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Apple Launched The LaserWriter, Its First Laser Printer, 40 Years Ago Today, And It Featured The Most Processing Power For Any Of The Company’s Products At The Time

A plethora of products are listed on Apple’s updated website, but those who have not followed the technology giant’s plans since its inception likely have little to no idea that the company also entered the laser printer market, with the first iteration called LaserWriter.

The LaserWriter combined Adobe’s PostScript technology, allowing the printer to push out detailed and readable text and visuals. Unfortunately, it launched at a price that only a handful of customers could fathom, and we take a look back at 40 years since Apple dived into this category, hoping to make a difference.

The LaserWriter ran for years before it was discontinued in 1988, its $6,995 price was a tough pill to swallow, but it had one feature that made it easier for customers to absorb the cost.

The Launch and Pricing of the LaserWriter

Announced on January 23, 1985, Apple’s LaserWriter was unveiled, and at the same time, its competitor, Aldus, showcased the PageMaker. Shipments commenced on March 1, with a retail price that only a few dared to undertake as it was stamped with a $6,995 tag.

Compared to HP’s offerings, the laser printer was significantly more expensive, but it had one feature that helped its proposition and even potentially reduced its price if more than one buyer pitched in to purchase a single LaserWriter.

The printer supported AppleTalk, which allowed it to be shared with as many as sixteen Macintosh computers.

• Assuming all 16 customers wanted to chip in an equal amount, the LaserWriter would only cost $450 per person, making it significantly more affordable than other competitors.

The Impact of the LaserWriter on the Publishing Market

Combining software like PostScript, PageMaker, Macintosh’s GUI, and the aforementioned AppleTalk, LaserWriter could create professional-grade printouts, which allowed the publishing market to obtain a tremendous boost.

Now, the technology that was once just available to those massive publishing firms was accessible to sole business owners and independent artists.

The Significance of the LaserWriter’s Processing Power

For those who still believe that the LaserWriter’s high price would have pushed away the majority of customers, adjusted for inflation, the same printer would cost approximately $20,450 in 2024.

It is also important to note that the LaserWriter featured the Motorola 68000 CPU, which is the same processor used in Apple’s Macintosh, but it ran at a higher speed than the latter, meaning that the LaserWriter flaunted the most powerful chip from the company’s product range.

The Series of Printers Launched by Apple

The introduction of the LaserWriter allowed Apple to launch a series of printers, such as the more premium LaserWriter Pro series and the more affordable Personal LaserWriter.

Unfortunately, as HP and other competitors kept churning out more price-competitive products, it was difficult for Apple to match those figures, and when Steve Jobs returned to the company in 1997, all printers were discontinued.

The Discontinuation of Apple’s Printers

Looking back, we have realized that the printer market might not have been an exciting category, and with so much competition, Apple would likely not have fared any better today, either.

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Expert Analysis and Insights

As we reflect on the 40th anniversary of the LaserWriter, it is clear that Apple’s entry into the laser printer market was a significant moment in the company’s history.

The LaserWriter’s processing power, combined with its ability to be shared with multiple Macintosh computers, made it an attractive option for businesses and professionals.

The Impact of the LaserWriter on the Industry

The LaserWriter’s impact on the publishing market was significant, as it made it possible for sole business owners and independent artists to produce professional-grade printouts.

This democratization of printing technology had a lasting impact on the industry, allowing for greater creativity and innovation in the years that followed.

The Lessons Learned from the LaserWriter’s Discontinuation

The discontinuation of Apple’s printers in 1997 was a result of intense competition from HP and other companies.

This serves as a reminder of the importance of staying competitive in the market and adapting to changing consumer needs and preferences.

The Current State of the Printer Market

Today, the printer market is more competitive than ever, with a wide range of options available from various manufacturers.

However, the principles that guided Apple’s entry into the laser printer market remain relevant, including the importance of innovation, quality, and user experience.

Conclusion

The 40th anniversary of the LaserWriter is a significant milestone in Apple’s history, marking the company’s entry into the laser printer market.

The LaserWriter’s processing power, combined with its ability to be shared with multiple Macintosh computers, made it an attractive option for businesses and professionals.

As we look to the future, it is clear that the principles that guided Apple’s entry into the laser printer market remain relevant, including the importance of innovation, quality, and user experience.