Apple Personal LaserWriter NT Explained

In the early 1990s, Apple revolutionized the printing industry with the introduction of the Personal LaserWriter NT. Part of the prestigious Apple Printer series, this innovative device quickly gained popularity among Apple users for its advanced features and capabilities. Although it was discontinued in 1993, the Personal LaserWriter NT remains a symbol of Apple’s commitment to producing high-quality products. Let’s take a closer look at this pioneering printer that left an indelible mark on the world of printing technology.

Debuting on July 1, 1990, the Personal LaserWriter NT commanded attention with its impressive specifications. Equipped with a 12 MHz Motorola 68000 processor, this printer offered fast and efficient printing capabilities. Its 1.25 MB of ROM and printing resolution of up to 300 dpi ensured high-quality output for both text and graphics. With a print speed of up to 4 pages per minute, the Personal LaserWriter NT proved to be an excellent choice for busy professionals who demanded efficient performance.

The Personal LaserWriter NT embraced the era’s emerging networking capabilities by featuring a Serial connection and a LocalTalk port. These connectivity options facilitated seamless integration with other devices and made the printer an attractive choice for collaborative work environments. Additionally, its ability to print in one color without compromising print quality was commendable, allowing users to produce professional-looking documents effortlessly.

Apple positioned the Personal LaserWriter NT as a cost-effective alternative to the LaserWriter IINT. It was one of the few low-end laser printers that boasted a substantial 250-sheet paper tray. This larger capacity was a significant advantage for networked environments, where printers capable of handling only 50 sheets were commonplace. Apple’s dedication to delivering practical and feature-rich solutions shone through with the Personal LaserWriter NT.

Although the Personal LaserWriter NT was discontinued on May 1, 1993, its impact remains significant even after 33 years. The printer’s architecture, built around the Canon LBP-LX print engine, showcased Apple’s ability to integrate cutting-edge components into their devices. The inclusion of popular printer languages such as Postscript, Diablo, and HP LaserJet further enhanced its versatility and compatibility.

Personal LaserWriter NT Details

Introduced	July 1, 1990
Discontinued	May 1, 1993
Model Number	Unknown
Order Number	M0097LL/A M0101LL/A
Original Price	$3,299
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	PostScript HP LaserJet Diablo 630
Cartridge	M0089LL/A

Hardware

Processor	Motorola 68000
Processor Speed	12 MHz
ROM Size	1.25 MB
Maximum Memory	8 MB
Memory Slots	2 – 30-pin SIMM
Minimum Speed	120 ns

Connections

Connection

LocalTalk Serial

Power

Maximum Continuous Power

600 W

Further Reading and References

• Personal LaserWriter NT: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
• Personal LaserWriter NT – Low End Mac
• Personal LaserWriter SC/NT/LS Service Course, Version 1.1 (PDF) – Vintage Apple

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 21, 2023