Laserwriters, Stylewriters and other printers

Most recent revision of this page dated May 27 2008

The other Mac systems and accessories I have available are linked and referenced on my Mac home page, go there for details. Follow this link for ordering information and terms and conditions of sale.

Meanwhile, here are the links to my Mac printers on this page:

• common questions, warrenties
• assorted Apple laser printers, parts
• Personal Laserwriter printers and controllers
• Laserwriter II printers and controllers
• Laserwriter, Laserwriter Plus parts
• Stylewriter inkjet printers
• Imagewriter impact / dot matrix printers
• HP JetDirect cards
• other printer adapters
• Laser printer toner cartridges
• inkjet cartridges
• printer cables to Mac
• unused Apple printer parts
• Networking notes: connections, printers, software issues
• back to the Mac Home page

Some common questions

For selecting a printer to buy, printer features, connecting the printer to your computer, or a network, or other common questions, check my Mac FAQ., or check Apple's Web site from my Mac links page.. Also check the Web for discussion groups (Usenet newsgroups, etc.) and user-supporting Web sites for Apple equipment. There are additional notes on another Web page about Ethernet networking and Apple printers.

As of 2006 we are ending our sale of most Apple LASER printers except as parts. We will continue to offer Apple INKJET and IMAGEWRITER printers. Since about year 2005, my customers say they can't get parts or repairs for their old laser printers: we will try to offer parts, and printers for parts, for Apple laser printers. But due to age and declining interest and declining supply of working used printers, I cannot stock fully "tested and working" laser printers any longer. But check our listings below for specifics from time to time.

Our warrenties for printers are as follows: For complete laser printers, check the specific description. We will warrent inkjet printers for good print and good paper feed. Printers with specifically identified conditions are warrented to those conditions. Any printer will misfeed if the paper or environment is too dry or too humid, or will misfeed some kinds of paper. OUR PRICES ARE MODEST, these printers are old, so our warrenties are modest.

CAN I RECOMMEND A REPAIR SERVICE? Commercial repair costs for computer items are typically $60-$70 per hour plus parts. I have no recommendations for any repair services as I do not monitor these companies, and I do all my own repairs. Such companies also face the problem of obtaining good parts, as I've written above. In any event, given the low demand and age of older Mac printers, most repair services will simply tell you to buy a new computer and printer. Of course, we are in business to provide "good hardware at good prices", we assume you are at this site to continue your use of older Mac equipment.

MY PRINTER'S LIGHTS ARE BLINKING. WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY PRINTER?. Most Apple printers use blinking lights to show an error condition, except the normal blink of the "ready" light when a page is sent or is about to print. Check the printer's manual for explanations. Or check Apple's Web site for the manual or for descriptions of these lights. Or check other Web sites which offer further info and diagnostic suggestions. My list of Mac Web pointers shows Apple Web site links and links to other sites. Check my list of Mac frequent questions for some info.

In addition, you can "setup" your printer to provide error messages. These are VERY INFORMATIVE. Also early Mac software such as "Apple Printer Utility" can run your printer and provide more information. Check this Apple Web link for some info about this program. It only runs under System 7.something and not OS 8 or OS 9 or OS X.

I'm just going to buy a new printer. {$30 - $40 - $50] for parts is too much to spend on this old thing. I understand that cost of repair competes with "new" printers. However, you'll find that many new printers are USB, which older Macs cannot use. Also all new printers require very specific software "drivers" which old Macs don't have. In short, owners of older Macs are generally obliged to use Apple printers of similar age. Otherwise, they have to learn about the technical problems with use of other non-Apple brand printers - drivers, hardware connections, and so on.

Other questions may be answered at the sources I mentioned in the first paragraph above.

Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

Laserwriter 8500 laser printer. Postscript, 600dpi with serial, parallel and Ethernet capability, handles 11 inch wide paper. One paper tray, can hold 8.5 X 11 up to about 12" X 12" paper. Other paper trays can handle 11 X 17" paper, or you can feed these sheets manually into this printer. Currently (Dec 2006) we are only selling PARTS from our 8500 printers, printers are too large and fragile to ship as working printers. (If you are near central New Jersey USA, we can discuss a printer pickup.) Ask about specific parts and check the list below.

