Apple Personal LaserWriter 300
| Apple Personal LaserWriter 300 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Apple Personal LaserWriter 300 (1993) | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Laser printer |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1994 |
| Price | US$1,299 (1993 retail) |
| Interface | RS-422 serial (Mini-DIN-8) |
| Compatible | Macintosh with serial port |
| Dimensions | 6.3" H × 15.2" W × 14.9" D |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) |
| Model | M2001 |
| Power | 360W maximum |
The Apple Personal LaserWriter 300 was a compact monochrome laser printer released in June 1993 for the home office market. Model M2001 eliminated PostScript support and LocalTalk networking to achieve a retail price of US$1,299, relying instead on the host Macintosh's QuickDraw to rasterize pages. The printer utilized a Canon LBP-PX print engine capable of 4 pages per minute at 300 dpi with a rated life of 100,000 pages. Data transfer occurred via RS-422 serial connection at 57.6 kbps using Apple's proprietary compression algorithms. The printer included GrayShare software that enabled network sharing through a host Macintosh, though this required the host machine to remain powered on. Production ended in September 1994 when Apple introduced the 600 dpi LaserWriter 4/600 PS.
Technical Specifications
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.3" H × 15.2" W × 14.9" D (160 × 386 × 378 mm)
- Weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
- Operating temperature: 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C)
- Humidity: 20% to 80% non-condensing
- Acoustic noise: 42 dBA operating, 35 dBA standby
Performance
- Print speed: 4 pages per minute maximum
- Resolution: 300 × 300 dpi
- First page out: Approximately 30 seconds
- Engine life: 100,000 pages rated
- Duty cycle: 2,000 pages per month recommended
Power Requirements
- Input voltage: 90-126V AC (North America), 220-240V AC (International)
- Frequency: 50-60 Hz
- Power consumption: 360W maximum, 120W average printing
- Standby power: 25W typical
- Auto power-save mode: Automatic after 15 minutes idle
System Architecture
Controller Design
The Personal LaserWriter 300 employed an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) controller rather than a general-purpose microprocessor, significantly reducing costs compared to PostScript models.
Controller Specifications:
- Type: Custom Apple ASIC
- Function: Bitmap reception and decompression only
- Processing: No page description language interpretation
- Compression: Apple custom compression algorithms
Memory Configuration:
- Standard RAM: 512 KB physical
- Virtual buffer: 2 MB equivalent using compression
- Memory type: DRAM
- Expansion: None possible
- Frame buffer: Compressed bitmap storage
QuickDraw Printing Architecture
The Personal LaserWriter 300 relied entirely on the host Macintosh for page rendering:
Printing Process:
- Application sends QuickDraw commands to printer driver
- Driver renders page to bitmap on Macintosh
- Bitmap compressed using Apple algorithms
- Compressed data transmitted via serial port
- Printer decompresses and prints bitmap directly
Host Requirements:
- Macintosh performs all rasterization
- Requires significant CPU time during printing
- Memory intensive on host machine
- Background printing impacts system performance
Data Interface
Serial Specifications:
- Interface: RS-422 serial
- Connector: Mini-DIN-8 female
- Data rate: 57.6 kbps maximum
- Protocol: Apple proprietary compressed bitmap
- Flow control: Hardware handshaking
- Cable length: 6 feet standard, 25 feet maximum
The 57.6 kbps transfer rate was significantly slower than LocalTalk's 230.4 kbps, creating a bottleneck for complex pages with graphics or multiple fonts.
