A printer is a machine that takes text and images from a computer, then prints them onto paper or other materials. A printer can be used for personal use (printing pictures and documents) or business (printing business documents and marketing materials). The type of printer you need depends on the purpose for which it will be used.
The process of printing can be very complicated, but the basic idea is that a digital image or text is converted into a physical copy using a series of minuscule dots. The most common types of printer are laser, inkjet, thermal and dot matrix printers.
Each type of printer has its own special features, but they all do the same job. Laser and inkjet printers work by firing a laser or jet of liquid in order to create the desired output on the paper. Thermal and dot matrix printers work by transferring heat or a pattern of minuscule dots to areas of heat-sensitive paper. These dots are then scanned by a ribbon in order to reproduce the original digital text or image.
A printer can be connected to a computer either directly, via a data cable such as USB, or wirelessly using Bluetooth, Ethernet, or WiFi. Many printers also have their own memory and can function independently without being attached to a computer. The quality of printed output can be affected by a number of factors, such as the type and weight of the paper used, how often it is used, and the age and level of the ink cartridges.
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HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included (588S6A)
$79.99 (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.)
SUPVAN T50M Pro Bluetooth Label Maker Machine with Tape, Wide Waterproof Label, Versatile App with 40 Fonts and 450+ Icons, Inkless Labeler for Home, Kitchen, School, Office Organization, Black
$29.98 (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.)
NDYIN Sticker Printer, PrintPods Mini Printer, Bluetooth Portable Sticker Maker with 3 Rolls Paper, Print Pod Inkless Thermal Printers for iphone, Impresora Portátil for Notes, Journal, DIY, Kids Gift
$22.98 (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 OfficeJet Pro 8125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, ADF, Duplex Printing, Home & Office, 3 Months of Instant Ink Included (405T6A)
$139.99 (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 imagePROGRAF TC-21 24" - Large Format Printer, Poster & Plotter Printer, Automatic Roll & Cut Sheet Paper Feeder, Includes 280 ml of Ink, White
$749.00 (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.)
HiHTV Sticker Printer - Mini Sticker Maker Machine with 3 Roll Tapes, Bluetooth Portable Inkless Printpods Pocket Printer for Kids Study Notes, Anatomical Diagrams, Photos, Kids Gift
$16.99 (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.)