Apple printers, such as the popular Apple LaserWriter, changed our expectations of what a computer printer should be able to do, revolutionizing the computer printing industry. Before the Apple LaserWriter, dot matrix printers printed bland, boring pages of text. The LaserWriter's rasterization technology allowed any brand of printer to print both text and high-quality graphics on the same page in an attractive manner. The cost of this technology also necessitated new printer-sharing technology, which enabled several computers to link to one printer.

Apple no longer makes printers; it discontinued the LaserWriter line in the early 90s. The popularity of Apple computer printers, however, means you can still find refurbished or used printers. The most popular types of Apple printers included:

1. ImageWriter, a dot matrix printer that used Apple's QuickDraw printer language.

2. StyleWriter, a "portable" inkjet printer with a folding paper tray for easy travel.

3. The Apple LaserWriter series, including the LaserWriter Plus, the Color LaserWriter and the Personal LaserWriter, which were the most popular of all of the Apple printers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay loyal to the LaserWriter series of Apple printers

The popularity of these printers has kept them in supply even though retailers no longer sell them new. Find refurbished Apple printers online if you're convinced they are the best printers for Apple computers. Apple still supports many varieties of these printers and offers updated drivers for connecting to their newer operating systems.

I recommend: The Printer Works, Inc. sells refurbished Apple LaserWriters in like-new condition with a one-year warranty. Buy Apple LaserWriters at westworldcomputers.com, where you can find deals on refurbished computer printers.

Expand your options with other styles of Apple printers

The Apple Stylewriters, another series of color inkjet printers made by Apple, increase your ability to find a used or refurbished Apple printer. Some models were 'portable,' meaning they used the folding paper trays.

I recommend: Find several models of refurbished Apple Stylewriters for sale at PC Solutions of South Florida, Inc. Buy refurbished Apple Stylewriters, Apple ImageWriters and accessories at Headgap.

Upgrade to compatible printers for Macintosh computers

While Apple no longer manufacturers printers, several printers are compatible with the machines. Visit the Apple Store to see several models of printers for Apple computers, including Brother lasers, HP LaserJets, Canon, HP and Epson photo printers. HP and Samsung also offer color lasers. Consider the Samsung SCX-4500 Multifunction Black & White Laser or the ML-1630 Monochrome Laser Printers, sleek and small printers designed specifically for use with Macintosh computers.

I recommend: The Apple Store sells a wide variety of styles and brands of printers known to work well with Apple Computers. Best Buy carries a variety of Apple-compatible printers and you can narrow your search by brand or price range.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For the owner of a Macintosh, printer appearance may be as important as printer functionality. The Apple Store carries Samsung laser printers designed to look attractive sitting on your desk next to your black MacBook.