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	Printers

Created September 27, 2004

A printer is a device for producing what is termed hard copy (paper!) of computer output. Several types are available.

Inkjet Versus Laser Printers. An article by Drew Robb posted by the Small Business Computing site that presents the case for laser printers based on cost. (Added July 26, 2005)
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/testdrive/article.php/3521141

Dot Matrix - These printers produce characters by striking pins against an ink ribbon that prints closely spaced dots in the appropriate form. They are inexpensive to use, but their output is low quality. They are noisy and can easily become jammed if the paper feed is not perfectly aligned with the tractor feed device. They can only print text and today have been largely replaced by the ink jet printer.

Inkjet - The most popular printer today, ink jet printers work by spraying ionized ink at a sheet of paper in the desired shapes. Produces a page almost equal to the quality of a laser printed page. Initial cost is considerably less than a laser printer, but a special type of ink is required that can smudge on inexpensive copier paper. Today’s ink jet printers that produce color are available relatively inexpensively. Today many are combined with a copier, a fax, and/or a scanner. The output often needs time to dry or it will smudge. Additionally, output is more expensive per page than a laser printer. Canon offers a special type of inkjet known as a bubble jet. The bubble jet printer uses special heating elements to prepare the ink as opposed to the use of piezoelectric crystals used in regular ink jet printers. Text and graphics on pages from inkjet printers may smear, especially if the page gets wet, or is just fresh from the printer.

Photo Printers - a color printer that produces images mimicking the color range and resolution of professional photographic methods. Often they can produce photo size prints.

Laser - Laser printers use the same technology as a photocopy machine; a laser beam that produces an image on drum which is rolled through a reservoir of toner. The toner is transferred to the paper through a combination of heat and pressure. Because of the way a page is prepared for printing laser printers need memory. A graphic that is only partially printed is indicative of a printer with insufficient memory. The ink cartridges can be made to last longer if once the printing is faint, they are removed and shaken, then replaced. They produce the best quality, are the most expensive to buy, but cheapest per page for printing.

Thermal - These are sometimes seen in fax machines and portable printers. They work by pushing heated pins against heat-sensitive paper.

Selecting a printer is dependent on the needs of the user. Lasers are generally the choice in an office or when printing needs are high while inkjets may suffice for home use.

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