The first ImageWriter is a serial-based dot matrix printer introduced by Apple Computer in late 1983.

Apple wanted a graphical printer for the Mac, and had introduced the ImageWriter primarily to support the new machine.

This permitted it to produce WYSIWYG output from the screen of the computer, which was an important aspect for promoting the concept of the GUI and, later, desktop publishing.

[1] In 1984 Thunderware introduced the ThunderScan, an optical scanner that was installed in place of the ImageWriter ribbon cartridge.

[2] With support for the Apple II and the Mac, the ThunderScan provided low cost grayscale scanning with moderate resolution and speed.

With an optional AppleTalk networking card installed, it was a low-cost alternative to the vastly more expensive LaserWriter.

The ImageWriter II also supported an optional motorized sheet feeder that could feed cut-sheet paper.

[citation needed] On the 2000 album A Spectrum of Infinite Scale, surf-rock band Man or Astro-man?

ImageWriter LQ (Letter Quality) is a 27-pin dot matrix printer introduced in 1987 by Apple Computer, Inc.

[citation needed] The LQ had more options than any of the other Apple dot-matrix printers, including: Color ribbons were $149 for a box of six.