Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS

Apple Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS Explained

In 1995, Apple broke new ground in the tech world yet again with its innovative Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS. This remarkable printer marked a pivotal moment in Apple’s legacy of pioneering technology, showcasing its commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future.

When Apple unveiled the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS as part of its Apple Printer series on June 1st, 1995, the tech industry was met with a game-changing device that would redefine printing standards. Boasting a sleek design and powerful specifications, the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS was a true testament to Apple’s unwavering pursuit of excellence.

At a time when technological boundaries were being pushed, the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS stood out with its remarkable features. With a 30 MHz AMD 29030 processor and 8 MB of ROM, it was primed for superior performance. The printer’s ability to print in four vibrant colors, coupled with a printing resolution of up to 600 dpi, set a new benchmark for quality and precision. Whether users needed sharp text or near-photographic imagery, the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS was delivered with finesse.

Apple’s dedication to user convenience was evident through the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS’s versatile connectivity options. Equipped with a LocalTalk port, a Parallel port, and an Ethernet connection, this printer seamlessly integrated into various setups. It was a nod to Apple’s understanding of the evolving tech landscape and the need for seamless compatibility.

Though its time in the spotlight was relatively short, the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS etched its name in the annals of printing history. Discontinued on October 1, 1996, it made way for the Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS. While its lifespan may have been brief, its impact was profound, exemplifying Apple’s trailblazing spirit.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS was its ability to produce impressive prints. Thanks to its Canon LBP-HX print engine and FinePrint and Color PhotoGrade technologies, it could simulate the output of higher-resolution color printers. The incorporation of Contone memory compression technology allowed it to handle detailed color documents with finesse, all while optimizing memory usage.

The 30 MHz AMD Am29030 processor powered the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS, enabling it to rasterize images from PostScript Level 2 printer data. While PCL was not supported, this processor showcased Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and seamless performance.

Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike still hold the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS dear to their hearts, even 28 years after its introduction. Its legacy goes beyond its groundbreaking features, serving as a testament to Apple’s spirit of innovation that continues to drive the tech industry forward.

As Apple phased out support for older protocols, the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS’s impact remained intact. While printing over AppleTalk-based EtherTalk protocol faded with time, the printer’s influence endured. Printing over TCP/IP became the new norm, reflecting both the evolution of technology and the enduring legacy of the Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS.

In a world constantly evolving, Apple’s Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS remains a timeless relic of innovation. Its revolutionary capabilities and enduring impact stand as a reminder of Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of technology.

Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS Details

Introduced June 1, 1995
DiscontinuedOctober 1, 1996
Original PriceUnknown
Model NumberUnknown
Order NumberUnknown
Weight110 Ibs.
49.895 KG
Dimensions18” H x 21” W x 23” D
45.72 cm H x 53.34 cm W x 58.42 cm D

Printer Specs

TypeElectrophotography
Colors4
Pages Per Minute3 – Color
12 – Black
DPI600
LanguagePostScript Level 2
CartridgeM3756G/A Black
M3757G/A Cyan
M3758G/A Yellow
M3760G/A Magenta

Hardware

ProcessorAMD 29030
Processor Speed30 MHz
ROM Size8 MB
Maximum Memory40 MB
Memory Slots2 – 72-pin SIMMs
Minimum Speed80 ns

Connections

ConnectionLocalTalk
Parallel
Ethernet

Power

Maximum Continuous Power1100 W

Further Reading and References

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: August 17, 2023