A printer is a peripheral device that reproduces what is seen on a computer system onto a physical material, usually paper. There are many types of printers, including inkjet, laser and thermal. Some types are designed to be used with a specific type of paper, such as glossy photopaper or speciality finished papers for laser printers. There are also different ways that a printer can communicate with a computer, either by direct cable connection like the parallel Centronics interface with 36 pins, over a local area network using cables or radio (such as Ethernet or WiFi), or on its own without any other hardware.
How fast a printer prints is important for some users, and the printing resolution (dpi or dots per inch) is another factor. A high resolution print will look sharper and crisper, but will cost more than a lower resolution printer.
When a printer is connected to the computer, high-voltage circuits give electrical charges to parts of the machine, specifically a selenium-coated drum called a “photoreceptor”. A laser beam passes across the drum, and an image is drawn on it. A roller then transports a layer of toner over the drum, where it sticks to the areas that have been charged positively. The toner is then transferred to a sheet of paper with heat and pressure.
Printers are essential to the modern world, and we tend to take them for granted when they are working properly. However, when a printer fails for some reason it can cause real problems with productivity in the workplace or at home. There are many different reasons why a person might need to buy a new one, such as having a printer with a higher speed or having more memory for handling larger files.
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Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
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Liene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer, Phone Printer 100 Sheets & 3 Cartridges, Full-Color Photo, Portable Instant Photo Printer for iPhone Android, Thermal Dye Sublimation, Wi-Fi Picture Printer 100 Papers
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer w/3 Months of Instant Ink for Free, Copy, Smart Advance Scan, Fax, 2-Sided Prints, 2-Sided Scan, A Printer-for-Small Medium Business (Renewed)
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HP Laserjet MFP M235sdw All-in-One Laser Wireless Printer, Scan/Copy, Black & White, Duplex, Best for Office
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yanxio Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, Portable Printer, Inkless Thermal Printer, Support A4/8.5 x 11'' Thermal Paper for Office, Travel, Home, Support iOS, Android, Windows (White)
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NADAIIN Sticker Printer, Stickers Maker Machine, Mini Portable Bluetooth Thermal Print Pod for Phone, Pocket Inkless Impresora de Pegatinas for Study Note, Journal, DIY, Photo, Gift
$22.99 (as of July 3, 2025 21:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)