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Computer Basics
 5 - Output:
Printer Types
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Any of the current types of printers satisfies the work and cost requirements for someone. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Choose your type of printer based on which of the features previously discussed are important to your work, then choose the specific printer that best suits both your tasks and pocketbook.
Impact Printers |
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| With this type of printer something strikes paper & ribbon together to form a character, like a typewriter. | |
| Advantages: |
Less expensive
Fast (some types)
Can make multiple copies with multipart paper |
| Disadvantages: |
Noisy!
Print quality lower in some types.
Poor graphics or none at all. |
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Types of Impact Printers
| Dot Matrix |
Forms characters using row(s) of pins, 9, 18, or 24 which impact the ribbon on top of the paper.
Also called pin printers. The more pins, the smoother-looking the characters.
Most dot matrix printers have the characteristics below: |
A dot-matrix y & an enlargement
Animation showing how columns of pins print the letter y
(courtesy of Bill Lewis) |
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| Bi-directional - |
prints left to right and also right to left |
| Tractor feed - |
uses sprockets to pull continuous-feed paper |
| Friction feed - |
uses pressure to pull single sheets |
| Advantages: |
Inexpensive
Can do multi-copy forms |
| Disadvantages: |
Can be slow
Loud
Graphics of low quality, if possible at all |
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| Chain and Band Printers |
Uses characters on a band or chain that is moved into place before striking the characters onto the paper.
| Advantages: | Very fast
up to 3000 lpm (lines per minute) |
| Disadvantages: | Very expensive
Very loud |
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Non-Impact Printers |
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| This type of printer does not involve actually striking the paper. Instead,
it uses ink spray or toner powder. | |
| Advantages: |
Quiet!
Can handle graphics and often a wider variety of fonts than impact printers. |
| Disadvantages: |
More expensive
Slower |
Types of Non-Impact Printers
| Ink Jet |
Sprays ink onto paper to form characters
| Advantages: |
Quiet
High quality text and graphics. Some can do color. |
| Disadvantages: |
Cannot use multiple-copy paper
Ink can smear |
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| Thermal | Uses heat on chemically treated paper to form characters. Fax machines that use rolls of paper are also of this type.
| Advantages: | Quiet |
| Disadvantages: |
Relatively slow
Expensive, requiring special paper
Cannot use multiple-copy paper |
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| Page Printer |
Works like a copy machine, using toner and a heat bar. Laser printers are in this category.
| Advantages: |
Quiet
Faster than other non-impact printers, from 4 to 16 ppm (pages per minute)
High quality print and graphics. Some can do color. |
| Disadvantages: | More expensive than impact printers
Cannot use multiple-copy paper |
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Thus, Things to Consider When Choosing a Printer:
| How much output? |
What speed is needed?
Is heavy-duty equipment necessary? |
| Quality of output needed? |
Resolution needed
Photo quality? |
| Location of printer? |
How big a footprint can be handled?
Is loudness important? |
| Multiple carbon copies needed? |
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| Expense of ink or toner? |
How much does a cartridge cost and how many pages
will it produce? How is that number measured??
Photo inks are more expensive! |
| Number of cartridges? |
Just one 3-color cartridge or separate black and
color cartridges or a cartridge for each color |
   
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~~ 1 Cor. 10:31 ...whatever you do, do it all for the
glory of God. ~~
Last updated:
22 Jan 2008 |
