The Canon NoteJet: A Forgotten Marvel of 90s Laptop Innovation
In today’s world of sleek, ultra-thin laptops, the idea of a notebook with an integrated printer might seem absurd. Yet, in the early 1990s, Canon dared to dream differently. The Canon NoteJet,a groundbreaking series of laptops,combined computing power with a built-in printer,creating a device that was as ambitious as it was unconventional.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Birth of the NoteJet
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The canon NoteJet was a product of it’s time, born in an era when laptops were anything but minimalist.Unlike today’s devices, which frequently enough sacrifice ports for slim designs, laptops in the 90s were packed with features. USB, FireWire, serial and parallel ports, Ethernet, modems, infrared ports, and even S-Video outputs were commonplace. These machines were designed to be all-in-one workhorses, sparing users the hassle of carrying adapters or external peripherals.
But Canon took this beliefs a step further. Why leave the printer at home when it could be part of the laptop itself? The result was the Canon notejet, a device that integrated a BubbleJet printer directly into its chassis. This innovation was a bold move, even for its time, and it remains a fascinating chapter in the history of portable computing.
The NoteJet’s Short-Lived Legacy
The Canon NoteJet series was produced for only two years, from 1993 to 1995. during this brief period, three distinct models were released, though the exact number is hard to pin down due to regional branding differences. In Japan, the devices were sold under the IBM thinkpad name, while in Europe, they were marketed as the Canon BN series. These variants differed slightly in specifications, such as processors, hard drives, and memory sizes. at least one model even included an integrated scanner alongside the printer, further pushing the boundaries of what a laptop could do.
One standout model, the Canon BN200, was an improved European version of the canon NoteJet 486. This device featured a BubbleJet printer housed in the lower part of the laptop. paper was fed in from the front, under the keyboard, and emerged from the back. The ink cartridge was accessible via a small door between the display and the keyboard. Despite the added functionality, the NoteJet’s design was surprisingly compact for its time, though its weight—over five kilograms—was a reminder of its ambitious engineering.
Design and Functionality: A Balancing Act
The Canon NoteJet was a study in contrasts. while its thickness and weight deviated from the norms of the era, its design was surprisingly thoughtful. The display lid, as a notable example, was thicker than usual, measuring almost two centimeters on the sides but tapering to less than a centimeter below the screen. This design accommodated the printer mechanism without making the device excessively bulky.The Canon BN200 also featured a 9.5-inch backlit monochrome VGA LCD,a 25-MHz Texas Instruments 486SLC processor,and 4 MB of RAM. These specs, while modest by today’s standards, were competitive for the early 90s. The integrated printer, with its 360-dpi resolution, was a standout feature, offering users the convenience of printing on the go.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Canon NoteJet may not have stood the test of time, but its legacy lives on as a testament to the bold experimentation of 90s tech. Today, as we marvel at the sleekness of modern laptops, it’s worth remembering a time when manufacturers weren’t afraid to push boundaries, even if it meant creating devices that were a little unconventional.
For those curious about this piece of tech history, the Canon NoteJet remains a fascinating relic. Its story is a reminder that innovation often comes from daring to think differently—even if the result is a laptop that doubles as a printer.
| Key Specifications of the Canon NoteJet 486 |
|————————————————-|
| Processor | 25-MHz Texas Instruments 486SLC |
| Display | 9.5-inch backlit monochrome VGA LCD |
| RAM | 4 MB |
| Printer | 360-dpi BubbleJet |
| Weight | Over 5 kg |
| Production Years| 1993–1995 |
The Canon NoteJet may have been a product of its time, but its spirit of innovation continues to inspire. For more on this fascinating device, explore its history on
The BN200 Laptop: A Nostalgic Dive into 90s computing
The BN200 laptop, a relic of the mid-90s, offers a fascinating glimpse into the era when 486 processors ruled the computing world. While it may not have been a high-end machine even in its heyday, its specifications and performance provide a compelling case study of early portable computing. Let’s take a closer look at this vintage device, its capabilities, and its quirks.
A Snapshot of the BN200’s Specifications
The BN200 was powered by an Intel 486DX4-100 CPU, a processor that was fast for its time but overshadowed by the emerging Pentium line. With 40 MB of RAM and a 1.3 GB IDE hard drive (an upgrade from its original 650 MB capacity),the laptop was equipped to handle tasks like word processing and spreadsheet management with ease.Its OPTi 92C178 graphics chip supported an 800×600 resolution display, a respectable standard for the mid-90s, though the device struggled with 16-bit color due to a likely faulty graphics chip.
