A printer is an electronic device that prints text files or images onto paper or some other recording medium. Printers may be connected directly to computers using dedicated data cables like USB, through a short-range radio like Bluetooth, on a local area network using cables (such as Ethernet) or wirelessly through a WLAN. Some models also print on blank media without the need for a computer.
Originally, printing was done by putting pressure, or impact, on the raised surface of immobile type through an inked ribbon. This is called impact or dot matrix printing. Today, most printing is accomplished by laser, inkjet, thermal and digital photographic methods.
The printing process is often messy and wasteful. Spoilage, the percentage of printed pages that are cut off and discarded, can be as high as 50%. For this reason, flexibility in determining project dimensions is important to avoid excessive waste.
Generally, the higher quality of the printer, the more expensive it will be. Many factors can affect the quality of printed pages, including the type and thickness of the paper, the frequency of use, and the level and age of the ink cartridges.
In Windows, printers are driven by software programs known as printer drivers. Drivers translate information in a document into instructions for the printer to follow. Alternatively, programs can bypass the printer driver and send the data directly to the printer spooler using standard APIs such as GDI or XPS.
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HP DeskJet 4158e All-in-One Printer - Print, Copy, Scan, and Fax - 60-Sheet Input Tray - 25-Sheet Output Tray - Print Speed up to 8.5 Pages per Minute - Wireless Printing
$59.99 (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.)
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included (588S5A)
$89.99 (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.)
NIIMBOT B21 Pro Label Maker, 300DPI HD Label Printer, Ideal for Notes,Photos, Study Graphics, Memo Maker,50x30mm Label,230Pcs(Black)
$75.99 (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.)
PEDOOLO Portable Printer Wireless for Travel, Inkless Thermal Printer Supports 8.5 x 11 Inch Thermal Paper, Bluetooth Compatible with iOS, Android, Laptop Includes 2 Rolls & 10 Sheets of Paper Kit
$68.99 (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.)
Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer. for Home Use, Print, Scan and Copy
$149.99 (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.)
HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included (714L5A)
$109.99 (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.)