Apple LaserWriter: How Apple’s First Laser Printer Changed Desktop Publishing Forever
On March 1, 1985, Apple made history by launching the Apple LaserWriter, its first laser printer. Combining Adobe’s PostScript technology with AppleTalk networking, the LaserWriter revolutionized desktop publishing, making professional-quality printing accessible to businesses and individuals alike. However, its steep $6,995 price tag limited its audience, and Apple ultimately exited the printer market in 1997. Let’s explore how the LaserWriter transformed the industry and its lasting legacy 40 years later.
The Launch of the Apple LaserWriter
Apple announced the LaserWriter on January 23, 1985, and began shipping it on March 1, 1985. This was the same time Aldus PageMaker was introduced, a combination that led to the birth of desktop publishing. The LaserWriter was significantly more expensive than competing HP printers, but Apple offered a unique solution: AppleTalk.
Game-Changing Features: PostScript and AppleTalk
Two key innovations set the LaserWriter apart from competitors:
- PostScript Technology: The LaserWriter integrated Adobe’s PostScript, enabling it to print sharp text and complex graphics with precision. This made it ideal for graphic designers, publishers, and businesses needing high-quality prints.
- AppleTalk Networking: Unlike other printers at the time, which were primarily single-user devices, AppleTalk allowed up to 16 Macintosh computers to share a single LaserWriter. This networking feature significantly lowered the cost per user, making it more appealing to businesses.
Powerful Hardware: A Printer with More Processing Power Than a Mac
The LaserWriter featured the Motorola 68000 processor, the same CPU found in the Macintosh, but running at a higher clock speed. At the time, it was the most powerful Apple product, outperforming even their personal computers in raw processing power. This was necessary to handle complex print jobs efficiently.
The Impact on Desktop Publishing
Before the LaserWriter, professional printing was expensive and required large, specialized equipment. Apple’s combination of the Macintosh, LaserWriter, and PageMaker allowed businesses, designers, and individuals to create high-quality print materials from their desktops. This democratized publishing led to an explosion of independent newspapers, newsletters, and marketing materials.
Why Apple’s LaserWriter Didn’t Last
Despite its groundbreaking technology, Apple’s LaserWriter series struggled against cheaper HP printers and emerging competitors. Apple introduced new models, including the LaserWriter Pro series for high-end users and the Personal LaserWriter for budget-conscious buyers. However, competition intensified, and Apple couldn’t match the low-cost production of rivals like HP.
By 1997, when Steve Jobs returned to Apple, the company decided to discontinue all printer products and focus on its core business: computers and software.
Apple’s Printer Legacy: A Lasting Influence
Even though Apple no longer makes printers, the LaserWriter’s impact on desktop publishing is undeniable. The innovation behind PostScript technology and networked printing laid the foundation for modern printing solutions. Today, Apple continues to influence the creative industry with its Mac lineup, iPads, and design software.
Final Thoughts
The Apple LaserWriter may not be as well-remembered as the Macintosh or iPhone, but its role in revolutionizing publishing cannot be overstated. As we look back 40 years after its release, it remains a testament to Apple’s vision—pushing the boundaries of technology and changing industries forever.
Would Apple’s LaserWriter have survived in today’s market? With cloud printing and digital publishing, it’s unlikely. But in 1985, it was nothing short of a game-changer.
