A printer is a hardware output device that prints any text or images from a computer to a physical medium like paper. It can be connected to the computer via a dedicated data cable such as USB, or wirelessly using short-range radio such as Bluetooth or WiFi. Printers can also be used on their own without a computer, by printing directly from memory cards or portable data storage devices such as USB drives.
The term printer can be applied to any machine that makes a persistent representation of graphics or text, but it is most often associated with machines that print documents and images on paper. There are many different types of printers, ranging from simple dot matrix or inkjet printers to more complex 3D printers. The first mechanical printer was designed by Charles Babbage for his Difference Engine in the 19th century, but the modern computer-based variety of printers did not appear until the 1950s.
In general, the quality of a printed document depends on the resolution of the original digital file that is sent to the printer and the type of printing technology that is used. The resolution is determined by the number of dots per inch that the printer can produce. The type of printing technology is determined by the size and shape of the printer’s print head and the material that it uses to create the image.
Some printers use Postscript, a programming language that can be used to describe the format of a printed page. Most modern printers come with Postscript support, but they can also be equipped with PCL, an escape code language that was originally devised by HP for dot matrix and inkjet printers.
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HPRT Mini Printer Sticker Maker with 1 Rolls Paper, Bluetooth Portable Thermal Printer, Print Pods Printer for Pictures, Study Notes, Kid's DIY Creation, Memo, List, Compatible with Phone
$16.14 (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 Label Maker Machine Bluetooth Label Printer for School Home Office Organization, Wireless Mini Labeler D110 Upgraded Version, Label Machine with Label, White
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NULLTONEX Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer: 4x6 Wireless Mini Clear Label Maker with Waterproof Tape for Small Business - Widely Used for USPS UPS Ebay Amazon Shopify Etsy
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer, Color, Printer-for-Small Medium Business, Print, Copy, scan, fax,Touchscreen; Smart Advance Scan, 3 month Instant Ink trial included
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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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yanxio Portable Printer, Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, Inkless-Thermal-Small-Printer, Support A4&A5 & 8.5 x 11inch Thermal Papers, Support iOS, Android, Windows (with 3 Roll Papers & Case)
$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.)