Apple has a longstanding reputation for delivering innovative products that redefine our technological landscape. Among the many milestones in its storied history, one often-overlooked gem stands out – the Color StyleWriter 2500. Launched on February 19, 1996, as part of the Apple Printer series, this printer has continued to captivate users with its unique blend of design, performance, and versatility.
The Color StyleWriter 2500 is the epitome of Apple’s design prowess. Its sleek and minimalist aesthetics have aged gracefully, earning it a place among timeless tech artifacts. This printer’s design ethos, while from the mid-’90s, feels refreshingly modern even today.
At the heart of the Color StyleWriter 2500 is its four-color printing capability, delivering vibrant and high-quality prints. With a resolution of up to 360 dpi, it masterfully captures every detail, be it the subtleties of a family photograph or the precision required for professional documents.
In a world where time is of the essence, the StyleWriter 2500 stands as a symbol of efficiency. Printing up to 5 pages per minute, it’s a reliable companion for those who need to turn out documents swiftly. This speed, coupled with its impressive quality, makes it a true workhorse.
Versatility is the name of the game for the StyleWriter 2500. Its compatibility with Serial, LocalTalk, and Ethernet connections ensures that it seamlessly integrates into various setups. Whether you’re connecting it to your Macintosh or another device, this printer adapts effortlessly.
The Color StyleWriter 2500 may have celebrated its 28-year anniversary, but it’s far from outdated. In an era of disposable tech, this printer defies time by remaining reliable and effective. Whether you’re printing work documents or crafting a cherished family photo album, the StyleWriter 2500 remains a testament to enduring quality.
What truly sets the StyleWriter 2500 apart is its innovative spirit. Its maximum resolution of 720×360 dpi was groundbreaking for its time. It could print at a speed of 5 pages per minute in black, or about 1.5 minutes per page in color with ColorSync 2.0 support. The Color PhotoGrade feature, supported through a print kit including an integrated ink cartridge with a print head, special paper, and updater software, was a game-changer.
Moreover, the printer’s compatibility with Canon BC-20/BC-21BK/BC-21C/BC-21E/BC-22 (black/black/color/4-color/photo) bubblejet cartridges expanded its capabilities, making it a versatile choice.
For users who needed networking capabilities, the Color StyleWriter 2500 offered solutions. An optional Color StyleWriter LocalTalk Module added support for LocalTalk networking without the need for a host computer. Meanwhile, the optional StyleWriter EtherTalk Adapter brought connectivity to 10BASE-T and 10BASE2 Ethernet for faster networking, a feature that was forward-thinking in its day.
With 64 TrueType fonts included on disk, the StyleWriter 2500 was no slouch in the typography department. Users could enhance their font libraries further by adding PostScript Type 1 fonts through Adobe Type Manager.
The Color StyleWriter 2500 was eventually succeeded by the HP-based Color StyleWriter 4500, announced on June 16, 1997. While it marked a transition in technology, the StyleWriter 2500 left an indelible mark as a timeless classic in the realm of printers.
In a world where technology constantly evolves, some gems stand the test of time. Apple’s Color StyleWriter 2500 is one such treasure. With its enduring design, impressive performance, and innovative features, it continues to inspire awe even after 28 years. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates quality, the StyleWriter 2500 remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to excellence.
Color StyleWriter 2500 Details
| Introduced | February 19, 1996 |
| Discontinued | Unknown |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Weight | 6.9 Ibs. 3.129 KG |
| Dimensions | 8.3” H x 14.4” W x 9.2” D 21.08 cm H x 36.57 cm W x 23.36 cm D |
Printer Specs
| Type | Thermal ink-jet |
| Colors | 4 |
| Pages Per Minute | 0.3 – color 5 – black and white |
| DPI | 720 x 360 |
| Language | QuickDraw |
| Cartridge | Apple M3240G/A Black High Performance or Canon BC-20 Black Apple M3328G/A Color High Performance or Canon BC-21 Color Apple M3330G/A Black or Canon BCI-21 Black Apple M3329G/A Color or Canon BCI-21 Color Apple M5579G/A Color PhotoGrade or Canon BC-22 Color PhotoGrade |
Hardware
| Processor | None |
| Processor Speed | N/A |
| ROM Size | N/A |
| Maximum Memory | N/A |
| Memory Slots | N/A |
| Minimum Speed | N/A |
Connections
| Connection | Serial LocalTalk (Optional) EtherTalk (Optional) |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 27.6 W |
Further Reading and References
- Color StyleWriter 2500: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- StyleWriter – Wikipedia
- Color StyleWriter 2500 – IT History Society
- Color StyleWriter 2500 Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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 1, 2023
