In the early days of computing, when Apple was still establishing its foothold in the industry, the company introduced a groundbreaking printer that would leave a lasting impression on the technology landscape. On March 1, 1992, Apple unveiled the Personal LaserWriter NTR, a printer that pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time. Though it may have been discontinued decades ago, the Personal LaserWriter NTR remains an important piece of technology in the history of Apple printers.
The Personal LaserWriter NTR was not just an ordinary printer; it was a technological marvel. Priced at a hefty $3,299, this laser printer brought exceptional features to the table. Powered by a 16 MHz AMD 29005 processor and equipped with 2 MB of ROM, it boasted impressive capabilities for its era. The Personal LaserWriter NTR could print in one color with a resolution of up to 300 dpi, delivering crisp and detailed output.
In terms of performance, the Personal LaserWriter NTR offered a printing speed of up to 4 pages per minute. This might not seem remarkable by today’s standards, but it was quite impressive back then. Furthermore, it featured multiple connectivity options, including a Serial connection, a LocalTalk port, and a Parallel port. This versatility allowed the printer to seamlessly connect with both Macs and PCs, expanding its compatibility and appeal to a wider range of users.
One notable aspect that set the Personal LaserWriter NTR apart from its predecessors was its processor. While earlier LaserWriters relied on Motorola 68000 or 68030 CPUs, Apple opted for an AMD CPU for this particular model. This unconventional choice showcased Apple’s willingness to explore new possibilities and experiment with different technologies to optimize its products.
When it came to the internals, the Personal LaserWriter NTR was built around the Canon LBP-LX print engine. Canon, renowned for its expertise in imaging and printing technology, provided a solid foundation for this innovative Apple printer. The partnership between Apple and Canon resulted in a powerful combination of hardware and software that delivered exceptional print quality and performance.
Despite its impressive capabilities and technological advancements, the Personal LaserWriter NTR had a relatively short lifespan. Apple discontinued the printer on September 1, 1993, marking the end of an era. Today, 32 years later the Personal LaserWriter NTR serves as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of printing.
While the Personal LaserWriter NTR may no longer be available for purchase, its impact on the industry and its place in Apple’s history cannot be overlooked. This pioneering printer paved the way for future innovations and set a high bar for quality and performance in the printer market.
As we reflect on the legacy of the Personal LaserWriter NTR, it’s important to acknowledge the role it played in shaping the evolution of Apple’s printer series. From its remarkable features to its partnership with Canon, this printer exemplified Apple’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users.
Though time may have moved on, the Personal LaserWriter NTR will always hold a special place in the annals of Apple’s history as a groundbreaking printer that left an indelible mark on the industry.
Personal LaserWriter NTR Details
Introduced | March 1, 1992 |
Discontinued | September 1, 1993 |
Model Number | Unknown |
Order Number | M8026G/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 Level 2 PCL 4+ |
Cartridge | M0089LL/A |
Hardware
Processor | AMD 29005 |
Processor Speed | 16 MHz |
ROM Size | 2 MB |
Maximum Memory | 4 MB |
Memory Slots | 1 – 72-pin SIMM |
Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
Connections
Connection | LocalTalk Serial Parallel |
Power
Maximum Continuous Power | 600 W |
Further Reading and References
- Personal LaserWriter NTR: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Personal LaserWriter NTR – Low End Mac
- Personal LaserWriter SC/NT/LS Service Course (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: June 4, 2023