The Newest Innovations in Printing Technology - Inkjet Printers
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Inkjet printers came on the scene in 1976, and today they are the most common type of consumer printer on the market. They are popular because of their extremely low cost, high quality printing capabilities, and ease of use. There are three main types of inkjet printers; the most common type used by consumers is called a thermal inkjet. The thermal inkjet printer works by running a pulse of current through the heating elements of the inkjet, which then causes a steam explosion to occur and forces a bubble to propel the ink onto the paper.
Inkjet printers have two main head designs: fixed head or disposable head. A fixed head design is built into the printer, and is meant to last the whole life of the printer. This type of design typically costs less in the long run, as long as the head doesn't ever get damaged. If the head does get damaged, the most cost-effective way to fix it is by replacing the whole printer. A disposable head inkjet, on the other hand, uses a disposable head that is replaced each time the ink cartridge is replaced. This design tends to cost more in the long run, but it's much easier to fix a broken head – just replace the ink cartridge.
Here is a list of the top five inkjet printers on the market right now:
Canon Pixma iP3500 ($85) – This printer produces excellent image quality, and is relatively speedy at 25 ppm (black and white), and 17 ppm (color).
Canon Pixma iP4500 ($125) – This inkjet is quicker than some laser printers at 30 ppm for black and white, and 24 ppm for color.
HP Photosmart D7160 ($100) – Its excellent photo quality prints and exceptionally speedy printing make this inkjet a winner. This printer can print over 30 ppm for b/w and color.
HP Photosmart D5360 ($100) – High dpi capabilities and awesome photo quality make this printer a very popular choice among consumers. It will print 32 ppm (b/w), and 24 ppm (color).
HP Photosmart D7360 ($150) – This printer will print over 30 ppm (color or b/w), and features plenty of photo-processing options.
(source: PC World)
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