In 1982, Apple introduced the world to the Apple Dot Matrix Printer, the latest addition to the Apple Printer Series. The printer was available for purchase starting on October 1st, 1982, with a starting price of $699.
The Apple Dot Matrix Printer boasted impressive technical specifications, including a printing speed of 120 characters per second and 70 lines per minute, a resolution of 160 x 144 dots per inch, and support for one printing color. Additionally, the printer featured a DB-25 port and was compatible with the Apple II series, Apple Lisa, and Apple III.
However, the Apple Dot Matrix Printer’s time on the market was short-lived. On December 1st, 1984, Apple discontinued the printer, replacing it with the Apple ImageWriter. Now, 42 years later, the Apple Dot Matrix Printer remains a historical artifact in the world of technology and printing.
Despite its brief tenure, the Apple Dot Matrix Printer played a significant role in Apple’s early days of expanding its product line beyond personal computers. The printer represented a bold move by the company to expand its reach and appeal to a wider range of customers. While the printer may no longer be in production, it will always hold a special place in Apple’s history.
Apple Dot Matrix Printer Details
| Introduced | October 1, 1982 – 42 years ago |
| Discontinued | December 1, 1984 – 39 years ago |
| Order Number | A2M0059 |
| Colors | Beige |
| Original Price | $699 |
| Weight | 18.7 Ibs. 8.482 KG |
| Dimensions | 4.75” H x 15.5” W x 11” D 12.06 cm H x 39.37 cm W x 27.94 cm D |
System Requirements
- Apple II or later
- Apple III or later
- Apple Lisa or later
Printer Specs
| Type | Impact dot matrix |
| Colors | 1 |
| Pages Per Minute | 120 characters per second, 70 lines per minute (draft) |
| DPI | High Resolution: 160 x 144 dots per in. Normal Resolution: 96 x 72 dots per in. |
| Language | N/A |
| Cartridge | N/A |
Connections
| Connection | DB-25 |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 180 W (operating) 16 W (standby) |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Dot Matrix Printer – Wikipedia
- Dot Matrix Printer (PDF) – Vintage Apple
- Apple Dot Matrix Printer // Collections – Applematters
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