In the early 1990s, Apple introduced a revolutionary addition to its printer lineup that left a lasting impact on the industry. The Personal LaserWriter LS unveiled on March 1, 1991, showcased impressive capabilities and set new standards for home offices and small businesses. While its commercial success was short-lived, this 33-year-old vintage gem continues to hold a special place in the hearts of technology enthusiasts as a collector’s item.
The Personal LaserWriter LS was a top-of-the-line printer that pushed boundaries and brought cutting-edge features to the market. With its 0.5 MB of ROM, single printing color, and a maximum resolution of up to 300 dpi, it was capable of producing high-quality prints. Its printing speed of up to 4 pages per minute made it a formidable competitor in its era. The printer’s Serial connection and RS-422 port allowed for seamless connectivity to Apple computers.
Despite being dependent on the host computer for rendering pages before printing, the Personal LaserWriter LS demonstrated Apple’s commitment to innovation. It was a low-cost QuickDraw printer, retailing for $700 less than its counterpart, the Personal LaserWriter SC. This cost reduction opened doors for more users to embrace Apple’s printing technology.
Unfortunately, despite its impressive capabilities and affordability, the Personal LaserWriter LS did not achieve the commercial success Apple had hoped for. The printer was discontinued on May 1, 1993, just two years after its initial release. Nevertheless, its impact on the printing industry and Apple’s printing legacy cannot be denied.
The Personal LaserWriter LS may have been short-lived, but its significance lies in paving the way for future advancements in printing technology. Apple’s commitment to user-friendly interfaces, affordability, and seamless connectivity set the foundation for subsequent printers to come.
Today, the Personal LaserWriter LS stands as a testament to Apple’s pioneering spirit. Its rarity and historical importance have transformed it into a highly sought-after collector’s item. Vintage technology enthusiasts cherish this printer as a relic from a bygone era, a tangible piece of Apple’s history.
It’s fascinating to reflect on how a printer with just 512 KB of memory, lacking CPU and networkability, managed to captivate the imagination of early technology adopters. The Personal LaserWriter LS broke barriers and showcased Apple’s dedication to pushing boundaries.
One intriguing aspect of the Personal LaserWriter LS is its use of the Canon LBP-LX print engine. Built around this reliable and powerful engine, Apple crafted a printer that showcased its design and engineering prowess. By leveraging Canon’s technology, Apple was able to deliver a product that stood out in terms of performance and print quality.
The Personal LaserWriter LS may have faded into obscurity, but its impact on Apple’s printing history remains significant. This printer introduced game-changing features, affordability, and connectivity options that laid the groundwork for future advancements in the industry. Although its commercial journey was cut short, the Personal LaserWriter LS lives on as a collector’s item and a symbol of Apple’s innovation.
Looking back, it’s clear that the Personal LaserWriter LS was more than just a printer—it was a milestone in Apple’s quest for excellence. As we marvel at the technological marvels of the present day, let us not forget the contributions of this 33-year-old vintage gem, whose legacy continues to inspire.
Personal LaserWriter LS Details
| Introduced | March 1, 1991 |
| Discontinued | May 1, 1993 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | $1,299 |
| 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 | QuickDraw |
| Cartridge | M0089LL/A |
Hardware
| Processor | None |
| Processor Speed | N/A |
| ROM Size | 0.5 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 30-pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 100 ns |
Connections
| Connection | RS-422 Serial |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 600 W |
Further Reading and References
- Personal LaserWriter LS: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Personal LaserWriter LS – Low End Mac
- Personal LaserWriter SC/NT/LS Service Course (PDF) – Vintage Apple
- Apple Personal LaserWriter LS 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: May 30, 2023
