When it comes to innovation and cutting-edge technology, Apple has always been at the forefront. Back in 1993, Apple introduced a revolutionary product known as the LaserWriter Select 360. Part of the Apple Printer series, this remarkable device was designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple from 1993 to 1996.
The LaserWriter Select 360 made its debut on October 1, 1993, and it completely transformed the world of printing. This powerful printer was equipped with a 16 MHz AMD 29200 processor, 3 MB of ROM, and an impressive printing resolution of up to 600 dpi. It had the capability to print in one color, delivering a remarkable printing speed of up to 10 pages per minute.
But the LaserWriter Select 360 wasn’t just about speed and resolution. It was designed to be a versatile and practical device for any office or home setup. With its Serial connection, Centronics Parallel port, and LocalTalk port, this printer offered a wide range of connectivity options, catering to the diverse printing needs of businesses and individuals alike.
As with all good things, the LaserWriter Select 360 eventually reached the end of its production cycle and was discontinued on April 22, 1996. Now, after 30 years since its introduction, this printer stands as a nostalgic reminder of the past.
The LaserWriter Select 360 was a standout printer in the Apple Printer series. Unlike its predecessors, it was the only networkable model in the LaserWriter Select family. This printer utilized a Fuji Xerox Pro engine, which was twice as fast and boasted an impressive resolution of 600 dots per inch, compared to the earlier 300 dpi models.
Thanks to its compatibility with standard LaserWriter drivers, the LaserWriter Select 360 functioned flawlessly as a networkable PostScript printer. While it supported LocalTalk, it did not have built-in Ethernet capabilities. However, it did feature a parallel port for seamless connectivity with PCs, catering to users from different computing backgrounds.
Released by Apple Computer on October 21, 1993, the LaserWriter Select 360 was a high-performance monochrome laser printer specifically targeted at the small office market. Despite its compact size, it offered increased speed and resolution compared to previous models in the Personal LaserWriter series. The transition from the Canon LBP-LX to the Fuji Xerox P1 print engine resulted in a significant boost in performance. The printer could churn out impressive prints at 600 dpi and 10 pages per minute, with a rated life of 300,000 pages.
Powering the LaserWriter Select 360 was a 16 MHz AMD Am29200 processor, which efficiently rasterized images from PostScript Level 2 or PCL 5 printer data. The printer could receive data through a LocalTalk network via its RS-422 serial port or connect directly to a PC through its RS-232 port or parallel port. For those requiring fax capabilities, an optional fax card was available, enabling the printer to send, receive, and print both PostScript and Group 3 faxes.
In terms of fonts, the LaserWriter Select 360 came packed with 35 PostScript Type 1 fonts from the LaserWriter Plus in its ROM. Additionally, the printer driver software included 64 TrueType fonts on the accompanying disk, offering users a wide range of typographic options.
Sadly, the LaserWriter Select 360’s journey came to an end on April 22, 1996, when it was discontinued. However, it paved the way for future printers like the compact LaserWriter 4/600 PS, ensuring that Apple’s printing technology continued to evolve.
Today, 30 years after its release the LaserWriter Select 360 remains a nostalgic symbol of Apple’s dedication to innovation and its commitment to delivering powerful printing solutions. While the printer itself may be a relic of the past, its legacy lives on, reminding us of Apple’s enduring pursuit of excellence in the realm of technology.
LaserWriter Select 360 Details
| Introduced | October 1, 1993 |
| Discontinued | April 22, 1996 |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Weight | 26 Ibs. 11.793 KG |
| Dimensions | 8” H x 15” W x 18.3” D 20.32 cm H x 38.1 cm W x 46.48 cm D |
Printer Specs
| Type | Electrophotography |
| Colors | 1 |
| Pages Per Minute | 10 |
| DPI | 600 |
| Language | PostScript Level 2 PCL 5 |
| Cartridge | M1960G/A |
Hardware
| Processor | AMD 29200 |
| Processor Speed | 16 MHz |
| ROM Size | 3 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 16 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 72-pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
Connections
| Connection | Serial Centronics parallel LocalTalk |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 450 W |
Further Reading and References
- LaserWriter Select 360: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- LaserWriter Select 360 – Low End Mac
- Apple LaserWriter Select 360 Brochure (PDF) – Bitsavers
- Apple LaserWriter Select 360 Printer – Apple Rescue of Denver
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: July 9, 2023