I have an 8500 printer, obtained in early Feb 2007. It currently has 32MB of RAM and a page count of under 24,000 pages. I have done modest tests, and the printer print quality is good Paper feed from the lower cartridge and the "multipurpose tray" is good, feeding several pages in succession without jams. The printer is in good cosmetic condition except for some scuffs and light scratches. It has the ordinary sized print tray, and no duplex (2-sided print) option. The fuser has been sold, no fuser is available for it. This print is available for PICKUP ONLY from central New Jersey. Contact me for price and details - no fuser!

Laserwriter 8500 fuser A good used fuser, pulled from or tested upon a working 8500 printer, is $99 plus shipping and packing. Shipping weight for a packed fuser is 7 lbs. Ask if a fuser is available, we typically sell these as fast as we obtain them.

For a few years, I've had several requests for a part on the 8500 fuser, a lever that is needed to sense paper. The plastic lever is spring loaded and is mounted on the center of the fuser. This 8500 paper sensor lever apparently breaks often. Here is a link to an image of one lever. And, here is a document from a customer, derived from some Apple docs, on all the 8500's sensors. Let me know if you need one of these, or let me know if you have a SOURCE for these. Check this section for updates: when we know more, we will try to contact those interested.

Laserwriter 8500 toner cartridge, M5893G/A. Used, $20 plus shipping.

Laserwriter 8500 I/O or control board is $49 plus shipping and packing. That's the board your external cables plug into. Contact us for details. If you want other parts, be specific by model number and location and function.

Laserwriter 8500 paper cassettes and trays. The cassette is both the paper tray and the frame which holds the tray and which delivers the paper inside for printing. The tray is the "drawer" which is user removable and which holds the paper. The 8500 allows a user to add a SECOND paper cassette, stacked underneath the printer and held with two simple screws.

-- 11 X 17 second paper cassette and tray to provide a paper source for large paper. $69 plus shipping. *SOLD*
-- 8 X 11 paper tray only $35 plus shipping. We have a few used or unused.
second paper cassette only, $39 plus shipping. Ask if available.

Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

other Laserwriters

Laserwriter 16/600 PS laser printer. No FAX card. Supports a variety of connections including SCSI (external storage) Ethernet, parallel port (PC/Windows), Appletalk and serial port. These print several pages a minute at 600 DPI, it's one of Apple's best printers of that time. Uses HP Laserjet 4 type toner cartridges, still available. Printer shipping weight 55 lbs. As of June 2006 we no longer stock 16/600 printers. We have parts - ask about specific parts. Laserwriter 12/640 Postscript laser printer. Has PC type parallel port, Appletalk port, and network Ethernet port. We no longer carry these printers. However we have some parts, and many parts are compatible with the 16/600 printer. Ask about specific parts. Printer shipping weight 40 lbs.

Laserwriter Pro 630 PostScript 2 laser printer. 8 pages/minute (8 ppm), 300dpi or 600dpi and PhotoGrade option, with 8MB RAM (expandable to 32MB in a pair of 72-pin SIMMS). External SCSI connector (like on PowerBook) for font storage. Physically similar to Laserwriter 16/600, with Ethernet, Mac serial. Also parallel and serial connectors for HP Laserjet IIP emulation with PCL 4+ for Windows/Intel PC's. Physical "print engine" very similar to HP Laserjet 4 series, uses similar parts and toner cartridge. We no longer carry these printers. However we have some parts, and many parts are compatible with the 16/600 printer. Ask about specific parts. Printer shipping weight 45 lbs.

Laserwriter Pro 630 FAX card Add to 630 internal "motherboard" for fax/modem capability. $29 plus shipping. * may be SOLD*

Laserwriter Pro 630 or Pro 600 fuser $35 plus shipping.

Laserwriter Pro 600Postscript laser printer. Not available, but it has many parts in common with the Laserwriter Pro 630. Ask about specific parts. We may be able to acquire one on request.