Print Engine
Canon LBP-PX Engine
The Personal LaserWriter 300 utilized Canon's compact LBP-PX engine, shared with several HP LaserJet models:
Engine Specifications:
- Technology: Laser xerography
- Photosensitive drum: Organic photoconductor (OPC)
- Laser type: Semiconductor laser diode
- Developer system: Single-component magnetic toner
- Fusing: Heat roller with pressure roller
- Paper path: C-shaped path with manual feed option
Engine Components:
- Scanner unit: Rotating polygon mirror
- Transfer corona: Wire-type transfer system
- Fuser assembly: 180°C operating temperature
- Drum unit: Integrated with toner cartridge
Consumables
Toner Cartridge:
- Apple part number: M2037G/A
- Compatible cartridges: HP 92274A (HP 74A), Canon EP-L
- Yield: 3,350 pages at 5% coverage
- Drum life: Integrated drum replaced with cartridge
- Shelf life: 2 years unopened
The printer accepted HP LaserJet 4L/4ML cartridges, providing economical third-party options.
Paper Handling
Input Capacity
Standard Paper Cassette:
- Capacity: 100 sheets of 20 lb bond paper
- Paper sizes: US Letter, A4, US Legal, Executive
- Paper weight: 16-28 lb bond (60-105 g/m²)
- Adjustment: Sliding backstop for different sizes
Manual Feed Slot:
- Capacity: Single sheet feed
- Media types: Plain paper, transparencies, envelopes, labels
- Envelope sizes: Com-10, Monarch, DL, C5
- Special media: Supports heavier stock up to 32 lb bond
Output Specifications
- Output tray: 50-sheet capacity face-down
- Stacking: Face-down, correct page order
- Overflow protection: Sensor stops printing at capacity
Media Specifications
| Size | Dimensions | Printable Area |
|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 8.5 × 11 inches | 8.0 × 10.5 inches |
| US Legal | 8.5 × 14 inches | 8.0 × 13.5 inches |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 200 × 287 mm |
| Executive | 7.25 × 10.5 inches | 6.75 × 10 inches |
Software and Drivers
GrayShare Technology
GrayShare was Apple's software solution for sharing QuickDraw printers without hardware networking:
GrayShare Features:
- Network sharing: Printer appears on AppleTalk network
- Host control: Owner can enable/disable sharing
- Queue management: Basic print queue handling
- Grayscale printing: Enhanced halftoning for graphics
- Image scaling: Automatic page scaling options
GrayShare Limitations:
- Host Mac must remain powered on
- Host performance impacted during printing
- No PostScript support
- Limited to Mac OS 9 and earlier
- Not compatible with Mac OS X
Driver Requirements
System Requirements:
- Minimum OS: System 6.0.7
- Recommended: System 7.0 or later
- RAM: 1 MB minimum, 4 MB recommended
- Hard disk: Required for virtual memory
- Driver: LaserWriter 300 Chooser extension
Font Support:
- System 6: Requires Adobe Type Manager for scalable fonts
- System 7+: Native TrueType support
- Bitmap fonts: Scaled by host, quality varies
- PostScript fonts: Not supported
Included Fonts
The Personal LaserWriter 300 shipped with 39 TrueType fonts from the following families:
- Avant Garde
- Bookman
- Chicago
- Courier
- Geneva
- Helvetica
- Helvetica Narrow
- Monaco
- New Century Schoolbook
- New York
- Palatino
- Symbol
- Times
- Zapf Chancery
- Zapf Dingbats
Diagnostic Features
Status Indicators
The Personal LaserWriter 300 used three LED indicators on the front panel:
| LED | Color | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready | Green | Solid | Ready to print |
| Ready | Green | Blinking | Processing data |
| Paper Out | Amber | Solid | Paper cassette empty |
| Paper Out | Amber | Blinking | Manual feed required |
| Error | Red | Solid | Service required |
| Error | Red | Blinking | Paper jam or door open |
Self-Test Mode
Unlike the Personal LaserWriter 320, the 300 lacked Power-On Self Test (POST) capability and diagnostic mode. Testing required:
- Print test page from Chooser
- Visual inspection of print quality
- Manual verification of mechanical operation
Common Error States
- No lights: Power supply failure or unplugged
- All lights on: Controller failure
- Continuous red blinking: Print engine problem
- Amber and red alternating: Communication error
Maintenance and Service
