HP LaserJet

HP LaserJet. The HP LaserJet is a line of laser printers introduced by the American technology company Hewlett-Packard in 1984. It revolutionized office printing by bringing fast, high-quality text output to the desktop, directly competing with established daisy wheel printers and noisy dot matrix printers. The success of the original model established Hewlett-Packard as a dominant force in the printer market and set a de facto standard for page description languages with its use of PCL.

History

The development of the first model was led by a team at the Boise division of Hewlett-Packard, leveraging Canon's LBP-CX print engine. Its launch in 1984, priced at $3,495, was a landmark event in the history of computing. The IBM PC and Apple Macintosh created demand for high-quality personal output, which the original printer fulfilled. Subsequent models like the HP LaserJet Series II and the HP LaserJet III introduced major advancements, including enhanced PCL and PostScript support. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the product line expanded dramatically under CEOs like John A. Young and Carly Fiorina, encompassing everything from personal models to high-volume departmental printers, solidifying its place in corporate America.

Technology

The core technology is based on the xerography process, using a photosensitive drum, laser, and toner. A key differentiator was the Printer Control Language (PCL), developed by Hewlett-Packard, which became an industry standard. Many models also offered optional support for the Adobe PostScript language, favored in graphic design and publishing circles. Advances over generations included improved print resolution (from 300 DPI to 1200 DPI), the introduction of RET for smoother text, and faster RISC processors from companies like Intel and AMD. Network connectivity evolved from proprietary JetDirect cards to standard Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Product lines

The family has been segmented into numerous series targeting different market segments. Entry-level personal printing was served by series like the HP LaserJet P and HP LaserJet Pro. Small office workgroups utilized the HP LaserJet MFP series, which integrated scanning, copying, and fax functions. For high-volume enterprise environments, Hewlett-Packard offered the HP LaserJet Enterprise and HP Color LaserJet series. Specialized lines included the compact HP LaserJet Portable and the high-speed HP LaserJet 5Si, a fixture in corporate mail rooms. The acquisition of Samsung's printer business in 2017 further expanded the portfolio.

Market impact and legacy

The introduction is widely considered a pivotal moment in the history of technology, making laser printing affordable and accessible. It cemented Hewlett-Packard's revenue stream from consumables like toner cartridges, a highly profitable business model. The printer helped define the look and feel of professional documents in the 1980s and 1990s, influencing everything from business correspondence to desktop publishing. It faced significant competition from other manufacturers like Xerox, Brother, Lexmark, and Canon, but maintained a leading market share for decades. The brand's durability is a case study in Silicon Valley innovation and long-term product evolution.

See also

* Inkjet printing * Dot matrix printer * Xerox * Printer Command Language * Adobe Systems * Boise, Idaho

Category:Laser printers Category:Hewlett-Packard Category:American inventions Category:Products introduced in 1984