Laserwriter Select 360 Postscript 2 laser printer, 600 DPI. Apple serial port. Also emulates LaserJet III on serial or parallel port. Shipping weight 35 lbs. None available as of Jan 2006. Ask about specific parts.

Select 360 internal FAX card to use printer as fax machine: $25 *SOLD Oct 06*

Laserwriter Select 300, 360, 310 fuser $35 plus shipping.

Laserwriter Select 310 Looks similar to Select 360 but Postscript 1 laser printer. With PC type parallel port, Appletalk port. 5 pages/minute, 300 dpi. Prints and feeds OK over several pages. Shipping weight 35 lbs. None available as of Jan 2006, ask about parts.

Since March 2006 we have some unused Apple printer parts at this page.

Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

Personal Laserwriters

Personal Laserwriters are desktop laser printers which use a toner cartridge. Check the lists below for features. A "complete" printer includes the internal controller card which is removable on some models: ask for price without this card if appropriate. A used toner cartridge may be available for $10 with a printer; ask for availability. Parts like controllers or power supplies are available: please include the model name of your printer AND the part number(s) on the part to avoid a mismatch.
The Personal Laserwriter SC is offered for replacement only, it is a Quickdraw (non Postscript) printer with Mac serial port. The Personal Laserwriter LS model printer is not Postscript. It has a Mac printer (serial) type port. It is not upgradable to the NT or NTR. The Personal Laserwriter NT model printer supports Postscript, and has an Appletalk and a serial port. The Personal Laserwriter NTR has the same features as the NT, but also has a parallel port similar to Windows type PC's printers. I do not have information on how to use that port for Windows, check Apple's Web site. The models NT and NTR have removable controllers. Remove two screws and the user can remove the NT or NTR controller to replace it or upgrade it. The LS controller is not customer-removable.

Some models of the Personal Laserwriter have a lower paper tray or cassette, in an optional base under the printer. It holds about 200 sheets, and is used as an alternative to feeding paper from the "multipurpose tray" which folds out from the front. We sell our printers without this option but we can add it to any model. It is priced with other printer parts below. You can buy one and attach it to your printer, by removing the old base (four screws) and attaching this "new" base (four other screws).

Since March 2006 we have some unused Apple printer parts at this page.

Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

Personal Laserwriter LS, NT, NTR printers:

As of October 2005 we generally no longer carry these printers in stock. We DO HAVE PARTS however, and if we have any PLW printers they will be listed below.

• LS model printer complete $-- plus ship., shipping weight 35 lbs. OUT as of 4/05
• NT model printer complete $-- plus ship., shipping wt. 45 lbs.
• NTR model printer complete $--, shipping wt. 45 lbs.

Personal Laserwriter parts and upgrades:

• NT model controller only, $19 shipping wt. 4 lbs.
• NTR model controller only, $29 shipping wt. 4 lbs.
• SC model controller only, $15 AS IS, shipping weight 4 lbs.
• LS controller IS NOT CUSTOMER INSTALLABLE.
• Other internal cards may be available. Identify them by number and location, ask for quote.
• good used fusers tested and removed from printers, $25 plus shipping and handling.
• lower paper cassette (letter size) tray and base, fits under printer, $29 plus shipping, wt. 10 lbs.
• Personal Laserwriter LS, NT, or NTR power supply, read "note" below $35 shipping wt. 5 lbs.
• (multipurpose) folding tray, 3 parts, receives paper at front of printer, $10, shipping wt. 4 lbs
• good used toner cartridge, not available.
• other internal parts, be specific, ask for price and availability.

NOTE: Regarding power supplies, some have an AC switch on the power suppply (near the A/C outlet), some have the AC switch on a cable (other side from A/C outlet). Please identify this feature on your power supply. Also, here are power supply model numbers we are aware of:
LS/NT/NTR supply, two DC power connectors/cables, A/C switch on cable: RG1-2298
early LS supply, one DC power connector/cable, A/C switch on cable: RH3-2101
please supply a printer model, power supply number and describe the A/C switch position if possible when ordering.

