In the ever-evolving world of technology, it’s easy to forget the pioneers that paved the way for the devices we use today. One such device was the Apple Personal LaserWriter SC, which made its debut on June 1, 1990. This printer, part of the Apple Printer series, left an indelible mark on the history of Apple’s printing technology.
The Personal LaserWriter SC boasted impressive specifications for its time. Equipped with a 7.275 MHz Motorola 68000 processor and 16 KB of ROM, it may seem paltry compared to the processing power we have at our fingertips today. Nevertheless, back in the early ’90s, these features were cutting-edge. With a maximum resolution of 300 dpi and the ability to print in one color, the Personal LaserWriter SC offered crisp and clear output.
One of the standout features of the Personal LaserWriter SC was its printing speed, capable of churning out up to four pages per minute. While this may seem snail-paced compared to modern printers, it was considered impressive at the time. Additionally, the printer featured a SCSI connection port, which allowed it to connect to a single Mac for seamless printing.
Despite its notable attributes, the Personal LaserWriter SC had a relatively short lifespan, being discontinued just three years after its introduction, on September 1, 1993. This marked the end of an era for this particular printer model, but it left an enduring legacy in the realm of Apple’s printing technology.
Pricing was a significant factor when considering the Personal LaserWriter SC. At its launch, the printer carried a hefty price tag of $2,799, firmly positioning it as a high-end option for users seeking a reliable and efficient printing solution. It was not a printer that everyone could afford, but for those who invested in it, it delivered remarkable performance and quality.
Looking back, the Personal LaserWriter SC was a replacement for the LaserWriter IISC, offering a more cost-effective and slower alternative. The printer was designed to connect to a single Mac using SCSI and was not networkable. It lacked PostScript capability and relied on the host computer to render the page before sending it to the printer. With just 1 MB of memory and a 68000 CPU, the Personal LaserWriter SC had less power than even the slowest Macintosh of its time.
The 1990 to 1992 Personal LaserWriter models, including the SC, were built around the Canon LBP-LX print engine. This partnership with Canon further cemented Apple’s commitment to delivering quality printing solutions to its users.
Today, 33 years later the Personal LaserWriter SC remains a relic of the past, a testament to Apple’s early ventures into printing technology. While you won’t find it available for purchase, its existence serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of printing technology. The speed, resolution, and connectivity options we now take for granted were once groundbreaking features that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
So, as we marvel at the sleek and powerful printers of the present, let’s not forget the Personal LaserWriter SC and its place in Apple’s storied history. It may have been a printer of its time, but its impact resonates even decades later.
Personal LaserWriter SC Details
| Introduced | June 1, 1990 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1993 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | $2,799 |
| 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 | Motorola 68000 |
| Processor Speed | 7.275 MHz |
| ROM Size | 16 KB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 30-pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 120 ns |
Connections
| Connection | SCSI |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 600 W |
Further Reading and References
- Personal LaserWriter SC: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Personal LaserWriter SC – 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
