Apple’s relentless pursuit of technological innovation has birthed numerous groundbreaking products over the years. Among these pioneering creations, the Apple Personal LaserWriter 320 holds a special place in history. Part of Apple’s esteemed Printer series, this remarkable device was designed, manufactured, and sold by the company from 1993 to 1995. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the features and legacy of the Personal LaserWriter 320.
When the Personal LaserWriter 320 hit the market on October 1, 1993, it quickly captured the hearts of Mac users worldwide. This printer was truly ahead of its time, boasting features and technology that were cutting-edge for its era. Powered by a 16 MHz AMD 29205 processor and equipped with 4 MB of ROM, it offered impressive performance capabilities.
One of the standout features of the Personal LaserWriter 320 was its high-quality output. With a printing resolution of up to 300 dpi, it delivered crisp and clear prints, surpassing the industry standards of the time. Its printing speed of up to 4 pages per minute was also commendable, making it a reliable choice for users with demanding printing needs.
The Personal LaserWriter 320 further impressed users with its LocalTalk connection port, enabling seamless connectivity with other devices and networks. This feature allowed for convenient sharing and collaboration, making the printer an invaluable asset in both home offices and small businesses.
Sadly, after only two years on the market, Apple made the decision to discontinue the Apple Personal LaserWriter 320 on September 16, 1995. However, its impact and influence on the printing industry remain undeniable. Even today, 30 years later, the Personal LaserWriter 320 remains a cherished collector’s item among devoted Apple enthusiasts, serving as a nostalgic reminder of Apple’s innovative products from the 1990s.
Distinguishing itself from the earlier Personal LaserWriter 300, which only offered serial connectivity, the Personal LaserWriter 320 provided an affordable laser printing solution with LocalTalk support. This feature made it an attractive choice for users seeking efficient and cost-effective printing options.
Both the Apple Personal LaserWriter 300 and 320 utilized the Canon LBP-PX print engine, capable of delivering 300 dot-per-inch prints at a rate of 4 pages per minute. However, the Personal LaserWriter 320 outshined its predecessor by offering full-fledged PostScript Level 2 compatibility and 2 MB of memory, expandable up to 8 MB. These enhancements allowed for greater flexibility and enhanced printing capabilities.
Released in June 1993, the Personal LaserWriter 320 specifically targeted the home office market. Its compact form factor and monochrome laser printing capabilities made it an ideal choice for users seeking professional-quality prints in a smaller footprint. With its FinePrint feature, the Personal LaserWriter 320 intelligently adjusted dot sizes to simulate smoother edges, emulating the output of higher-resolution printers.
On September 16, 1995, the Personal LaserWriter 320 bid farewell to the market, making way for newer models like the 600-dpi LaserWriter 4/600 PS and the LaserWriter Select 360, which offered even higher output capabilities. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Personal LaserWriter 320 had left an indelible mark on the printing industry and holds a special place in the hearts of Apple aficionados.
The Personal LaserWriter 320 stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence. With its advanced features, impressive performance, and lasting legacy, this printer continues to be cherished as a collectible item. While technology has progressed in leaps and bounds since its discontinuation, the Personal LaserWriter 320 will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in the history of printing technology and a true icon of Apple’s innovative spirit.
Personal LaserWriter 320 Details
| Introduced | October 1, 1993 |
| Discontinued | September 16, 1995 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Weight | 32 Ibs. 14.515 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 | 4 |
| DPI | 300 |
| Language | PostScript Level 2 |
| Cartridge | Apple M2045G/A HP 92274A |
Hardware
| Processor | AMD 29205 |
| Processor Speed | 16 MHz |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 8 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – Card |
| Minimum Speed | N/A |
Connections
| Connection | LocalTalk |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 120 W |
Further Reading and References
- Personal LaserWriter 320: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Personal LaserWriter 320 – Low End Mac
- Apple Personal LaserWriter 320 Brochure (PDF) – Bitsavers
- PLW 300 & LW 4/600 PS Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Apple Personal LaserWriter 320 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 8, 2023