Other printer parts may be available - ask. For memory, the model SC uses 4 30-pin SIMM memory; the NT uses two 30-pin SIMMS; the NTR uses one 1MB/2MB 72-pin SIMM with "cas before ras" or "auto refresh" capability

Some UNUSED printer parts are available, by Apple part number. Check our unused Apple printer parts for specifics.

Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

LaserWriter II printers (IIg, IIf, IInt, IIntr, IIsc)

Since March 2006 we have some unused Apple printer parts at this page.

The LW II supports PostScript printing (except the IIsc) via the Mac modem/printer port. The IIg supports Ethernet; the IIf is identical to the IIg except the IIf has no Ethernet port; the IIntx and IInt have slower processors than the IIf or IIg. Most models (except the IInt and IIsc) will accept memory upgrades. The IIsc controller uses a SCSI connection and is offered for replacement only. The IInt, IIntx, IIf and IIg use an Appletalk or serial connection, and are also supported by Windows 95 and 98. Apple's Web site has much more info on this series of printers, check there if you need tech info to make a selection.

The controller card is a card in the back of the printer, with various connectors and with the LW II model name. It runs the printer and determines the model (f, g, nt, ntx, sc) and establishes the printer's features. This controller card is easily removed and upgraded with a replacement. A controller card is required for printer use. Shipping weight of any LW II printer w/controller and tray is about 70 lbs.

We do not sell new or refilled toner cartridges but they are typically sold for $39-$59 each refilled, available locally in most major cities from copier/printer companies, computer stores, and by mail order. We can provide a useful used cartridge for modest additional cost and shipping.

Apple LaserWriter II w/o controller - use your own controller card! Cleaned, tested, repaired. Typically we add a new pickup roller, replace any worn fuser, and make sure there are no paper jams. shipping weight 65 lbs. As of Oct 2005 we no longer sell these printers but we have parts.

Laserwriter II parts and accessories

We have some unused LW II parts on this Web page.

I have the following LaserWriter II controllers. Shipping wt. for each alone is 10 lbs.
LW IIsc controller, not PostScript, SCSI interface only. one available, $29 plus ship.
LW IINT controller, PostScript level 1, 2 MB of RAM: $19 plus ship.
LW IINTX controller, PostScript level 1, 68020 CPU, 1 MB of RAM: $29 plus ship.
LW IIf controller, PostScript level 2; 68030 CPU, no ethernet, 8 MB of RAM: $45 plus ship.
LW IIg controller WITH ETHERNET, PostScript level 2, 68030 CPU, 8MB RAM: $79 plus ship. *out May 2007*

Laserwriter II letter size paper trays, $19 each. Ship Wt. 4 lbs
Laserwriter II legal size paper trays, $25 each. Ship Wt. 5 lbs

Laserwriter II AC power supply, used good. This unit is the smaller supply with the AC outlet and power switch. There is a small fan on top of it, in a black case with black filter. Power supply: HP number RA1-4084, or Apple number 661-0427 $29 each not including fan. Fan available for $19. Ship. Wt. 3 lbs. OUT as of May 2006

Laserwriter II DC power supply, used good. This unit is the larger supply with the switching power supply HP number RG1-1394, or apple number 661-0424. $29 each.OUT as of May 2006 Ship. Wt. 7 lbs

Laserwriter II fuser assembly, used good. Easily removed, just four screws at ends. $29 each, ship. Wt. 7 lbs

I have new unused paper pickup rollers for $19 plus shipping. The cork-lined seperation pads associated with that roller are $15 each plus shipping (but I'm out of the cork pads as of May 2007).

Other Laserwriter II parts are available; let me know what part you need and I'll see if I have a good used part available and quote a price.

Some UNUSED printer parts are available, by Apple part number. Check our unused Apple printer parts for specifics.

AAUI to RJ-45 Ethernet adapters are available for the IIg's network connector, check my network adapter section for details.

Regarding memory: the IIf and IIg use 30 pin SIMM memory; the IIntx uses 64-pin SIMM memory; the IINT and IISC do not accept additional memory. Check my memory section for prices and availability of SIMM memory.

