A printer is a device that takes digital images and text from a computer and makes them into physical copies on paper or other material. Printers can be connected to computers using a data cable such as USB, over a local area network with cables or short-range radio like Bluetooth, or on a standalone basis without a computer, such as with 3D printers. There are many different types of printers available to suit a variety of needs and applications, such as laser printers, inkjet printers, thermal printers, and dot matrix printers.
Printers convert digital images and text into a pattern of minuscule dots that can be reproduced on paper. This is done using a print head, which prints the dots by spraying melted or solidified ink onto the page. Different printing technologies produce different results in terms of cost, speed, quality and permanence, and noise.
The first mechanical printers were designed by Charles Babbage for use with his Difference Engine in the 1800s. In the early home computer era, dot matrix printers were very popular for desktop printing. These printers used either 9 or 24 pins on the print head to form a character, which was printed as it passed over a ribbon that would then leave an impression of the character on the listing paper.
Later, the high-resolution and quality of laser printers revolutionized document production. Combined with PostScript, a programming language that allows text and graphics to be displayed as if typeset on a piece of paper, they enabled desktop publishing, which is now the norm in many office environments.
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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.)
Rongta Bluetooth Label Maker Machine with Tape, Thermal Label Printer for Office, Small Business Essentials, Home Organization, Portable Inkless Sticker Label Maker with 2x1.18 inch Labels-150pcs
$29.99 (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.)
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
$119.99 (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.)
Joysea Bluetooth Shipping Label Printer, 4x6 Wireless Thermal Printer for Small Business, Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac,Widely Used for Amazon, FedEx, USPS
$35.99 (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 Laserjet MFP M235sdw All-in-One Laser Wireless Printer, Scan/Copy, Black & White, Duplex, Best for Office
$209.00 (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.)
Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer with up to 3 Years of Ink, Refillable Tanks, Perfect for Home, 15 PPM, 1.44" Color Screen, Auto 2-Sided Printing - Black
$249.99 (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.)