A **printer** is a peripheral device that produces a physical, durable representation of text or graphics, usually on paper, from digital data[1]. Printers vary in technology and purpose, including common types like inkjet, laser, thermal, dot matrix, and even specialized 3D printers[1].
Key points about printers:
– **Types of printers**:
– **Inkjet printers**: Use liquid ink sprayed through nozzles; suitable for photo and color printing.
– **Laser printers**: Use toner and laser beams for quicker printing and typically sharper text; widely used in offices.
– **Thermal printers**: Common for receipts and barcodes.
– **Dot matrix printers**: Impact-based, used for multipart forms.
– **3D printers**: Build physical objects layer by layer.
– **Printing modes**:
Printers can handle different types of data—plain text, bitmapped images, vector graphics, or page description languages like PostScript or PCL[1].
– **Measurement of speed**:
Modern printers’ speed is usually expressed in pages per minute (ppm), reflecting typical office document throughput rather than dense color images which print more slowly[1].
– **Usage scenarios**:
Home users often prefer all-in-one printers which can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax. Small businesses often prioritize speed and reliability, with laser printers like the Brother laser series being popular choices[2][4].
– **Popular brands**:
Reliable printer brands include HP, Canon, Brother, Lexmark, and Epson. Canon is favored for photo printing, Brother and HP for office use, and Epson is known for versatile business solutions including ink tank printers[3][4].
– **Recent model highlights**:
– The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is recommended for home office users for fast, clear printing of documents[2].
– Epson offers a diverse range including WorkForce series for offices, Supertank and EcoTank printers that reduce ink replacement frequency[3].
– Walmart and other retailers offer a wide selection ranging from budget inkjet printers to robust multi-function machines with wireless and duplex printing[5].
Printers today not only produce high-quality documents but often include wireless connectivity, mobile printing capabilities, and multifunction features for increased efficiency in both home and business environments[2][3][5].