in color, suitable for documents, photos, and graphics on compatible systems using printing language. Connectivity options included networking and a high-speed RS-422-A , supporting seamless integration with Macintosh computers of the era. The compact unit measured 7.8 inches high by 17.2 inches wide by 15.9 inches deep and weighed 11.7 pounds, powered by a low 12-watt maximum draw for efficient operation. Introduced at an estimated price of around $350, it appealed to budget-conscious users seeking straightforward setup without advanced networking. In contrast, the Color StyleWriter 6500 offered enhanced professional capabilities, including automatic duplex printing for two-sided output and a 100-sheet paper tray for higher-volume tasks. It printed at 8 pages per minute in and 4 pages per minute in color, with a standard resolution of up to 600 x 300 DPI and enhanced 720 x 360 DPI for photographic images, powered by 4 MB of RAM to handle complex jobs efficiently. Connectivity expanded to , RS-422-A serial, optional bidirectional parallel, and EtherTalk for networked environments, ensuring broad compatibility with both Macintosh and Windows systems via hosts. The printer's dimensions were 6.9 inches high by 17.5 inches wide by 15.6 inches deep, with a weight of 14.3 pounds and a 48-watt power consumption. Priced at $599 upon launch, it catered to users needing duplexing and networking in small professional settings. Additionally, the 6500 natively supported fonts, including 64 bundled options, for sharp text rendering without requiring external font managers.
FeatureColor StyleWriter 4100Color StyleWriter 6500
Introduction DateJune 16, 1997June 16, 1997
Print Speed5 ppm mono / 1.7 ppm color8 ppm mono / 4 ppm color; 720 x 360 DPI photos
Resolution600 DPI max600 x 300 DPI standard; 720 x 360 DPI photos
Connectivity, RS-422-A serial, RS-422-A serial, optional parallel, EtherTalk
Key Features compatible; basic color inkjetAutomatic duplex, 100-sheet tray, 4 MB RAM, support
Dimensions (H x W x D)7.8 x 17.2 x 15.9 inches6.9 x 17.5 x 15.6 inches
Weight11.7 lbs14.3 lbs
Launch Price~$350$599

References

  1. https://www.macworld.com/article/201402/appleprinters.html
  2. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/01/23/laserwriter-introduced-40-years-ago-today/
  3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/timbajarin/2025/03/06/celebrating-the-40th-anniversary-of-apples-laser-printer/
  4. https://www.macworld.com/article/201455/five-important-printers.html
  5. https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/quick-apple-history-question.547021/
  6. https://www.macworld.com/article/201484/apple-printers.html
  7. http://myoldmac.net/FAQ/apple-Introduced-and-Discontinued.htm
  8. https://lowendmac.com/2015/origin-of-the-apple-i-and-apple-ii-computers/
  9. https://www.historybit.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Apple-Silentype-Operation-and-reference-manual.pdf
  10. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_997633
  11. https://www.duxburysystems.org/downloads/library/texas/apple/history/history/appy/ahb3.html
  12. https://vintageapple.org/apple_ii/pdf/Apple_IIc_Scribe_Users_Manual_Guide_to_Apple_IIc_1984.pdf
  13. https://www.apple2history.org/history/ah13/
  14. https://www.apple2history.org/appendix/ahb/ahb3/
  15. http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dataDecisions/1984_Microcomputer_Systems/Vol1_725.pdf
  16. https://applematters.com/collections/apple-dot-matrix-printer/index.html
  17. https://goughlui.com/2012/11/18/tech-flashback-dot-matrix-printer-ribbon-cartridge/
  18. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112244
  19. https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/11813/Apple-ImageWriter-I/
  20. https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1249361
  21. https://applerescueofdenver.com/apple-imagewriter-printer/
  22. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112252
  23. https://mirrors.apple2.org.za/ftp.apple.asimov.net/documentation/hardware/printers/Apple%20ImageWriter%20II%20Technical%20Reference%20Manual.pdf
  24. http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/apple/brochures/brochures/AppleImageWriter2-BW2P.pdf
  25. https://machut.net/files/manuals/imagewriter/0302002IWIIUG.PDF
  26. https://applerescueofdenver.com/apple-imagewriter-ii-printer/
  27. http://www.apple-iigs.info/doc/fichiers/AppleImageWriter2.pdf
  28. https://device.report/m/bf856df2a0a5ca93034d27059cb75d68765f05a299933d5aabc555dcde38a108.pdf
  29. https://wiki.preterhuman.net/Apple_ImageWriter_II
  30. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112248
  31. https://wiki.preterhuman.net/Apple_ImageWriter_LQ
  32. https://www.openprinting.org/printer/Apple/Apple-ImageWriter_LQ
  33. https://www.savetz.com/ku/ku/applelink_apple_new_product_summary_september_1987.html
  34. https://vintageapple.org/macmanuals/pdf/Apple_Daisy_Wheel_Printer_029-0083-A_1983.pdf
  35. https://mirrors.apple2.org.za/ftp.apple.asimov.net/documentation/advertisements/misc/Apple%20III%20Products%20Confidential%20Dealer%20Price%20List%2012-15-1984.pdf
  36. https://mirrors.apple2.org.za/ftp.apple.asimov.net/documentation/magazines/applesource/applesource-1983-12.pdf
  37. https://www.bitsavers.org/magazines/Datamation/19840615.pdf
  38. http://absurdengineering.org/library/MASTER%20Tech%20Info%20Library/Printers%20-%20Plotters/Apple%20Color%20Plotter/TIL01991%20-%20Color%20Plotter%20Model%20410%20-%20Specifications%20%28Discontinued%29.pdf