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
User Maintenance:
- Weekly: Wipe exterior with damp cloth
- Monthly: Clean paper path with lint-free cloth
- Every toner change: Clean corona wire
- Quarterly: Vacuum paper dust from interior
Service Intervals:
- 25,000 pages: Clean and inspect mechanical components
- 50,000 pages: Replace pickup roller
- 75,000 pages: Replace separation pad
- 100,000 pages: Major overhaul recommended
Common Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Light/faded print | Low toner | Replace toner cartridge |
| Vertical streaks | Dirty corona wire | Clean with corona wire cleaner |
| Paper jams | Worn pickup roller | Replace pickup roller assembly |
| No communication | Serial cable issue | Check cable and connections |
| Slow printing | Complex graphics | Reduce resolution or simplify document |
| Memory errors | Insufficient host RAM | Add RAM to Macintosh |
Service Mode Access
The Personal LaserWriter 300 lacked the diagnostic capabilities of the 320 model. Service procedures required:
- Visual inspection of mechanical components
- Manual testing of paper feed mechanism
- Host-based communication testing
- Print quality samples for analysis
Comparison with Related Models
| Feature | PLW 300 | PLW 320 | PLW LS | Select 300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Canon LBP-PX | Canon LBP-PX | Canon LBP-LX | Fuji Xerox P |
| Speed | 4 ppm | 4 ppm | 4 ppm | 5 ppm |
| PostScript | No | Yes (Level 2) | No | No |
| Processor | ASIC only | AMD 29205 16 MHz | None | None |
| RAM | 512 KB | 2-8 MB | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| Interface | RS-422 | RS-422 | RS-422 | RS-422 |
| LocalTalk | No | Yes | No | No |
| GrayShare | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs | 15.4 lbs | 31 lbs | 28 lbs |
| Power | 360W | 120W | 600W | 450W |
Accessories and Options
Available Accessories
- Toner cartridges: M2037G/A (Apple), 92274A (HP)
- Serial cables: 6-foot and 25-foot lengths
- Manual feed guides: For envelope printing
- Corona wire cleaner: Included with toner
Third-Party Solutions
- USB adapters: Keyspan USB Serial Adapter (limited compatibility)
- Network bridges: Not compatible with LocalTalk bridges
- Toner refills: Available from various suppliers
Production Information
Manufacturing Details
- Production period: June 1993 - September 1994
- Estimated production: 75,000-100,000 units
- Manufacturing locations: Singapore, Japan
- OEM partners: Canon (print engine)
Model Identification
- Model number: M2001
- Family number: LaserWriter
- Product codes: M2001LL/A (US), M2001B/A (International)
Compatibility
System Requirements
- Any Macintosh with:
- RS-422 serial port (Mini-DIN-8)
- System 6.0.7 or later
- 1 MB RAM minimum
- Hard disk drive
Compatible Macintosh Models
- Macintosh Plus through Power Macintosh G3
- PowerBook models with serial ports
- Performa series
- LC series
- Quadra series
Operating System Support
- System 6.0.7-6.0.8: Basic support
- System 7.0-7.6: Full TrueType support
- Mac OS 8-9: Full compatibility
- Mac OS X: Not supported
Legacy and Market Position
The Personal LaserWriter 300 occupied a challenging position in Apple's printer lineup. Released simultaneously with the LaserWriter Select 300, the two models created market confusion with overlapping specifications and capabilities. The Select 300 offered faster printing at 5 pages per minute using a Fuji Xerox engine, while the Personal LaserWriter 300 provided a more compact design with lower power consumption.
The elimination of PostScript and LocalTalk kept costs low but limited the printer's appeal to professional users who required these features. The reliance on QuickDraw printing meant slower performance for complex documents and complete dependence on the host Macintosh's processing power.
Despite limitations, the Personal LaserWriter 300 served the home office market adequately, providing laser print quality at a price point competitive with high-end inkjet printers of the era. The printer's compatibility with HP toner cartridges ensured economical operation, while GrayShare software provided basic network functionality for small workgroups.
See Also