Laser printer

A laser printer is a common type of computer printer that produces high quality printing, and is able to produce both text and graphics.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The process is very similar to the type of dry process photocopier first produced by Xerox. Indeed, the first laser printer was created by Xerox researcher Gary Starkweather by modifying a Xerox copier in 1971. Laser printing eventually became a multibillion-dollar business for Xerox.

Related Topics:
Photocopier - Xerox - 1971

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The first commercial implementation of a laser printer was the IBM model 3800 in 1976, used for high-volume printing of documents such as invoices and mailing labels. It is often cited in technology writing as "taking up a whole room," implying that it was a primitive version of the later familiar device used with a personal computer; however, while large, it was designed for an entirely different purpose. Many 3800s are still in use.

Related Topics:
IBM - 1976

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The first laser printer designed for use with an individual computer was released with the Xerox Star 8010 in 1977; however, although it was highly innovative the Star was an expensive system that was only purchased by a small number of laboratories and institutions. After personal computers became more widespread, the first laser printer intended for a mass market was the HP Laserjet 8ppm, released in 1984, which used a Canon Inc. developed engine controlled by HP developed software. The HP Laserjet printer was quickly followed by other laser printers from Brother Industries, IBM, and others.

Related Topics:
Xerox Star - 1977 - Personal computer - 1984 - Canon Inc. - HP - Brother Industries - IBM

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Most noteworthy, however, was the role the laser printer played in popularizing desktop publishing with the introduction of the Apple LaserWriter for the Apple Macintosh, along with Aldus PageMaker software, in 1985. With these products, users could create documents that would previously have required professional typesetting.

Related Topics:
Desktop publishing - Apple - LaserWriter - Apple Macintosh - Aldus PageMaker - 1985 - Typesetting

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~