HP LaserJet Series II

HP LaserJet Series II. Introduced in 1987 by Hewlett-Packard, this laser printer became a defining product in the evolution of office information technology. Building upon the success of the original HP LaserJet, it offered enhanced performance, greater memory capacity, and improved reliability at a lower cost. Its widespread adoption cemented the laser printer's role as an essential tool for business and professional document production, significantly impacting the desktop publishing revolution.

Overview

The HP LaserJet Series II was positioned as a direct successor to the pioneering HP LaserJet, aiming to address its limitations while making laser printing more accessible. It retained the core Canon print engine technology but featured a more powerful Motorola 68000 microprocessor and expanded standard memory. This model was crucial in transitioning laser printers from specialized departmental devices to ubiquitous personal computer peripherals, competing directly with offerings from IBM and Apple Inc. in the burgeoning market for high-quality office output.

Technical specifications

At its heart, the printer utilized a Canon LBP-SX print engine, capable of producing output at 300 dots per inch. It was powered by a 12 MHz Motorola 68000 central processing unit, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Standard memory was 512 kilobytes of random-access memory, expandable via single in-line memory modules to 4.5 megabytes to handle complex documents and fonts. Standard connectivity was via a Centronics-compatible parallel port, with an optional RS-232 serial communication interface. It supported PCL 4 page description language and could emulate the HP LaserJet Plus for software compatibility.

Development and release

Development at Hewlett-Packard focused on cost reduction and performance enhancement following the market success of the original HP LaserJet. Engineers leveraged the existing partnership with Canon while redesigning the controller and firmware. The printer was officially announced and released in 1987, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price significantly lower than the original model. Its launch was strategically timed to capitalize on the growing IBM PC compatible market and the rising demand driven by software like Aldus PageMaker and Microsoft Word.

Features and operation

Key features included a standard paper cassette capacity of 200 sheets and support for an optional second cassette. It introduced improved font handling, supporting both internal bitmap fonts and downloadable soft fonts via Hewlett-Packard's font products. The control panel was simplified, and the printer's firmware included enhanced PCL commands for better graphics and page formatting. Operation was designed for reliability in high-volume environments, with user-replaceable consumables like the toner cartridge and imaging drum based on the Canon engine design.

Market impact and legacy

The HP LaserJet Series II achieved tremendous commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling printers in history and solidifying Hewlett-Packard's dominance in the laser printer market. Its affordability and reliability made it a staple in offices worldwide, directly enabling the desktop publishing boom alongside Apple Macintosh computers and Adobe PostScript printers. It established the LaserJet brand as a de facto standard and paved the way for subsequent generations like the HP LaserJet III. The printer is often cited as a landmark product in the history of personal computing and office automation.

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