Printers allow users to output data to a hard copy sheet of paper. In the past, dot-matrix printers were the most popular and most cost efficient. Today, ink jet and laser printers are more popular. They allow for a higher printing resolution which also provided greater detail.

Ink-Jet Printers

Ink jet printers create an image by directly spaying ink droplets onto the paper. This is done by little nozzles on the print head. Ink jets can print from 2-4 ppm (pages per minute) on average. In the past, ink jets require their own "special" paper, but now they can print on nearly all type of media. Color ink jet printers allow almost all colors to be reproduced. Becase they are different from the RGB (red-green-blue) color pattern of a monitor, the CMYK (cyan-magenta-yellow-black) inks may be different than what appears on your monitor.

Laser Printers

Laser printers often cost more than a ink jet printer. This is because the quality of printing is far superior and faster than an inkjet. Laser printer have a laser at the center, and its own dedicated CPU. The laser printer technology is very similar to that of a photocopier.

Other Types

Dye Subliminal - Used to print photos

Thermal Wax - Creates bold colors. Low cost. Uses Solid Ink.

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