The Canon NoteJet was a series of portable inkjet printers produced by Canon Inc. in the mid‑1990s. Designed specifically for use with notebook computers, the devices could be docked onto the side of a laptop’s screen or attached to the chassis, allowing users to print documents directly without needing a separate peripheral.
Development and Release
- Announced in 1994, the NoteJet leveraged Canon’s Bubble‑Jet ink‑jet technology, which employed thermal bubble formation to eject ink droplets onto paper.
- The product line targeted business travelers and mobile professionals who required on‑the‑go printing capabilities.
Key Models
| Model | Release Year | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| NoteJet 310 | 1995 | Integrated docking slide; supported 4‑inch wide paper; came with a proprietary “NoteJet” driver for Windows 3.1 and OS/2. |
| NoteJet 350 | 1996 | Improved print resolution (up to 360 dpi); introduced a detachable “cartridge” for easier ink replacement. |
| NoteJet 380 | 1997 | Added support for Mac OS 7; included a built‑in memory buffer for batch printing. |
Technical Specifications (typical for the series)
- Print technology: Thermal bubble ink‑jet.
- Resolution: 240 dpi (early models) to 360 dpi (later models).
- Print speed: Approximately 5 seconds per A4 page in draft mode.
- Paper handling: 4‑inch wide rolls or detachable cut‑sheet trays holding up to 20 sheets.
- Connectivity: Parallel port (DB‑25) and, on later models, a proprietary docking interface that supplied power and data directly from the host notebook.
Software and Compatibility
Canon supplied a driver package called “NoteJet Driver” that integrated with Windows 3.1, Windows 95, and Macintosh System 7. The driver allowed users to control print quality, paper type, and to perform a “preview” mode that displayed how the output would appear before printing.
Reception and Market Impact
The NoteJet received mixed reviews upon release. Contemporary technology magazines praised its convenience for mobile users but criticized the relatively slow print speed and limited paper capacity compared with larger desktop ink‑jet printers. Sales were modest, and the product line was discontinued by the early 2000s as wireless printing and more compact ultrasonic ink‑jet technologies emerged.
Legacy
While the Canon NoteJet is no longer manufactured, it represents an early attempt to integrate peripheral devices directly into laptop form factors, a concept that influenced later developments such as portable thermal printers and built‑in printer modules in some specialty laptops.
References
- Canon Inc., “Canon NoteJet Series – Product Overview” (1995‑1998) corporate press releases.
- PC Magazine, “Portable Printing Solutions”, July 1996 issue.
- Computerworld, “Canon’s NoteJet: Ink‑Jet on the Move”, September 1997.
Note: The information presented is based on documented product literature and contemporaneous technology publications.
