Apple ImageWriter II printer
The Apple ImageWriter II was a versatile 9-pin dot matrix printer released by Apple Computer, Inc. in 1985. It was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering faster printing, enhanced graphics capabilities, and notably, the ability to print in four colors (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 1985
- Category
- technology
- Problem solved
- The ImageWriter II was created to provide Apple users with a more advanced, faster, and especially, color-capable printing solution that was still affordable. Its predecessor, the original ImageWriter, lacked color and was slower, limiting the expressive potential for graphic-heavy applications and educational software. Laser printers, while offering superior quality, were prohibitively expensive for most personal and small business users at the time, leaving a gap for a robust, feature-rich impact printer.
- Platforms
- IBM PC (with compatible interface card and drivers), Apple Lisa, Apple II, Apple Macintosh (System 1-6), Apple IIGS
Related technologies
Notable users
- Small businesses
- Early desktop publishers (for draft proofs)
- Home users (Apple II and Macintosh owners)
- Educational institutions