HP LaserJet Portable

HP LaserJet Portable. Introduced in 1987, it was a landmark product that brought desktop-quality laser printing to a truly mobile form factor. As a compact and rugged unit, it was designed for professionals who required high-quality document output away from a traditional office. Its development represented a significant engineering achievement for Hewlett-Packard and helped expand the market for personal printing solutions.

Overview

The HP LaserJet Portable was a self-contained, battery-powered printer that integrated the core print engine from the successful HP LaserJet Series II. It was marketed as a companion for the burgeoning class of laptop computers and for field professionals in industries like real estate and insurance. Unlike contemporary dot matrix printers, it offered quiet, letter-quality output using the same Canon-based laser printing technology found in desktop models. Its introduction coincided with the rise of mobile computing, championed by companies like Compaq and Toshiba.

Development and release

Development of the HP LaserJet Portable was driven by Hewlett-Packard's Boise, Idaho division, a key center for the company's printer innovation. Engineers faced significant challenges in miniaturizing the power supply, control panel, and paper path while maintaining reliability. The project leveraged the proven Canon CX engine but required a custom application-specific integrated circuit to manage functions in the constrained space. It was officially announced in September 1987, with a market price of approximately $1,495, positioning it as a premium tool for mobile executives and government personnel.

Technical specifications

The printer utilized a Canon LBP-SX print engine, capable of producing output at a resolution of 300 dots per inch. It featured a standard Centronics parallel interface, with an optional RS-232 serial adapter available for compatibility with a wider range of systems. Its rechargeable lead–acid battery provided power for about 100 pages per charge, and it could also operate from an AC adapter or a cigarette lighter receptacle in a vehicle. The unit supported a single Universal Paper Cassette holding up to 100 sheets of letter or A4 paper.

Features and operation

Key features included a comprehensive liquid-crystal display status panel and a robust carrying handle integrated into the chassis. It supported the PCL 4 command set, ensuring compatibility with popular software of the era like Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect. For font flexibility, it included internal bitmap fonts and could accept font cartridges. Operation was designed for simplicity, with a single print button and straightforward toner cartridge replacement, similar to the process for the HP LaserJet Series II. Its ruggedized design was tested to withstand the rigors of travel.

Market reception and legacy

Upon release, the HP LaserJet Portable received positive reviews from publications like PC Magazine and InfoWorld for its print quality and innovative design. It found a niche with military, journalist, and sales users but was ultimately limited by its high cost and weight compared to emerging inkjet printer technology. It is remembered as a pioneering device that demonstrated the feasibility of portable laser printing, influencing later mobile printers. The unit is now a collectible artifact, representing a specific moment in the evolution of personal computing and Hewlett-Packard's dominance in the printer market during the late 1980s.

Category:Laser printers Category:Hewlett-Packard printers Category:Portable computers Category:1987 introductions