A printer is a computer peripheral device which accepts commands from users to print out texts, numbers or images onto flat media such as paper. Printers can be connected to the computer either directly by a dedicated data cable such as USB, or indirectly through a local area network using cables or wireless radio (like Bluetooth).
A laser printer uses a drum that has been coated with a toner powder, which is then transported across the surface of the drum in the outline of the desired image. A laser or LED is then shone on the drum, and the toner particles are attracted to those areas which do not have the original image printed on them, and are then fused to the paper through a heating process. A photocopier essentially does the same thing, but with ink rather than toner.
Inkjet printers use a cartridge that contains ink, which is then sprayed onto the paper to produce the image. Inkjet printers can be low or high cost, depending on the quality and number of copies required.
With the advent of the first HP LaserJet in 1984, and the inclusion of Postscript in the Apple LaserWriter the same year, laser printers were able to mix text and graphics, as well as to print in both black and white and color, producing output that was previously only possible from expensive commercial typesetting systems.
The printing process was still prone to minor timing errors, which caused what appeared as vertical misalignment of the resulting characters, and in chain or drum printers, horizontal misalignment with crowded printed characters appearing closer together or farther apart. These problems were reduced by the addition of a bar code symbol to each printed character, allowing the printed characters to be uniquely identified.
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Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II - Wireless Duplex Laser Printer with Print, Copy, Scan, Fax, Expandable Paper Capacity and 3 Year Limited Warranty, 37 PPM
$304.00 (as of October 29, 2025 12:45 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 Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw Wireless Laser Printer for Duplex Printing, White - 26 PPM Home Office, Small Office Printer
$269.00 (as of October 29, 2025 12:45 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.)
TYPONOS Portable Printers, D820 Wireless Bluetooth Printers Support 2" to 8.5" Width Thermal Paper & 8.5"x11" US Letter Size, Receipt Printers for Home Use Suitable for Phone & PC (Black)
$94.99 (as of October 29, 2025 12:45 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.)
ORGSTA Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer T001-Plus Wireless 4x6 Shipping Label Printer for Small Business Support Android iPhone & Windows Widely Used for Amazon, Ebay, Shopify, Etsy, USPS
$63.99 (as of October 29, 2025 12:45 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.)
Thermal Shipping Label Printer, 4x6 Bluetooth Label Printer for Shipping Packages Small Business Mailing, Support iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Chrome, Used for UPS, USPS, Ebay, Etsy, Amazon
$39.99 (as of October 29, 2025 12:45 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-4950 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer with up to 3 Years of Ink, Refillable Tanks, Perfect for Office, 18 PPM, 2.4" Color Touchscreen, Auto Document Feeder – White
$455.00 (as of October 29, 2025 12:45 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.)