Printer Types and Features The major categories of printer types include laser, inkjet (ink dispersion), impact, and
thermal printers. In the following sections, we look at the different types of printers for
desktop computing.

For heavy business use, sometimes it’s best to purchase one machine for one purpose, instead of bundling
many functions into a single machine. For example, if you need a scanner and a printer, purchase a good printer and a
good scanner rather than a combo machine. Routine maintenance and troubleshooting are easier and less expensive on
single-purpose machines, although the initial cost is higher. On the other hand, for home or small office use, a combo
device can save money and counter space.
Laser Printers
A laser printer is a type of electro-photographic printer that can range from a small, personal
desktop model to a large, network printer capable of handling and printing large volumes
continuously. Figure 19-1 shows an example of a typical laser printer for a small office.

Figure 19-1 Oki Data C3200n color laser printer

Hands-On Project 19-1 Research Printer Websites
Your company plans to purchase a new printer, and you want to evaluate the printer manufacturers’ websites to determine which site offers the best support. Research three websites listed in Table 19-1 and answer these questions, supporting your answers with pages that you have saved or printed from the website:
1. Which website made it easiest for you to select a new printer, based on your criteria for its use?
2. Which website made it easiest for you to find help for troubleshooting printer problems?
3. Which website gave you the best information about routine maintenance for its printers?
4. Which website gave you the best information about how to clean its printers?