Apple LaserWriter

Apple LaserWriter. Introduced in March 1985, it was a groundbreaking laser printer that became a cornerstone of the desktop publishing revolution. Developed by Apple Inc. in collaboration with Adobe Systems and Canon Inc., it integrated the PostScript page description language, enabling precise typesetting and graphics. Its launch alongside the Macintosh 512K and Aldus PageMaker software created a complete publishing system for offices and designers.

History and development

The project originated from Steve Jobs's vision after seeing early laser printing technology at Xerox PARC. Apple partnered with Adobe Systems, founded by John Warnock and Charles Geschke, to license the nascent PostScript interpreter. The physical engine was sourced from Canon Inc., based on their Canon CX markup. Key engineers, including Larry Tesler and Mike Murray, worked to integrate the Motorola 68000 processor and significant memory into a marketable product. Its development coincided with the launch of the AppleTalk networking protocol, which was crucial for its shared office use. The printer was formally announced at the Apple Annual Shareholders Meeting in January 1985.

Technical specifications

At its core was a 12 MHz Motorola 68000 central processing unit, identical to the one in the original Macintosh 128K. It featured 1.5 MB of RAM and 1 MB of ROM containing the PostScript interpreter from Adobe Systems. The print engine, licensed from Canon Inc., produced output at 300 dots per inch with a monthly duty cycle of approximately 3,000 pages. Standard connectivity included an AppleTalk port for networking and a serial RS-232 interface. It supported a variety of paper sizes, including standard US Letter and A4. The built-in PostScript supported multiple typefaces, including Times Roman and Helvetica.

Impact and legacy

The device is widely credited for catalyzing the desktop publishing revolution, democratizing typeset-quality document creation. Its integration of PostScript made it the printer of choice for the graphic design and pre-press industries, challenging traditional linotype systems. The combination with the Macintosh platform and software like Aldus PageMaker created a new market segment, significantly boosting sales for Apple Inc. and Adobe Systems. It established a de facto standard for professional printing, influencing competitors like Hewlett-Packard and its HP LaserJet series. The success cemented the importance of AppleTalk in early office networks and contributed to the rise of the Silicon Valley software ecosystem.

Models and variants

The original model, often called the LaserWriter, was followed by the **LaserWriter Plus** in 1986, which added more PostScript fonts like Palatino and New Century Schoolbook. The **LaserWriter II** series, launched in 1988, included the SC, NT, and NTX models, offering faster Motorola 68020 processors and enhanced AppleTalk networking. A lower-cost variant, the **LaserWriter IISC**, lacked a built-in AppleTalk connector. Later lines included the **LaserWriter Pro** series and the **LaserWriter Select** models, which offered higher resolution and improved performance. These were eventually succeeded by Apple LaserWriters using PowerPC processors and the StyleWriter inkjet line for consumer use.

Software and connectivity

Its primary software interface was the PostScript page description language, which allowed applications like Aldus PageMaker, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Word to create device-independent documents. It was primarily connected via the AppleTalk local area network protocol, allowing sharing among multiple Macintosh computers and, later, IBM PC compatibles with appropriate cards. System software support was provided through LaserWriter drivers in the Classic Mac OS. This connectivity made it a central shared resource in 1980s offices, preceding widespread Ethernet adoption. Later models added support for TCP/IP and Ethernet via optional cards, broadening compatibility with systems like Sun Microsystems workstations.