Canon NoteJet
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | Canon Innova PC series |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
Area served | Worldwide (except Japan, Europe) |
| Products | Notebook computers with integrated printer and scanner |
The Canon NoteJet line consists of notebook computers that uniquely combined a printer and scanner, produced between 1993 and 1995 through a collaboration between Canon's subsidiary Canon Computer Systems Inc. and IBM's affiliate IBM Japan. Models bearing the Canon name were distributed worldwide except in Japan, where comparable units were marketed under the names IBM ThinkPad 555BJ and 550BJ. In European markets, these devices appeared as the Canon BN120C, BN22, or BN200.
The product's reception varied considerably during its market presence, with historical evaluations ranging from highly favorable to notably critical.
History
As one of the leading global printer manufacturers, Canon introduced its inaugural inkjet printer in 1985. The company ventured into the x86 personal computer arena in October 1992 under the Canon Computer Systems Inc. banner, unveiling the Innova PC series in 1993. The NoteJet series emerged as an integration of these computing products with Canon’s printing technology. The terms Bubble Jet and BJ are Canon-owned trademarks, licensed to IBM for use in their printer-equipped laptops.
Canon claimed that the NoteJet’s built-in printer was approximately 70% more compact than any previous printers they had developed.
Models
While Canon-branded NoteJets were sold globally, IBM-branded ThinkPad versions were exclusive to the Japanese market. Notably, the NoteJet brand was not utilized within Europe.
| Model | Processor | Screen | Memory | Storage | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NoteJet 486 or BN22 | Cyrix 486SLC, 25 MHz (Texas Instruments) | 85MB, 130MB, or 180MB | $2499 | ||
| NoteJet II 486C | 486SLC2, 50 MHz | 10.3 inch DSTN | 4MiB | 130MB or 260MB | |
| NoteJet IIIcx or BN200 | Pentium, 90 MHz | 800x600 resolution | 16MiB | 810MB | |
| BN120C | Intel 486, 100 MHz | 16MiB | 810MB | ||
| ThinkPad 550BJ | IBM 486SLC, 25 MHz | 9.5 inch STN | |||
| ThinkPad 555BJ | 486SLC2, 50 MHz | 10.3 inch DSTN color LCD | 12MiB |
BYTE magazine honored the Canon NoteJet 486 with an award of merit in January 1994.
The ThinkPad 550BJ debuted in Japan on February 19, 1993, developed within IBM’s newly formed Personal Computer Company established in 1992. IBM Japan handled the computer components while Canon was responsible for the printing hardware; both company logos appeared on the device. The BJ suffix represents Canon’s Bubble Jet printing technology. Unlike standard ThinkPads that feature TrackPoint pointing sticks, this model incorporated a "Mini Mouse II-B." It found popularity mainly among novices and students.
Reception
In a 1996 review of the NoteJet IIIcx, PCMag noted the scanner’s slow speed but commended Canon for thorough documentation quality. They described PC performance as moderate and highlighted the extensive peripheral options available, concluding that "the point isn't really how well it works, but that it works at all." According to The Wall Street Journal, users criticized the NoteJet lineup for its weight and high cost.
In a 2015 list by PCMag, the NoteJet was featured among seven "Bizarre FrankenPCs That Are Better Off Dead." Conversely, TechRadar included it in a 2016 selection of twelve "ground-breaking laptops that dared to be different," expressing regret over its lack of lasting influence. Furthermore, in 2006, PC World ranked the Canon NoteJet 486 among the greatest personal computers ever produced.
Subsequent developments
The NoteJet lineup was discontinued without much public attention. In January 1997, Canon withdrew from the U.S. personal computer market due to insufficient sales performance.