The printer is one of the most common computer peripherals that makes a permanent representation of graphics and text in the form of documents on a physical medium. It is also a device used in many applications beyond printing.
In addition to its basic function of creating and presenting printed text, a modern printer is often equipped with fax functionality. This is particularly useful for sending physical files that do not have digital forms to other locations.
There are several different types of printers, depending on what the user needs. The most widely used are laser, inkjet, and thermal printers. Each type of printer has advantages and disadvantages over the others. Some factors to consider when choosing a printer include speed, cost of operation, and quality and permanence of the printed material.
Some older printers are still in use today. They typically connect to a computer via a serial interface, such as USB or FireWire, which have smaller and less cumbersome plugs than the older parallel Centronics interface.
A dot matrix printer uses pins to print each character on a piece of listing paper that passes through the printer. This produces a row of dots that creates the image. Early dot matrix printers had either 9 or 24 pins on the print head.
The laser and inkjet printers have become the most popular for home and office use. They produce high-quality text and images in a wide range of colors. They are more expensive than the other types of printers, but their up-front costs are offset by the cost savings of low ink and toner cartridges.
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KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer, 4x6 inches, 90 Sheets Bundle
$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.)
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
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Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 24" - Large Format Printer, Poster & Plotter Printer, Automatic Roll & Cut Sheet Paper Feeder, Includes 280 ml of Ink, White
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HP Laserjet M207dw Laser Wireless Printer, Black and White, Duplex, Best for Office
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Portable Printer Wireless for Travel, Small Bluetooth Thermal Inkless Printer Support 8.5×11" US Letter Thermal Paper, Mobile Printing for Office, Car, Home, Compatible with iOS, Andorid & Laptop
$64.99 (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.)