# ImageWriter

> 9 dot matrix printer by Apple Computer with 144 DPI and a speed of about 120 CPS

**Wikidata**: [Q134614645](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134614645)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/imagewriter-q134614645

## Summary
The ImageWriter is a 9-pin dot matrix printer manufactured by Apple Computer, featuring a resolution of 144 DPI and a printing speed of approximately 120 characters per second. It was an early peripheral in Apple's product line that connected to computers via serial port and was later replaced by the ImageWriter II.

## Key Facts
- The ImageWriter was a dot matrix impact printer produced by Apple Inc.
- It had a resolution of 144 DPI and a speed of approximately 120 characters per second (CPS).
- It was first commercialized in December 1983 and discontinued by December 1985.
- The printer measured 16.2 inches (length) × 11.8 inches (width) × 4.8 inches (height) and weighed 19 pounds.
- It had 32 KB of RAM capacity and consumed 180 watts of power.
- It connected to computers via a serial port.
- The ImageWriter was part of Apple's ImageWriter product line and was known as ImageWriter I or Apple Computer Image Writer A9M0303.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary use of the ImageWriter?
A: The ImageWriter was a dot matrix impact printer designed by Apple Computer for printing documents from Apple systems. It provided an affordable printing solution for Apple users before the company developed its LaserWriter series.

### Q: When was the ImageWriter produced and when was it discontinued?
A: The ImageWriter was first commercialized in December 1983 and was discontinued by December 1985, being replaced by the ImageWriter II.

### Q: How did the ImageWriter connect to computers?
A: The ImageWriter connected to computers via a serial port, making it compatible with Apple's computer systems of that era.

## Why It Matters
The ImageWriter represented a significant step in Apple's expansion beyond computers into peripheral devices. As one of Apple's early printing solutions, it provided an accessible option for users who needed to produce physical copies of digital documents. While dot matrix technology seems primitive by today's standards, the ImageWriter offered functional printing capabilities that were valuable in the early 1980s. The printer's 144 DPI resolution and 120 CPS speed were competitive features at the time, and its integration with Apple's computer ecosystem helped establish the company's presence in the printing market before they later revolutionized the industry with the LaserWriter.

## Notable For
- Being Apple's early venture into dedicated printing peripherals before the LaserWriter
- Its 144 DPI resolution provided higher quality than many competing dot matrix printers of its era
- Its 120 CPS speed offered relatively fast printing for a consumer-level dot matrix printer
- Its compact design (weighing only 19 pounds) made it more portable than many contemporary printers
- Being the first model in Apple's ImageWriter product line that continued with subsequent iterations

## Body
### Overview
The ImageWriter was a 9-pin dot matrix impact printer manufactured by Apple Computer as part of their ImageWriter product line. It represented one of Apple's first dedicated printing solutions before the company later introduced the revolutionary LaserWriter that would transform the printing industry.

### Technical Specifications
- Resolution: 144 DPI (dots per inch)
- Printing Speed: Approximately 120 characters per second (CPS)
- RAM Capacity: 32 KB
- Power Consumption: 180 watts
- Dimensions: 16.2 inches (length) × 11.8 inches (width) × 4.8 inches (height)
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Connectivity: Serial port

### Commercial History
- Commercialization Date: December 1, 1983
- Discontinuation Date: December 1, 1985
- Price: $675 (when first released)
- Replaced by: ImageWriter II

### Designations
- Also known as ImageWriter I (to distinguish it from later models)
- Model number: Apple Computer Image Writer A9M0303

### Product Line Context
The ImageWriter was part of Apple's broader peripheral strategy, designed specifically to complement their computer systems of the era. It connected via serial port, ensuring compatibility with Apple II, Apple III, and early Macintosh computers. The printer's success led to the development of the ImageWriter II, which built upon the original design and extended the product line's lifespan in the market.