Other notable features included:
- Sound: ESS ES688 AudioDrive
- Ports: Serial, parallel, IrDA, and PS/2 for peripherals
- Slots: 2x PCMCIA for expandability
Running Windows 95 OSR2 and Microsoft Office 95, the BN200 was surprisingly snappy. The system booted to the desktop in under a minute, and applications like Word and Excel launched without significant delays.
Performance Benchmarks: How Does It Stack Up?
To objectively assess the BN200’s performance, the CPU-Z Vintage Edition was used to benchmark its processor. The results, compared to other CPUs of the era, are summarized in the table below:
| Processor | Integer (CPU) | Float (FPU) |
|——————————–|——————-|—————–|
| AMD Am386SX-40 | 9 | – |
| AMD Am386DX-40 | 15 | – |
| IBM 486BL3-100 + IIT 487DLX 25/50 | 61 | 61 |
| Intel 486DX4-100 | 62 | 227 |
| AMD Am486DX4-100 | 75 | 216 |
| Cyrix 5×86-100 | 86 | 320 |
| AMD Am5x86-133 | 116 | 293 |
| Intel Pentium 100 | 133 | 540 |
| Via Eden 1GHz | 1224 | 2192 |
The BN200’s Intel 486DX4-100 held its own against competitors like the AMD Am486DX4-100 and Cyrix 5×86-100, excelling in floating-point operations. However, it was no match for the Intel Pentium 100, which boasted double the performance at the same clock speed.
The Display: A Mixed Bag
the BN200’s 10-inch display was a product of its time, occupying only half of the laptop lid. While its 800×600 resolution was impressive for the era,the OPTi 92C178 graphics chip struggled to deliver 16-bit color. Switching to higher color depths resulted in visual chaos, likely due to a faulty chip.
The Printer conundrum
One of the BN200’s standout features was its built-in printer, a rarity in laptops of the time. However, testing this functionality today is nearly impossible. The miniature cartridges have long as dried up, and while some can still be found online, their condition is questionable.
In Windows 95, the printer can be installed and controlled, but attempts to print yield blank pages. Contemporary reviews were not kind to the printer’s performance, noting that it was neither as fast nor as high-quality as desktop alternatives.
A Time Capsule of 90s Computing
The BN200 is a fascinating artifact of mid-90s computing,offering a blend of nostalgia and technical curiosity. While it may not have been a powerhouse even in its prime, its design and features reflect the challenges and innovations of early portable computing.
For those interested in vintage tech, the BN200 serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much we’ve left behind.
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What’s your favorite piece of vintage tech? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The Canon NoteJet: A Nostalgic Look at a Revolutionary Portable Printer
In the mid-1990s, Canon introduced the Canon NoteJet, a groundbreaking portable printer that aimed to revolutionize on-the-go printing.priced at a steep USD 2,499, the NoteJet was designed for professionals who needed to print invoices, contracts, or plans directly at client meetings. Despite its innovative features, the device struggled to gain widespread popularity, leaving behind a legacy cherished by a niche group of users.
A Printer Ahead of Its Time
The canon NoteJet was more than just a printer—it was an all-in-one solution for professionals on the move.Equipped with a Duracell lithium-ion battery, the device featured a built-in charge indicator with four LEDs displaying 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% battery levels. This feature was a standout, earning praise for its practicality and reliability.For self-employed individuals and businesspeople, the NoteJet was a game-changer.”The possibility of printing an invoice directly on the spot, possibly a contract, an order, a reconstruction plan—that was priceless for them,” recalls one user. the device eliminated the hassle of managing separate batteries for a laptop and printer,and also the need to carry multiple charging adapters.
Why the NoteJet Didn’t Take Off
Despite its innovative design, the Canon NoteJet faced criticism from reviewers who compared it to lighter, more compact standalone printers. At the time, purchasing a cheap laptop and a battery-operated printer often proved to be a more cost-effective solution. This,coupled with the NoteJet’s high price tag,limited its appeal to a broader audience.Interestingly, the NoteJet’s downfall wasn’t due to dissatisfaction among its users. “However, the dissatisfaction of real users was not to blame—reviewers were mainly dissatisfied,” notes the original article. These reviewers favored slimmer, more portable models, a trend that would eventually shape the future of portable technology.
