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Apple introduced the LaserWriter printer in March 1985, marking nearly four decades of innovation. Together with a Macintosh computer and utilizing Adobe Postscript technology along with Aldus PageMaker software, it brought desktop publishing into the mainstream.
Prior to this, Apple’s ImageWriter was a dot-matrix printer that fell short in terms of speed and resolution. The transition to a laser printer was revolutionary, transforming personal computers into powerhouses capable of producing professional-quality layouts right from a desk.
The combination of these technologies enabled Apple to offer a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface, setting a standard for desktop publishing that we still expect today. It ensured that documents would appear on-screen exactly as they would print out, a far cry from the earlier systems where this alignment was not guaranteed.
While the LaserWriter’s innovative system was reminiscent of early concepts from Xerox’s PARC (Palo Alto Research Center)—specifically, the Xerox Star which featured an easy-to-use graphical interface—it made these capabilities accessible to a wider audience. Users no longer needed to rely on complex coding to navigate software, paving the way for more intuitive computing for everyone.
Despite its high price compared to standard printers available in 2025, at approximately $7,000, the LaserWriter was a more cost-effective solution for businesses looking to produce high-quality materials in-house. It offered the ability to print at eight pages per minute with a resolution of 300 dpi, which ensured that text and images were sharp and clear.
To achieve this impressive performance, Apple equipped the LaserWriter with a robust processor, utilizing the Motorola 68000 chip found in the Macintosh. This allowed it to execute Adobe Postscript software efficiently, striking a balance between print quality and processing speed.
Today, modern color laser printers can produce documents at resolutions of up to 1,200 dpi and print speeds of 35 pages per minute. Even budget-friendly inkjet printers outstrip the LaserWriter in speed and quality.
Nonetheless, Apple secured its legacy in the realm of desktop publishing with the extraordinary LaserWriter printer.
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