6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Dot Matrix Printers

Printers are essential in the evolution of the computer system. These are peripheral hardware devices that can be connected to a computer in order to gain an output. In recent developments, printers can be utilized by connected to a digital camera so that pictures can be directly printed out. This output is now called a hard copy.

There are a couple types of printers, such as impact and non-impact. Impact printers are those that can print via the establishment of a direct contact with the paper, while non-impact ones are those that work otherwise. One of the oldest types of printers is the dot matrix printer. This is one of the good ways of computer printing which directly impact ink-soaked ribbons against the paper.

Such printers can produce a variety of fonts and graphics in dot form. Metal wires or pins produce these dots that drive back and forth, up and down with the power of small electromagnets or solenoids. Dot matrix printers are no longer the main mode of printing these days as there are a lot of other modern printers being made available for use. However, it might have some impact to some individuals or organizations. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of using dot matrix printers.

List of Advantages of Dot Matrix Printers

1. Cheaper than Most Printers
A dot matrix printer is practically cheaper and easily available for those who still consider buying items at reasonable prices.

2. Can Print Carbon Copies
Unlike non-impact printers, this is a very good way of making carbon copies of a particular print out. So if you want to have more efficient results, this is a better choice.

3. Indication of Ribbon Replacement
By the time the printout will fade, it will be gradual instead of coming to a sudden halt. This will ensure that you will have ample time to replace the ribbon before the crisis comes.

List of Disadvantages of Dot Matrix Printers

1. Output is Not High Resolution
The output created by dot matrix printers is not of high quality. Likewise, the color printout is limited while print speed is lesser compared to printers that are non-impact. Hence, the print quality of this device is not very impressive in general. Moreover, this can affect the printout readability of the scanner.

2. Pins Can Bend Easily
Basically, the print head can be destroyed as pins can bend easily. At the same time, the printer can get noisy at times when the pins will hit the ribbon onto the paper.

3. Time-Consuming and Prone to Paper Jamming
A single sheet of paper to be printed should be wounded up and aligned manually that could require a longer period to finish. At the same time, this could result to paper jamming more often compared to other printers. Despite the fact that it can happen to other devices, fixing this error shouldn’t be an easy task.

Overall, dot matrix printers are only best when it comes to cost in which print quality should be compromised. However, if print outs require better resolution, this unit can be a disaster. Perhaps the advantages and disadvantages presented here can give people a good perspective whether to use dot matrix printers or not.

Author Bio
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.