  39. https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TIL00821.pdf
  40. https://systemfolder.wordpress.com/2010/10/08/apple-color-plotter/
  41. https://wiki.retrotechcollection.com/Apple_LaserWriter
  42. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112251
  43. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2015/02/12/antonoff-column-desktop-publishing/23126873/
  44. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/LaserWriter_Plus
  45. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112253
  46. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/16/business/apple-woos-business-market.html
  47. https://www.prepressure.com/postscript/basics/history
  48. https://spectrum.ieee.org/adobe-postscript-code
  49. https://lowendmac.com/1988/1988-laserwriter-ii-aux-cd-rom-and-mac-iix/
  50. http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/apple/service/PN_072-0163_Apple_Service_Technical_Procedures_Laser_Printers_Volume_Two-Apr_1992.pdf
  51. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/14/business/new-alliances-seen-in-computers-apple-digital-deal-said-to-be-close.html
  52. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Personal_LaserWriter
  53. https://lowendmac.com/1990/personal-laserwriter-nt/
  54. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112414
  55. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112413
  56. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112412
  57. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Personal_LaserWriter_SC
  58. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Personal_LaserWriter_LS
  59. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112415
  60. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Personal_LaserWriter_300
  61. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112411
  62. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Personal_LaserWriter_320
  63. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/LaserWriter_Pro
  64. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112270
  65. https://lowendmac.com/1993/laserwriter-pro-600-630/
  66. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/LaserWriter_Pro_600
  67. https://tidbits.com/1995/06/19/apple-releases-bevy-of-new-printers/
  68. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112269
  69. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112277
  70. http://tim.id.au/laptops//apple/misc/color_laserwriter_12.600_ps.pdf
  71. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112262
  72. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112406
  73. http://www.applerepairmanuals.com/the_manuals_are_in_here/LaserWriter_12_640_PS.pdf
  74. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/LaserWriter_Select_300
  75. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112280
  76. https://applematters.com/collections/laserwriter-8500/index.html
  77. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/LaserWriter_8500
  78. https://www.wap.org/journal/showcase/washingtonapplepijournal1991vol13no5.pdf
  79. https://archive.decromancer.ca/fsck.technology/documentation/Apple/Apple%2520Spec%2520PDFs/Applespec03/Printers/as_print.pdf
  80. http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/apple/service/Apple_Service_Technical_Procedures_StyleWriter-Mar_1992.pdf
  81. https://tidbits.com/1993/01/18/new-printers-scanner/
  82. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112256
  83. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/18/science/personal-computers-speed-and-clarity-at-a-low-cost.html
  84. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112263
  85. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1994/07/04/for-color-on-a-budget-ink-jet-printers-may-do-the-trick/7d190adc-fd4e-40ce-a1a8-edd53fd79a52/
  86. https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TIL14658.pdf
  87. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112265
  88. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112268
  89. http://absurdengineering.org/library/MASTER%20Tech%20Info%20Library/Printers%20-%20Plotters/StyleWriter%201200/TIL17551%20-%20StyleWriter%201200%20-%20Technical%20Specifications%20%2812-95%29.pdf
  90. https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TIL19321.pdf
  91. https://www.worldclassink.com/Apple-StyleWriter-1200-supplies-printer7877.html
  92. https://www.mymac.com/apple-color-stylewriter-1500-review/
  93. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112264
  94. https://www.ithistory.org/db/hardware/apple-computer-inc/color-stylewriter-2400
  95. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112274
  96. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Color_StyleWriter_2500
  97. https://vintageapple.org/macmanuals/pdf/Color_StyleWriter_2500_1996.pdf
  98. https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Color_StyleWriter_2400
  99. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112275
  100. https://support.apple.com/en-us/112271
  101. https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/bapple-hp-built-stylewriter-inkjet-printers-to-be-discontinued/
  102. https://www.telecompaper.com/news/apple-launches-stylewriter-6500-4500-4100-printers--112803
  103. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/55992130/apple-color-stylewriter-6500-users-guide-color-stylewriter-6500-users-guide
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.