|
Type
|
Method
|
Speed
|
Cost
|
Popularity
|
|
Impact
Dot matrix
|
The dot matrix printer presses pins into a ribbon to produce the
desired pattern.
|
Fast
|
Low
|
Due to the low quality of print, dot matrix printers are mainly
used for fast low-quality printing.
|
|
Impact
Daisy-Wheel
|
The daisy wheel uses a wheel of characters that are rotated to
the desired position. Then, a hammer hits the character into a ribbon onto
the paper.
|
Slower than dot matrix, but generally fast.
|
Low
|
Declining gradually in popularity, the daisy wheel is only used
for fast low-quality printing.
|
|
Sprayed Ink
Ink Jet
Bubble Jet
|
Sprayed ink printers use a simple method of spraying ink onto the
papers to represent the desired character.
|
Medium
|
Medium
(good quality for cost)
|
Sprayed ink printers are becoming or are already the most popular
in home printers.
|
|
Electrophotographic
Or EP
Or more commonly known as a Laser Printer
|
Through combinations of a laser, high voltage, and a black carbon
toner, the laser printer prints a high quality document.
|
Medium to Fast
|
High (but gradually becoming more affordable)
|
High for the business office. Low for the home, due to cost.
|
|
Plotter
|
Imaging writing with a pen. That is all a plotter does. It is basically
a computer-controlled pen or pens.
|
Slow
|
Depends on purpose. Ranges from fair to high.
|
Rarely used in the home or office. Commonly used for large scale
printing (ex. Blue prints and etc.)
|