Since March 2006 we have some unused Apple printer parts at this page.

Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

Laserwriter, Laserwriter Plus parts

Since March 2006 we have some unused Apple printer parts at this page, including Laserwriter or Laserwriter Plus parts. We'd consider an offer for ALL the Laserwriter/Plus parts. Larger parts for this printer may be listed below. Apple Laserwriter Plus Kit, M0191 or 03B120128.
sealed, new old stock, one available. Make offer.

Due to lack of demand we no longer offer Apple-compatible HP laser printers. We may have parts; you are welcome to ask.

HP JetDirect cards

HP JetDirect cards used and unused available, LOOKING FOR OFFERS for several cards, very cheap!

J2555: RJ45 and DB-9 connector, Token Ring:
J2552: RJ45 and BNC, Appletalk:
J2342: Appletalk DIN-8:
J2553: RJ45, BNC, DIN-8 for Appletalk and Ethernet:
J2550: RJ45 Ethernet server:
J2373: token ring:

Laser printer add-ons: trays, envelope feeders, etc.

This is a typical image of a Stylewriter inkjet printer, this model is the Color Stylewriter 2400. Apple and others still make cartridges for these printers, and they are compatible with a variety of older Macs. Read this note for info on which inkjet cartridges to use with Stylewriter printers.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE ORDERING:

The age of ALL these Stylewriter inkjet printers now requires me to look for new replacement parts, rather than rely on old lightly used parts. However, my experience with other printers is that OLD STOCK parts (parts unused but years old) may likely be damaged, as the rubber materials degrade over time. I have not as of Dec 2005 looked for a parts source, or found means to make the parts myself. Either route is possible but I can't make promises. If you know of parts sources for Stylewriters, please advise me.

StyleWriter inkjet printer (the original). We generally don't see many of these, but users of very old Macs with System 5 or 6 still ask for this printer. We have a few of these in stock. Contact us and see what we have in these printers and their parts, including power supplies ("power cords" with external supply). Also, check our software section for Apple software to allow you to use a Stylewriter II printer; and consider buying that printer. Printer cable only $5 more with printer.

StyleWriter II inkjet printer, with good used b/w print cartridge, $49; w/o print cartridge $45. Ask about availability of unused old-stock b/w cartridges. Prints and feeds OK. Printer cable only $5 more with printer. shipping weight 15 lbs. As of March 2006 we have a few in stock, and units under repair.

StyleWriter 1200 inkjet printer. Stylewriter 1200 with good used b/w print cartridge, $55 plus shipping; w/o print cartridge $50. Prints and feeds OK. Ask about availability of unused old-stock b/w cartridges. Printer cable only $5 more with printer. shipping weight 15 lbs.
Limited stock as of March 2006, due to age we repair these as requested. Contact me to show your interest in this item.

Color StyleWriter 2400 inkjet printer. Uses either a black print head and ink cartridge, or a "carrier" which holds a black and a color ink cartridge. Printer without any cartridges or carrier, $65 plus shipping. With good used b/w print cartridge, $69. Ask about availability of unused old-stock color carrrier and color or b/w cartridges. Shipping extra for all prices. (See my document about cartridges for this printer.) Printer cable only $5 more w/printer. Shipping weight 15 lbs. Limited stock as of Nov 2006, due to age we repair these as requested. Contact me to show your interest in this item.

Color StyleWriter 2500 inkjet printer. Looks and operates like Color Stylewriter 2400, but has external A/C power supply. Uses same print carts as 2400 model, seems to print faster than 2400. OUT OF STOCK as of Dec 2004 Printer without any cartridges or carrier, $69 plus shipping. With good used b/w print cartridge, $75 plus shipping. Ask about availability of unused old-stock color carrrier and color or b/w cartridges. A/C power supply (power cable) available for $19 plus shipping. (See my document about cartridges for this printer.) Printer cable only $5 more w/printer. Shipping weight 15 lbs.

Color Stylewriter 4100. This is an HP inkjet printer made for Apple; it is very different from the Apple-made Stylewriters. We have one in stock, ask about it. We don't plan to carry more of these. We also have some external power supplies for these, if you need one ask about price and availability.