A Legacy Remembered
While the Canon NoteJet may not have achieved commercial success, it left a lasting impression on those who used it. Its durability and all-in-one functionality made it a valuable tool for professionals who needed reliable printing capabilities in the field.Today, the NoteJet serves as a reminder of how technology evolves. What was once considered bulky and impractical paved the way for the sleek, lightweight devices we use today. As one user aptly put it, “If only those reviewers knew where their call for slimming would one day lead…”
Key Features of the Canon NoteJet
| Feature | Description |
|————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Price | USD 2,499 |
| Battery | Duracell lithium-ion with LEAD charge indicator |
| Target Audience | Self-employed professionals and businesspeople |
| Key Benefit | All-in-one portable printing solution |
| Legacy | Praised for durability and practicality by niche users |
The Canon NoteJet may have been a product of its time, but its impact on portable printing technology is undeniable. For those who experienced its convenience firsthand, it remains a cherished piece of tech history.What are your thoughts on the evolution of portable printers? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Image Source: DIIT
Interview: Exploring the Legacy of the Canon NoteJet and BN200 Laptop
Editor: Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of 90s computing with a focus on two iconic devices: the Canon NoteJet portable printer and the BN200 laptop. Joining us is a vintage tech enthusiast who has firsthand experience with both devices. Let’s start with the BN200. What made this laptop stand out in its era?
Guest: The BN200 was a unique blend of innovation and practicality for its time. One of its standout features was the built-in printer, which was incredibly rare in laptops back then. While the printer functionality was more of a novelty today,it was a bold attempt to integrate multiple devices into one portable unit. The 10-inch display with an 800×600 resolution was also extraordinary for the mid-90s, though the OPTi 92C178 graphics chip struggled with higher color depths, which was a limitation.
Editor: Speaking of limitations, how did the BN200 compare to its competitors in terms of performance?
Guest: The BN200 was powered by the 486DX4-100 processor, which held its own against similar chips like the AMD Am486DX4-100 and the Cyrix 5×86-100.It excelled in floating-point operations, which was a big deal for certain applications. Though, it couldn’t compete with the Intel Pentium 100, which offered double the performance at the same clock speed. So, while it was decent for its time, it wasn’t a powerhouse.
Editor: Moving on to the Canon NoteJet, what made this portable printer so revolutionary?
Guest: The Canon NoteJet was truly ahead of its time.It was designed as an all-in-one solution for professionals who needed to print on the go. The inclusion of a Duracell lithium-ion battery with a built-in charge indicator was a game-changer. It eliminated the need for separate batteries for a laptop and printer, which was a huge convenience. For self-employed professionals,being able to print invoices or contracts directly at client meetings was invaluable.
Editor: Despite its innovative features, the notejet didn’t achieve widespread popularity. Why do you think that was?
Guest: The high price tag of USD 2,499 was a major barrier. at the time, you could buy a cheap laptop and a battery-operated printer for less, which made the NoteJet seem overpriced. Additionally, reviewers criticized its bulkiness compared to slimmer, standalone printers. Ironically, the users who actually owned the NoteJet were quite satisfied with its durability and practicality.It was more a case of mismatched expectations between reviewers and the target audience.
Editor: What’s the legacy of these devices in today’s tech landscape?
Guest: Both the BN200 and the Canon NoteJet serve as reminders of how far technology has come. The BN200’s attempt to integrate a printer into a laptop was a bold move, even if it didn’t fully succeed. The NoteJet, conversely, paved the way for the portable printers we have today. While they may seem outdated now, they were groundbreaking in their time and laid the foundation for the sleek, multifunctional devices we use today.
Editor: For those interested in vintage tech, what’s the best way to experience these devices today?
Guest: Finding a working BN200 or Canon NoteJet can be a challenge, but they do pop up in online auctions or vintage tech forums. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, it’s a great way to experience the quirks and innovations of 90s computing. Just be prepared for some limitations, like dried-up printer cartridges or outdated software compatibility.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights! It’s always fascinating to look back at how technology has evolved and appreciate the innovations that paved the way for modern devices.
Guest: Absolutely! these devices are a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of their time. They may not have been perfect, but they were stepping stones that shaped the tech world we no today.
Key Takeaways
- The BN200 laptop was notable for its built-in printer and decent performance, though it couldn’t match the Intel Pentium 100.
- The Canon NoteJet was a revolutionary portable printer with an all-in-one design, but its high price and bulkiness limited its appeal.
- Both devices highlight the challenges and innovations of 90s computing, offering a nostalgic look at early portable technology.
What’s your favorite piece of vintage tech? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
