In the early 1990s, Apple was at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what technology could achieve. It was during this time that they unveiled the LaserWriter Pro 630, a printer that would revolutionize the printing industry. Introduced on January 1, 1993, this powerful machine quickly became a game-changer in the world of printing.
At its core, the LaserWriter Pro 630 boasted impressive specifications that set it apart from its competitors. Equipped with a 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor and 2 MB of ROM, this printer was a powerhouse of its time. Its printing resolution of up to 600 dots per inch (dpi) ensured crisp and sharp output, elevating the quality of printed materials to new heights.
Speed was another area where the LaserWriter Pro 630 excelled. Capable of printing up to eight pages per minute, this printer was a productivity booster for professionals who relied on fast and efficient document production. Its swift performance allowed users to easily tackle large printing tasks, saving valuable time in the process.
Connectivity options were also a key highlight of the LaserWriter Pro 630. Apple recognized the importance of versatility in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, and as a result, this printer offered multiple connectivity choices. Whether users needed a Serial connection, LocalTalk port, Centronics Parallel port, or Ethernet connection, the LaserWriter Pro 630 had them covered. This flexibility ensured seamless integration into various setups, catering to the diverse needs of professionals.
Despite its impressive features and undeniable impact on the industry, the LaserWriter Pro 630 had a relatively short lifespan. Apple discontinued the printer on September 1, 1994, making it nostalgic 31 years old today. However, even with its limited time on the market, the LaserWriter Pro 630 left an indelible mark on Apple’s legacy and the printing industry as a whole.
One of the notable attributes of the LaserWriter Pro 630 was its compatibility with HP LaserJet 4-toner cartridges, which expanded the options for users seeking high-quality output. This feature allowed customers to utilize readily available cartridges, further enhancing the convenience and accessibility of the printer.
Additionally, the LaserWriter Pro 630 showcased Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries in printing technology. It introduced the concept of PhotoGrade, a feature that enhanced the appearance of lower-resolution grayscale images by incorporating finer halftones. This innovation enabled users to achieve better print quality, even with images of lower resolution, demonstrating Apple’s dedication to delivering superior user experiences.
The LaserWriter Pro 630’s processing capabilities were no less impressive. With its 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, the printer could rasterize images from both PostScript Level 2 and PCL 4+ printer data. This versatility made the LaserWriter Pro 630 compatible with a wide range of print files, accommodating the needs of various professionals across industries.
Connectivity-wise, the LaserWriter Pro 630 offered multiple options to cater to diverse workflows. Users could transmit data through a LocalTalk network to its RS-422 serial port or establish a direct connection to a PC via its RS-232 serial port or parallel port. For those seeking faster networking capabilities, the printer supported EtherTalk networking through its proprietary AAUI Ethernet port. This comprehensive range of connectivity choices ensured seamless integration into different environments, making it a versatile tool for professionals.
Apple’s dedication to providing an exceptional user experience extended to the LaserWriter Pro 630’s font selection. With an array of included fonts such as ITC Avant Garde, ITC Bookman, Courier, Helvetica, Helvetica Narrow, New Century Schoolbook, Palatino, Symbol, Times, ITC Zapf Chancery, and ITC Zapf Dingbats, users had access to a diverse typographic palette for their creative and professional endeavors.
Today, the LaserWriter Pro 630 stands as a beloved and iconic printer in the history of Apple and the printing industry. Its powerful specifications, impressive print quality, and forward-thinking features made it a trendsetter during its time. Though no longer in production, its legacy lives on in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and those who experienced its transformative capabilities firsthand. The LaserWriter Pro 630 will forever hold a special place in the evolution of printing technology, reminding us of Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
LaserWriter Pro 630 Details
| Introduced | January 1, 1993 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1994 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Weight | 39 Ibs. 17.690 KG |
| Dimensions | 12.1” H x 16.8” W x 16.9” D 30.73 cm H x 42.67 cm W x 42.92 cm D |
Printer Specs
| Type | Electrophotography |
| Colors | 1 |
| Pages Per Minute | 8 |
| DPI | 600 |
| Language | PostScript Level 2 PCL 4+ |
| Cartridge | M2473G/A |
Hardware
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| ROM Size | 2 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 32 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 72-pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
Connections
| Connection | LocalTalk Serial Centronics Parallel Ethernet |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 560 W |
Further Reading and References
- LaserWriter Pro 630: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- LaserWriter Pro 630 – Low End Mac
- New Printers & Scanner – TudBITS
- LaserWriter Pro 600/630 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: June 27, 2023