Color Stylewriter 2200 "portable" inkjet printer. Small inkjet intended for laptop and portable use. With cable and A/C supply. Untested, worked once. $29 plus shipping. Too little interest to maintain or test this printer. Estimated shipping weight 10 lbs.

Portable Stylewriter printer, M1446. Portable printer, holds a few sheets of paper, uses Stylewriter black print cartridge. (this is NOT the color model.) With A/C supply, internal batteries (probably dead), cable for serial print. Cable connects to PC parallel connector on Stylewriter. Uses Quickdraw driver, download it from Apple! Seems to print and handle paper OK; apple says 360 DPI printer, weight 4.5 lbs (including cables and A/C supply?). With A/C adapter and used print cartridge, AS IS $29 plus shipping. Worked once but too little interest to maintain or test this printer.

Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

Imagewriter printers

The IW II Appletalk option card for Appletalk networking is available, and easily installed. Ribbons and printer cables are also available. When ordering a printer, please specify color (grey or white); some printers we have are faded to yellow, let me know if you will accept one of them at a reduced price. Printers are sold "clean and working", tested but no extended warrenty.

The ImageWriter II came in two models. The older and heavier model A9M0310 (white) or A9M0320 (grey); and the newer model G0010 (C0090LL/A or C009011/A). They both perform and look identical; however some case parts are not interchangable. Both accept the same Appletalk add-on card. And the ribbons and print heads are the same. The features of the newer G0010 model are:
- lighter in weight due to switching power supply instead of A/C transformer supply.
- 24K of memory buffer, no memory upgrade card needed


ImageWriter II, model A9M0310 (white) or A9M0320 (grey). Ship. wt. 30 lbs.
- in white or grey/platinum: $59 plus shipping.

ImageWriter II, newer model G0010 (C0090LL/A or C009011/A). These were manufactured in grey only. $69 plus shipping, shipping wt. 21 lbs.

ImageWriter II sheet feeders. Allow automated use of standard sheet paper. Hard to find, many of these are damaged before I get them. Ask if I have any available. Price depends on condition and cosmetics. Shipping weight 10 lbs. A copy of the manual is available, ask for details.

Appletalk option for IW II, easy to install, but hard to find: $25 plus shipping.
- as above, in original box, A9B0311, with manual and papers: $35 plus shipping
- Imagewriter Appletalk manual, copy, 60 pages, $5 with card

See my network section for Appletalk Phonenet accessories.

Imagewriter and IW II ribbons:
Lightly used ribbons sold with printers only, $2 black $4 color.
Recent unused sealed black ribbons, $8 plus shipping; recent unused sealed color ribbons, ask.
Check with local office supply stores for new-stock ribbons in quantity.

For serial/printer cables, see my cables section.
Apple IW II manuals available: $15 each, see the books section.

ImageWriter I's, model number A9M0303, are available for $49 plus shipping. Shipping weight 19 lbs. Also, see the collectables section for an IW I in its original box! for connecting an Imagewriter I to a Mac, check this document.

Imagewriter IILQ with extra-wide carriage. This printer is the large version of the Imagewriter II, with a carriage over a foot wide. We obtained one of these recently (Oct 2003) in the original Apple box with manual and extra ribbons. It will take the Appletalk card option like the IW II does, we have that available. Print quality is slightly better than the IW II. Shipping weight 50 lbs. Ask about price, condition, availability.

The Imagewriter I, II and IILQ all take the same ribbons. Check our SHIPPING AND ORDERING INFORMATION section to see how to order and pay.

Laser toner cartridges, inkjet cartridges

Laser printer toner cartridges

We have some USED toner cartridges for Laserwriter 8500 Apple M5893G/A, $15 each plus shipping and packing. No unused cartridges.

Inkjet cartridges

Some people ask about running their Apple printers off Ethernet. Our notes about this are on our Mac Network parts page and those notes are called Networking notes: connections, printers, software issues.

Copyright © 2008 Herb Johnson