October 1st, 1996, was a day that marked a significant milestone in the world of printing technology. Apple, known for its trailblazing innovations in personal computing, introduced the Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS as part of its Printer series. Little did anyone know that this groundbreaking printer would continue to captivate the hearts of tech enthusiasts even 27 years later.
The Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS was undoubtedly ahead of its time. Packed with a powerful 30 MHz AMD 29030 processor and 8 MB of ROM, it was a powerhouse in the printing world. Its impressive printing resolution of up to 600 dpi and the capability to churn out a remarkable 12 pages per minute set it apart as the go-to choice for businesses and individuals alike.
But what truly made the 12/660 PS a standout was its ability to produce high-quality prints not only in black and white but also in full color. It could print at a resolution of 600 dpi from a Canon LBP-HX print engine, with a rated life of 300,000 pages for black-only prints and 150,000 pages for full color.
The 16 GB standard memory configuration allowed it to utilize FinePrint and Color PhotoGrade to tweak individual dot sizes, resulting in printouts that simulated the smoothness and near-photographic quality produced by higher-resolution color printers, going up to 2400 dpi. The innovative contone memory compression technology ensured that it used less RAM while still delivering detailed, vibrant color documents.
Connectivity was the name of the game for the Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS. It was equipped with multiple options, including LocalTalk, a parallel port, and an Ethernet connection. This made it an ideal choice for a networked office environment, ensuring seamless printing operations across different devices. The four printing colors it supported enabled users to create vibrant, professional-quality output with ease.
In the world of fonts, the 12/660 PS didn’t disappoint. It came with a treasure trove of 39 PostScript Type 1 fonts preloaded in ROM, providing users with diverse options for their printing needs. Additionally, 64 TrueType fonts were included on CD-ROM with the printer driver software, offering even more creative possibilities.
Fast forward to today, and it’s remarkable to see how far technology has advanced. The computing landscape has evolved in ways that were unimaginable in 1996. However, the Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS continues to stand as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Despite its vintage charm, this iconic printer remains a symbol of Apple’s pioneering spirit. Whether you’re a nostalgic tech enthusiast reminiscing about the past or someone who appreciates the classic design and functionality of this legendary printer, the Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS will always be remembered as a defining moment in the history of personal computing.
In a world where technology changes at breakneck speed, the 12/660 PS serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As we celebrate its 27-year anniversary, we can’t help but marvel at the timeless wonder that is the Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS.
Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS Details
| Introduced | October 1, 1996 |
| Discontinued | Unknown |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Weight | 110 Ibs. 49.895 KG |
| Dimensions | 18” H x 21” W x 23” D 45.72 cm H x 53.34 cm W x 58.42 cm D |
Printer Specs
| Type | Electrophotography |
| Colors | 4 |
| Pages Per Minute | 3 – Color 12 – Black |
| DPI | 600 |
| Language | PostScript Level 2 |
| Cartridge | M3756G/A Black M3757G/A Cyan M3758G/A Yellow M3760G/A Magenta |
Hardware
| Processor | AMD 29030 |
| Processor Speed | 30 MHz |
| ROM Size | 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 40 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 72-pin SIMMs |
| Minimum Speed | 60 ns |
Connections
| Connection | LocalTalk Parallel Ethernet |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 1100 W |
Further Reading and References
- Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Color LaserWriter – Wikipedia
- Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS – Low End Mac
- Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS – IT History Society
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: September 23, 2023
